17 Best Sulfate- And Silicone-Free Shampoos, Hairstylist-Reviewed (2024)

Sulfate and silicone-free shampoo is quite sought after these days by most people as both of these ingredients can have long-term effects on your hair. While sulfate is generally used as a foaming agent and silicone helps reduce frizziness, it can make your hair dull, lifeless, and dandruff-ridden in the long run. Read this article to know which are the best sulfate and silicone shampoos you can purchase.

17 Best Sulfate- & Silicone-Free Shampoos (2024): Expert-Approved

1. Best Overall: Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure Shampoo

4.3

Image: Nexxus

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.49

Buy on Walmart

The Color Assure Shampoo by Nexxus New York Salon Care is specifically designed for color-treated hair. It preserves hair color even after 40 washes. This gentle shampoo restores the missing nutrients in your hair shaft that could have been lost during the color treatment. This shampoo is curated with a Protein Fusion blend that contains quinoa and elastin proteins. These proteins bring your dull hair strands to life and reduce the ill effects of sulfate on the tresses. Jessica Noelle, a beauty and hair care vlogger, says, “I really, really, really liked the shampoo. It is clear and lathers so well. It lathered well on the first wash and that’s how I knew it’s good… I did two washes. I didn’t need to do a third wash because it made my hair clean and did not dry my hair at all. I really liked the way it felt in my hair (i).” Check this video on YouTube to explore the tester’s experience of using the Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure Shampoo.

Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, hydrolyzed keratin, hydrolyzed wheat proteins, coconut oil, hydrolyzed elastin, and citric acid

Quick Tip

Use Nexxus Color Assure Conditioner and Nexxus Color Assure Glossing Tonic after shampooing your hair to seal the shine.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 5,062 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

2. Best For Curly Hair: Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo

4.4

Image: Garnier

BUY ON AMAZON | $22.42

The Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo by Garnier Fructis gives your hair 3 times more nourishment. It contains active fruit proteins like vitamin B6, vitamin B3, citrus protein, strengthening conditioners, and fruit + plant extracts. These ingredients boost hair strength and overall health.

The gentle hair cleanser works without stripping off the natural scalp oils and moisture. It creates sufficient foam for a mild yet proper cleanse. This shampoo is induced with macadamia oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil that keep your hair conditioned and hydrated. With regular use, this nourishing shampoo will leave your curls well defined, frizz-free, and smoother. This shampoo can be used by both men and women alike and is specifically formulated for curly hair. The product is free of parabens, sulfates, and silicones. Numerous reviewers on Amazon praise the quality and effectiveness of this product!

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil, lemon proteins, lemon peel extract, apple fruit extract, niacinamide, camellia leaf extract, and glycerin

Quick Tip

Follow up with Curl Nourish conditioner and leave-in treatment for the best results.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 55 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

3. Best Nourishing Formula: Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo

4.5

Image: Biolage

BUY ON AMAZON | $36

Buy on Walmart

This Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo from Pureology is one of the best shampoos free of sulfate and silicones. This lightweight shampoo works best on dry, fine, and color-treated hair and provides nourishment and suppleness. Natural ingredients such as jojoba oil, sage, and green tea are great in this scalp care shampoo. The blend of nourishing ingredients like lavender, patchouli, and bergamot is sure to make your hair soft and hydrated. It gives your hair a spa-like finish.

Pro Tip

Rinse your hair with cold water as the last step to seal the cuticles and prevent moisture loss.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 343 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

	Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure Shampoo Best Overall	Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Fortifying Shampoo Best For Curly Hair	Pureology Hydrate Sheer Nourishing Shampoo Best Nourishing Formula
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Hair Type	Color Treated	Curly	fine , dry , color treated hair
Dimensions	6 x 5 x 4 inches	4.24 x 2.91 x 8.44 inches	1.66 x 2.51 x 7.25 inches
Weight	1 Pounds	2.67 Pounds.	8.82 Ounces.
Rating
Reviews	5,062	55	343
Price	$25.49	$22.42	$36

4. Best For Dull Hair: Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Shampoo

4.4

Image: Maui

BUY ON AMAZON | $6.99

Buy on Walmart

The Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Shampoo by Maui is a lightweight shampoo that hydrates and nourishes dull hair strands. It is specially formulated with a 100% aloe vera base and pure coconut water. The tropical flower extracts in the shampoo create a luxurious shower experience. The ginger flower extracts and awapuhi in this hair cleanser moisturize your dry hair shaft and promote a healthy glow.

