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Sulphate-free shampoos are everywhere right now - but here’s the truth: they’re not inherently better than shampoos with SLS/SLES. They’re simply different.
The right choice depends on your hair, your scalp, and what you want from a wash.
If your colour fades fast, your curls crave moisture, or your scalp is easily irritated, a sulphate-free shampoo can be a game-changer. If you’ve got an oily scalp, lots of product build-up, or love a super-clean feel, a traditional sulphate shampoo might serve you better.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences (no scare tactics!), and help you decide what belongs in your shower.
Sulphates are cleansing agents - the ingredients that make your shampoo foam up and lift away oil, dirt, and product build-up. The most common are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), and they’re incredibly effective at giving you that squeaky-clean feel.
But while they’re great at removing grime, they can also strip away too much of your scalp’s natural oil. That’s not always a bad thing - if your scalp leans oily or you use lots of styling products, sulphates can help you reset between washes.
However, if your hair is coloured, dry, curly, or chemically treated, those same ingredients can make your hair feel rough, dry, or faded faster than you’d like.
So sulphates aren’t the enemy, they just might not be your hair’s best match.
It’s easy to see “sulphate-free” and “paraben-free” lumped together on shampoo bottles, but they’re not the same thing.
While parabens have stirred more debate around potential sensitivity and long-term exposure, most modern salon brands (including Pureology, NAK Hair, and Matrix) have reformulated without them.
So when you see “sulphate- and paraben-free,” it usually means your shampoo is gentler, more hydrating, and kinder to sensitive scalps, not necessarily “more natural.”
Here’s the truth: not necessarily.
Sulphate-free shampoos aren’t automatically “better” - they’re just different. What really matters is your hair type, scalp condition, and styling routine.
If your hair is fine or oily, sulphate-free formulas can sometimes feel too gentle, leaving a bit of residue behind. But if your hair is coarse, dry, or coloured, that same mildness can be exactly what keeps your strands healthy and hydrated.
Think of it like skincare - some people need deep cleansing, others need soothing. Neither is wrong, they just serve different purposes.
If your hair feels dry no matter what you do, your scalp gets irritated easily, or your colour fades faster than you’d like, sulphate-free is probably your new best friend. These formulas are designed to cleanse without stripping, keeping moisture and natural oils intact.
They’re especially great for:
But if your scalp tends to get oily quickly, or you love that ultra-fresh, squeaky-clean feeling, a traditional sulphate shampoo might be a better fit. The key is finding what works for you - not following the latest label trend.
At the end of the day, sulphate-free isn’t about what’s missing. It’s about what your hair actually needs to feel its best.
Sulphate-free isn’t for everyone.
While it’s great for keeping your hair soft and nourished, it might not give you that deep-clean feeling some hair types need.
If you have fine, oily, or product-heavy hair, sulphate-free shampoos can sometimes feel too gentle. Without those foaming agents, they may struggle to remove excess oil or buildup, leaving your roots a little flat or greasy.
That doesn’t mean they’re bad - it just means your hair might prefer a little more power in the cleanse. Many people alternate between a sulphate-free formula and a clarifying shampoo to get the best of both worlds: gentle care most days, and a more thorough detox when needed.
The trick is balance. If your hair feels weighed down, dull, or lifeless after switching, don’t force it - go back to what works. Haircare should make life easier, not more complicated.
Sulphate-free shampoos aren’t about skipping a step in your routine, they’re about protecting what your hair already has. By cleansing more gently, they help your strands hold onto the natural moisture and oils that keep them healthy, soft, and strong.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
And if you’re using bond-building treatments, smoothing systems, or toning shampoos, sulphate-free options help your results last longer - because they won’t wash away those good-for-you ingredients too soon.
If you’re ready to make the switch, you don’t have to compromise on results. At Holy Grail Haircare, you’ll find salon-grade sulphate-free shampoos that cleanse gently and perform beautifully - no dullness, no residue, just healthy, happy hair.
Here are some of our go-to picks for every hair type:
Keep your colour fresh and fade-free with:
If your strands are feeling rough or brittle, reach for one of these repair heroes:
Say goodbye to brass and hello to bright, luminous tones with:
Need a little lift? Try:
If your hair just needs a good cleanse without any fuss:
Each of these formulas is sulphate-free, salon-quality, and handpicked for Kiwi hair needs. And with up to 25% off normal retail prices every day, you can enjoy luxurious, professional care without the professional price tag.