Retaining Moisture When Using Shampoos with Sulfates

"Sulfate-free" is popping up on product labels EVERYWHERE! Even products that generally shouldn't even have sulfates in them, like moisturizers, are being labeled as sulfate-free lol. While I, myself, do habitually use a sulfate-free shampoo, there are instances where I must return to a shampoo with sulfate in it.


Sulfates, as we have heard time and time again, are "harsh detergents" used to remove product build up and dirt from the hair, in addition to cleansing the scalp. Prior to 1-2 years ago, you probably could not find a sulfate free shampoo, however, with the rise of conscientiousness of products and natural hair, the sulfate free market is exploding!

I truly believe that shampoos with sulfates ARE NECESSARY in a hair regimen, in modification, at least (we can agree to disagree, and that's okay.) 

When I was relaxed, I washed my hair every 2 weeks or once a month. In that instance, the sulfates were fine, because I had product build up at those points, and because I wasn't washing frequently, the sulfates didn't have a drying effect on my hair.


*cues natural hair and BC* Once I went natural, I had super short hair and relied on washing my hair every other day, if not, every day. I FELT THE EFFECTS! Can we say "brillo pad"? lol. So I switched to co-washing. I was using just conditioner and water to maintain my hair, and didn't have much buildup, especially because it was exposed to water daily.


Once my hair grew out (12 months post-BC), I began to wash my hair more infrequently and expanded my reach of products. I was seeing more build up and began to alternate between using a sulfate-free shampoo and a shampoo with sulfates. My hair is fine; still soft, still manageable.

Times where it may be necessary to use a shampoo with sulfates:

• You've tried multiple products since your last washing session.
• You use products containing petroleum or mineral oil.
• You just went swimming and need to remove the chlorine.
• You haven't washed your hair with any type of cleanser within the last month.

 Here are 3 quick and easy ways to help you retain moisture when using shampoos with sulfates!

1. Pre-Poo! I use Shea Moisture Purification Masque (hmmm.. just remember I never did a review on it lol), for a pre-shampoo treatment! It is designed to help alleviate dry, itchy scalp in addition to cleansing. It's like a deep conditioning treatment before you wash your hair. This way I go into my washing session with pre-treated hair that's soft and moisturized. It serves as a foundation for the washing session and after the shampooing, my hair doesn't feel stripped.
   
   
2. Oil Rinse! WHERE WOULD I BE IN LIFE WITHOUT OIL RINSES!?!?!?!?!?! Any moisture that is taken out by a shampoo with sulfates feels restored after an oil rinse. I apply coconut oil (purchased from Vitamin Shoppe for $8.99) right after I shampoo, prior to conditioning. However, some people apply it after they've conditioned to seal in the moisture better! From my experience, either or works!
   
   
3. Dilute Your Shampoo with Some Water and Apply Oil to It! I tried this about a year ago, and it helped minimize the drying effect of the shampoo. It didn't work that great for me, but I've heard of others who do it consistently. Different strokes for different folks! So try it out!
   
   
   
   
   There you have it! Post other tips below!