The Best Sulphate-Free Shampoos in South Africa in 2024

the best sulphate-free shampoos for your needs in South Africa

The best sulphate-free shampoos are gentle on the hair. Without harsh chemicals, which can strip the hair of moisture and vibrancy, they nourish the hair as they cleanse.

The trick is to find the best sulphate-free shampoo for your particular hair type and needs.

To help you make an informed choice, we have evaluated a host of different products. Based on criteria like formulation, ingredients, fragrance, efficacy and price, we have come up with what we believe are the winners in their respective categories!

Here’s a round-up of the best sulphate-free shampoos in South Africa in 2024.

Best overall sulphate-free shampoo

This volumising shampoo ticks off all the boxes. It is formulated with ethically-sourced ingredients, protects and revitalises all hair types and adds body and bounce to limp, dull and lifeless tresses.

Plant-based surfactants take the place of sulphates to create a foamy, deep-cleaning wash.

That, and the heavenly fragrance of bergamot and vetiver quickly transforms daily hair care into a pampering experience!

What we like:

  • Refreshing fragrance
  • Helps maintain natural oils
  • Adds vibrance to colour-treated hair
  • Strengthens and restores condition
  • Fully recyclable packaging
  • Cruelty free

A user’s review:

“Love this shampoo. Great smell and definitely gave my hair some oomph. Will be buying the full size version now.”

Best runner-up sulphate-free shampoo

Formulated to protect and revitalise the hair and scalp, this daily cleanser leaves the hair looking great and feeling soft and lustrous to the touch.

Naturally derived plant-based ingredients include thyme and basil, both of which maintain optimal scalp health. Mandarin extract reduces sebum production, restores dull locks and brightens up colour tones.

This is a sustainably produced sulphate-free shampoo that can reduce hair loss, prevent premature greying and extend the longevity of colour treatments.

What we like:

  • Free of parabens
  • Protects and stimulates the scalp
  • Prevents premature greying
  • Brightens and revitalises hair
  • Delicious citrus scent
  • UV and colour protection

A user’s review:

“Smells lovely, great value and helps my long, fine, previously bleach-damaged locks. My hair continues to thicken with every application.”

Best sulphate-free shampoo for dry hair

This sulphate-free protein-enriched formulation works from the inside, out. With pure Moroccan argan oil, it moisturises and protects the hair.

It also rebuilds the structure of dry, damaged or heat-treated hair, improving its strength, texture and shine.

What we like:

  • Regulates sebum production
  • Helps to reduce hair loss
  • Heat protection up to 230 degrees Celsius
  • Suitable for men and women
  • Restores strength and elasticity

A user’s review:

“My hair LOVES this brand of shampoo. It is decently priced, smells absolutely beautiful and leaves my long locks silky smooth.”

Best sulphate-free shampoo for thinning hair

Bosley specialises in formulating products specifically for boosting healthy hair growth. When it comes to caring for thinning or compromised hair, they are the experts!

This sulphate-free shampoo restores and strengthens the strands, while pampering the scalp (the foundation for healthy hair). Ingredients like soy protein, saw palmetto and rosemary work by reducing the primary causes of hair loss – poor blood circulation and inflammation of the scalp.

What we like:

  • Promotes healthy hair growth
  • Natural botanical ingredients
  • Works on the hair and scalp
  • Free of parabens, phthalate and gluten
  • Cruelty-free

A user’s review:

“I have been on chemo pills for about 5 years and my hair was really getting thin. Every time I combed it I would have a hand full of hair but Bosley is actually working. I have new hair growth!”

Best sulphate-free shampoo for frizzy hair

Formulated with cacao for extra moisture and cationic peptides to boost the strength, condition, flexibility and shine of hair, this extreme repair solution is ideal for stressed, coloured and over-treated tresses.

It works by penetrating deep into the fibre to revitalise each strand. By gently cleansing and hydrating the hair, frizz is eliminated and smoothness and shine are restored.

What we like:

  • Forms a protective barrier
  • Maximises the lifespan of keratin treatments
  • Leaves hair silky and smooth
  • Eliminates frizz
  • Free of paraben, silicone, formaldehyde and salt
  • Deep cleans and moisturises

A user’s review:

“Very good. It makes frizzy hair soft and smooth. I am using it as an extension for the keratin treatment. Very satisfied.”

Best sulphate-free shampoo for dull hair

Gloss Shinewash is a sulphate-free elixir for dull, damaged hair caused by over-styling. The formulation contains glycerine to smooth, nourish and intensify the natural colour of the tresses.

With regular use, hair becomes shinier and more manageable, and the fresh, fragrance of citrus lingers throughout the day! It is the go-to solution for all hair types, particularly colour-treated hair that needs a boost.

What we like:

  • Anti-frizz properties
  • Intensifies colour and shine
  • High-lather formulation
  • Fresh, long-lasting fragrance
  • Free of paraben and peroxide
  • No animal testing

A user’s review:

“This shampoo delivers the promise – shining, healthy-looking hair! It has a pleasant citrusy scent and is high recommended for coloured hair.”

Best sulphate-free shampoo for processed hair 

Developed for over-processed hair, this shampoo is an all-over tonic that cleans, strengthens and revitalises. It hydrates the scalp, restores body and bounce and doesn’t strip away natural oils.

Plant-based ingredients include avocado seed oil, aloe extract and olive oil. These soothe, moisturise and replenish hair damaged by frequent colour or heat treatments.

With an invigorating natural fragrance and gentle formulation, LOMA Moisturizing shampoo is ideal for daily use.

What we like:

  • Prevents colour fading
  • Intensifies shine and softness
  • Pleasant fruity fragrance
  • Free of phthalate, paraben, gluten and salt
  • Cleans, strengthens and hydrates

A user’s review:

“Omg! It is amazing. My processed hair feels so soft and nourished. I haven’t felt my hair like that in a while!”

Frequently asked questions

Below we answer some commonly asked questions about the best sulphate-free shampoos.

They are surfactants or detergents found in a wide range of products – toothpastes, facial cleansers, body washes, shower gels and shampoos.

Sulphates create the foaming effect of shampoo, and bind to dirt, oil and residue build-up and strip it away from the hair.

Sulphates can strip the hair of natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry, dull and frizzy.

This dryness can also irritate the scalp, making the skin irritated, inflamed and itchy.

Sulphate-free shampoos contain mild surfactants that gently deep clean the hair without excess lather or foam.

They don’t strip away essential oils and are less prone to causing dryness and damage to the hair and scalp.

Regular shampoos contain more foam but due to the stripping properties of sulphates, hair follicles can dry out and break, increasing the probability of hair loss.

It cleans the hair effectively without irritating the scalp or promoting hair fall.

Tresses become softer, shinier and more manageable, and the scalp produces the right amount of sebum to maintain optimal health.

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