Why You Should Avoid Sulfates

As we've discussed on this blog, curly hair tends to be more dry and brittle than straight hair and needs a unique product to nourish it. When selecting a product, one ingredient that you should always look to avoid are sulfates. Sulfates are a type of detergent that are commonly used in popular shampoos and other hair products to create a foamy lather. However, sulfates can be harsh on your hair...especially curly hair:

1) Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils

One of the main reasons why sulfates are so harsh on curly hair is that they can strip your hair of its natural oils. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils produced by your scalp have a harder time making their way down the twists and turns of your hair shaft. When you use a shampoo or other hair product that contains sulfates, those sulfates can strip away what little natural oil you do have, leaving your hair feeling dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

2) Sulfates can cause scalp irritation

Another problem with sulfates is that they can be irritating to your scalp. If you've ever experienced an itchy or flaky scalp after using a certain shampoo or other hair product, sulfates may likely be the culprit. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin or are prone to conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

3) Sulfates can cause color fading

If you color your hair, sulfates can also be a problem. Sulfates can cause your hair color to fade more quickly, which means you may have to color your hair more often to maintain your desired shade. This can be especially frustrating if you have curly hair, which tends to be more fragile and prone to damage than straight hair.

4) Curly Bird sulfate-free products are more gentle on your hair and scalp

Curly Bird products are formulated with gentler, natural ingredients like organic aloe, coconut oil, rosemary, and shea butter. Our products complement your natural oils and improve your scalp health. When using Curly Bird products, you can feel confident that you're doing what's best for your hair and for your health!

So, next time you're shopping for hair products, be sure to check the label and avoid products that contain sulfates. Your curly hair will thank you!