Are Sulfates Bad for Your Hair? Here's When to Skip Them (2025)

Achieving beautiful, healthy hair isn't just about sticking to a routine. Yes, it's necessary to do so, but it's also about paying attention to the ingredients in your hair care formulas. Some ingredients are more well-known, like formaldehyde, which studies show does have negative impacts. However, others are a little more ambiguous. For example, sulfates are sometimes thought to be bad for hair—but not always.

When we hear about a sulfate-free hair care formula, we can't help but blindly feel like it must be a better option for our hair. However, many of us don't actually know the function of sulfates. And the truth is, sulfates aren't always harmful to your hair, depending on your hair type and texture. Ahead, we're clearing up any confusion about sulfates in your hair care, including what they are and who should avoid them.

What Are Sulfates?

"Sulfates are a class of cosmetic and household ingredients used for cleaning," says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Beauty Stat. Typically, sulfates appear on the labels as sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium saureth sulfate. In haircare, sulfates serve as the cleansing agent that makes shampoos sud up and cleanses the hair of dirt, oil, and debris.

If sulfates are responsible for cleansing, why do some people think they are bad for the hair? According to Gretchen Friese, certified trichologist at Bosley MD, sulfates can strip the hair of essential moisture. "Sulfates may strip away too much moisture and leave the hair dry and possibly damage it," says Friese. "They may also make the scalp dry and irritated."

For those with color-treated hair, sulfates can also strip and dull your hair color, says Jennifer Korab, a professional hairstylist. Not to mention, for those who get treatments like a Brazilian blowout, sulfates can strip the smoothing benefits of keratin treatments.

Sulfate Benefits in Shampoo

Despite the potential risks of sulfates, it doesn't mean that everyone should automatically switch to a sulfate-free shampoo. "Sulfates get a bad rap by those that are spreading misinformation and fear-mongering," says Robinson. "Because this ingredient might not be good for some does not necessarily mean it is not good for others." Here's why sulfates are important.

Removes Dirt, Debris, and Oil Really Well

The main benefit of using a shampoo with sulfates is that it does an incredible job of removing dirt, grime, leftover products, and oil from your hair and scalp. If you have super dirty hair or have been using a lot of products and need a deep clean, a clarifying sulfate-packed formula can really help refresh your hair and scalp.

Additionally, if you produce a lot of oil, this formula will remove excess oil, which may help lift your hair and give you more volume. However, don't go overboard, and only use it when you need it to reduce the risk of drying out your hair.

More Sudsy Than Sulfate-Free Formulas

Another reason you may want to reach for a formula with sulfates is to get that sudsy lather you desire. "Sulfate-free shampoos are most definitely still cleaning your hair and scalp, but you won't see the usual sudsy lather that you've come to expect from your normal shampoo," says Cleveland. Sometimes, people will overuse or waste the product in hopes of seeing their hair sudsy, but sulfate-free formulas don't give that experience because they offer a more gentle cleanse.

Which Hair Types Should Avoid Sulfates?

So, now that we know that sulfates can be good for some people, who should avoid it? "The key to understanding sulfates is to know your hair type, as well as acknowledging what treatments or services are currently present on your hair," says Michelle Cleveland, a professional hairstylist and owner of Hair Addict Salon. If you have one of the following hair types, the risks of sulfates outweigh the benefits; consider using a sulfate-free shampoo.

Dry or Sensitive Scalp or People With Skin Conditions

Those with a dry or sensitive scalp could benefit from a sulfate-free formula because it's more gentle and will clean the scalp without drying it out so much. Additionally, if you have a skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea, you may need to consider switching to sulfate-free shampoo to reduce itching and irritation.

Dry, Fizzy, Curly, or Coarse Hair

"If you have super dehydrated or coarse and curly hair, you may want to opt out of choosing products that contain sulfates," says Cleveland. Sulfates strip the hair of oils and moisture, causing friction between strands leading to frizziness. A sulfate-free formula will cleanse your hair without removing so many natural oils from your hair.

Recent Color-Treated or Serviced Hair

If you've recently had a chemical or color service, a sulfate-free formula may help prolong the life of your service.

The Bottom Line

If you're someone who likes the lightweight feel of their hair after using a traditional shampoo or someone who needs a deep clean to get rid of buildup, you may prefer a shampoo with sulfates. Friese says people with fine hair textures can use shampoos with sulfates, keeping in mind the other risks.

At the end of the day, like all things in beauty, it's all about evaluating your hair type and concerns. If you have very dry or over-processed hair or a sensitive scalp, then consider switching to a sulfate-free formula.