This product suits sensitive scalp. It gently cleanses and detangles your hair, leaving it frizz-free. Its fragrance notes of guava blossom, ginger, and grapefruit revitalizes your senses, and can be used by both men and women alike and is suitable for all hair types. It is free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, mineral oil, gluten, sulfated surfactants, and synthetic dyes.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, coconut water, gardenia taitensis extract, zingiber, zerumbet extract, glycerin, and citric acid

Pro Tip

Gently massage the shampoo onto the scalp using your fingertips.

5. Best Cruelty-Free: Soapbox Coconut Oil Shampoo

4.5

Image: Soap Box

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.99

The Soapbox Coconut Oil Shampoo is packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E that leave your hair feeling soft and hydrated. This vegan shampoo is formulated with a gentle and clean formula suitable for almost every hair type including color-treated hair. The fresh scent and moisturizing power of the coconut repair dry and brittle hair and keep your hair smelling fresh and clean all day long. A personal blogger is impressed with the shampoo’s sweet coconut scent. They write, “The scent is not too strong, just good enough to get a good tropical spa-like feel while showering. It moisturizes my hair well without stripping it of moisture (ii).”

6. Best Vegan Formula: Love Beauty and Planet Delightful Detox Shampoo

4.3

Image: Love Beauty And Planet

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.99

Buy on Walmart

The Love Beauty and Planet Delightful Detox Shampoo is formulated with the goodness of charcoal and bergamot that help to remove impurities and excess oil from the scalp and hair. It purifies the clogged pores to enable healthy hair growth. The natural coconut oil infused in the shampoo helps to lock moisture and strengthens the hair strands for nourished and frizz-free hair.

Key Ingredients: Bamboo charcoal and coconut oil

7. Best Environment-Friendly: BIOLAGE Color Last Shampoo

4.7

Image: Pureology

BUY ON AMAZON | $37

Buy on Walmart

The BIOLAGE Color Last Shampoo is a nourishing shampoo that cleanses your hair and scalp thoroughly and promotes healthy hair. It even works to make your hair color vibrant. It helps retain the color for up to 9 weeks or 20 washes with its low-pH formula for toning your hair color. This breakthrough formula also moisturizes your hair and makes it soft, smooth, and silky. This cruelty-free shampoo adds volume to your strands and makes them appear fuller.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 29,051 rave reviews on Amazon.

8. Best For Sun Protection: Ingreendients Daily Shampoo

4.3

Image: Ingreendients

BUY ON AMAZON | $21.95

The Ingreendients Daily Shampoo comprises plant-based ingredients including apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and bio-derived soap. Apple cider vinegar removes product buildup and restores your hair and scalp’s natural pH balance. Tea tree oil in the formula effectively improves your hair and scalp health while bio-derived soap, which is curated from microorganisms, gently cleanses your tresses. The plant-derived extracts preserve natural oils present in your hair and remove daily impurities. It also acts as a UV filter and protects your hair from sun exposure and its harmful rays.

