What Shampoo Is Sulfate Free?

A shampoo is sulfate free when it cleans without harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

Key Details & Definition

Sulfate-free shampoos avoid strong foaming agents that can strip oils, fade color, and leave hair feeling…rough. Instead, they use gentler cleansers that remove buildup without forcing the cuticle open.

You’ll see sulfate-free options from brands like Pureology or L’Oréal Paris EverPure, but the ingredient list matters more than the name on the bottle.

If SLS or SLES aren’t listed and the label clearly says “sulfate free,” it qualifies. You usually feel the difference the next morning, not in the shower.

Benefits or Maintenance Tips

Cleans without overdoing it

Hair stays soft instead of squeaky or dry.

Plays nicer with color and texture

Less fading, less frizz, fewer bad hair days.

Easier on your scalp

No aggressive stripping. So your scalp doesn’t panic and overproduce oil.¹

Sulfate-free isn’t a magic fix. It’s the baseline.

What matters next is whether your shampoo cleans and leaves hair behaving normally afterward.

🌱That’s the gap most formulas miss—and what The Wash by Highland was built to fix.

🥥No harsh stripping. No residue. A trusted clean that holds up between washes.

Keep it balanced. Keep it clean. Keep it Highland.