Words by Ciler Peksah
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If you’re wondering why you might need sulphate or paraben-free shampoo, Holly Willoughby’s hair stylist Ciler Peksah is here to explain all.
You might have noticed a growing number of hair products – and indeed many items across the beauty industry – are claiming to be ‘S&P Free’ (Sulphate & Paraben Free.) So what does it really mean for the consumer?
What does ‘sulphate and paraben free’ mean?
Cue a quick chemistry lesson from Ciler Peksah, Holly’s hairstylist. She says Parabens are essentially beauty product preservatives. However, they are also Xenoestrogens, which means they can have similar composition to human hormones and by mimicking them can upset the balance in your body causing all sorts of issues.
Sulphates are a ‘detergent’, and extremely effective at removing dirt and oils. They’re what produce the satisfying cleansing lather. But, the downside is they can do too good a job, stripping away the natural moisture that keep your locks soft and shiny.
Sulphate-free shampoos are especially beneficial for dry and coloured hair as colouring can dehydrate your tresses.
7 of the best sulphate and paraben free shampoos:
1. Faith in Nature, Grapefruit & Orange Shampoo, £5.50, is of 99% natural origin, with no Sulphates or Parabens, and made using the highest quality, naturally derived, cruelty-free ingredients, with 100% natural fragrance. This shampoo blends Grapefruit and organic Orange Essential Oils which are known for their cleansing qualities and invigorating aromas.
2. I love vegan brand, Sukin, Hydrating Shampoo, £5.36. It’s Paraben-free, not genetically modified and cruelty-free too. It is infused with moisturising shea butter and coconut extract to help nourish and condition the scalp and dry, damaged hair. Added Olive Oil helps to strengthen hair, reduce frizz and add shine, with a delicious fragrance of Coconut and Lime to invigorate your senses.
3. Dr Organic, Manuka Honey Shampoo, £6.49 is a restoring and protecting shampoo formulated with organic Manuka Honey and Aloe Vera. This rich, moisturising formula penetrates deep into the hair’s fibres to restore flexibility, repairing, soothing and nourishing roots. S&P Free, it adds a healthy lustre to the hair, leaving it feeling silky soft, regenerated and totally manageable.
4. Noughty, Tough Cookie Shampoo, £6.99 uses plant power to gently cleanse whilst strengthening brittle, weakened hair, to reduce breakage and extend survival. This strengthening, 97% natural shampoo is packed with a power trio of anti-oxidant rich Bilberry, Sea Buckthorn, and Cloudberry, plus anti-pollution technology to protect against urban aggressors.
5. Aveeno Daily Moisture & Oat Milk Blend Shampoo, £8.99 is all about maintaining a healthy scalp for the foundation for beautiful hair. Made with Colloidal Oats, known for their skin moisturising properties, and botanical ingredients, it gently cleanses and helps moisturise dry and damaged hair while soothing the scalp. Aveeno haircare is clinically proven to help relieve itchy, dry scalps and reduce flakes without stripping hair of its natural oils, leaving it looking and feeling soft, shiny and healthy.
6. Color Wow, Travel Colour Security Shampoo, £10.00, refreshes the hair from root to tip. It’s a gentle cleansing formula that forms a luxurious lather to eliminate impurities without over-drying. Catering specifically for coloured hair, the lightweight shampoo utilises a Japanese amino-fortified complex to help prevent breakage and dullness, whilst defending against colour fading to leave locks radiant, vibrant and healthy.
7. Moroccanoil, Moisture Repair Shampoo, £17.86 repairs damaged hair caused by colour, chemical processing or heat styling. Infused with antioxidant-rich Argan Oil, reconstructive keratin and fatty acids, this moisturising shampoo mends broken strands and dead ends to restore elasticity, moisture and shine.
Give one a try – you might just find your new best friend!
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Ciler Peksah
Hair Stylist and Consultant
@cilerpeksah_hairstylist
