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Sulphates Are BAD for Curls? What They're NOT Telling You
Are sulphates bad for curly hair?
Not all of them. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be harsh, but sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is much gentler, and a gentle sulphate often cleans dirt and buildup better than conditioner-only co-washing. Read the ingredients list and choose the right cleanser for your curls rather than avoiding all sulphates.
What’s in the video
Amadou challenges the blanket ban on sulphates that has dominated curl care for years. He breaks down the different types of sulphates and explains why gentle versions can actually clean your hair better than co-washing with conditioner alone.
- The difference between sodium lauryl sulphate (harsh) and sodium laureth sulphate (much gentler)
- Why conditioner alone doesn't wash your hair — it can't remove dust, dirt, and daily buildup
- How to read abbreviations on ingredients lists to tell harsh from gentle sulphates
- Two recommended curl-friendly shampoo brands that use gentle sulphates
- A website where you can paste any product's ingredients list for an instant breakdown
Read the full transcript
Everyone says sulfates are bad for curly hair. But here's what they're not telling you. The beauty industry has convinced us curlies that all sulfates will damage our curls, but that's actually not the whole truth. There are actually different type of sulfates out in the world, and some are much gentler than others.
Sodium lauryl sulfate, this stuff can be harsh. But sodium laureth sulfate, this baby is much gentler. Now, here's the kicker. Sometimes gentle sulfates actually clean a lot better than co-washing with just conditioner, especially if you're trying to clean away dust, dirt, and other elements floating through your hair all day long.
Oh, and PS, conditioner alone will not wash your hair, people. The truth is, it's not about avoiding all sulfates, it's about choosing the right ones for your curls. So people, read the ingredients list and ditch the marketing BS.
So if you see this or this as abbreviation in an ingredients list, really think carefully about what you're buying. But if you see this or this as abbreviation, then you might actually have found something great for your curls.
And if there are two products out there for curls that I recommend, it would be these two brands that carry that in their shampoo. And if you're not sure, visit this site and paste your product's ingredients list for answers. And curlies, don't forget, a good wash is important, but great leave-ins are essential.