The color-safe formula is free of itchiness and irritation and can be used on every hair type including dyed hair. This non-comedogenic shampoo is also useful for oily and itchy scalp, dull hair, or keratin-treated hair. This shampoo for damaged hair repairs frizzy strands and split ends.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar

9. Best For Quick Cleaning: Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo

4.3

Image: Carol's Daughter

Now 14% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $11.98

Buy on Walmart

The Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo has a gentle, foamy lather that deeply cleans your hair without stripping off the natural oils from your tresses. It is made of organically-derived ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter that soften the tresses and increase hydration. The formula helps in quick cleansing without any harsh friction between the strands. The dandruff-shampoo is ideal for curly, kinky, and coily tresses. The liquified formula in this hypoallergenic shampoo easily cleans your scalp without any tugging or pulling. It also reduces tangles and smoothes out the unruly strands. This micellar shampoo which also contains rose water reduces product buildup and removes unwanted dirt, grime, or dandruff.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, and rose water

10. Best No Build-Up Formula: Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

4.5

Image: Color Wow Hair

BUY ON AMAZON | $24

The Color Wow Color Security Shampoo is a 100% clean formula that gives you a healthy scalp and locks. Every ingredient in the shampoo rinses off easily and completely and does not cause build-up on your scalp, block hair follicles, or make your color-treated hair look dull. This color-safe shampoo comes in a cream formula that can nourish dry, coarse, curly, and brittle hair without weighing it down.

11. Best Natural Formula: Hair La Vie Shampoo

4.2

Image: Hair La Vie

BUY ON AMAZON | $25.99

If you are looking for a natural formula that will offer professional and salon-quality results, try out the Hair La Vie Shampoo. This natural shampoo gives you a spa-like feel in the comfort of your own home. The formula of this shampoo is enriched with 19 naturally-derived ingredients, including proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids that deeply nourish your hair.

It contains marula oil which is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids that hydrate your hair and do not leave it greasy. The saw palmetto helps in the growth of healthy hair follicle size and silk amino acids penetrate your hair to strengthen, nourish, and rebuild damaged strands by eliminating product buildup. The coconut oil in the formula provides antibacterial protection, boosts scalp circulation, strengthens strands and maintains healthy protein building blocks while leaving your hair feeling hydrated and soft. Keratin makes your hair soft, shiny, and voluminous while peppermint oil fortifies and supports the hair cuticle in moisture retention from other beneficial ingredients. It also stimulates circulation, relaxes muscles, and promotes a sense of calm. Vitamin D3 stimulates cell growth and aids in the formation of new hair follicles, vitamin E combats free radicals and support healthy hair growth, and vitamin B5, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, soothes scalp irritation. With this volumizing shampoo, your hair becomes less prone to damage, breakage, and split-ends.

Key ingredients: Marula oil, Saw palmetto, Silk amino acids, Coconut oil, Keratin, Peppermint oil, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B5

12. Best Clarifying Formula: L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Micellar Shampoo

4.2

Image: L'oreal Paris

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.55

The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Micellar Shampoo is a cocktail of castor oil and hyaluronic acid that hydrate the curls. The shampoo transforms from a watery solution to an airy foam upon application. It deeply cleanses the scalp by removing stubborn residues from the follicles. It also helps fight humidity and retains the shape of your curls. The intoxicating notes of pomegranate, caramel orchid, and milk sorbet make shampooing with it a luxurious and relaxing affair.

Key Ingredients: Castor oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, caramel orchid, and milk sorbet

13. Best Organic Formula: Kundal Honey & Macadamia Pure Natural Balancing Refreshing Shampoo

4.2

Image: Kundal

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.98

Get silky, shiny hair with the Kundal Honey & Macadamia Pure Natural Balancing Refreshing Shampoo. It is a pH-balanced formula, safe for daily use on all hair types. It is packed with honey and macadamia that deeply condition your hair and soften it. The formula is also infused with soybean seed extract that strengthens hair follicles, sesame seed extract that replenishes the lost nutrients in the hair, and panthenol that repairs damaged hair. It also contains coconut-based surfactants that gently cleanse your scalp and make your hair bouncy. It keeps your hair moisturized and shiny for 24 hours and infuses it with a revitalizing fragrance.

Key Ingredients: Honey, macadamia seed, soybean seed extract, panthenol, sesame seed extract

14. Best Antioxidant-Rich: Naturall Cleansing Avocado Shampoo

4.2

Image: Naturall

BUY ON AMAZON | $12

The Naturall Cleansing Avocado Shampoo creates a foamy lather that removes product buildup from your hair and leaves your scalp clean. It is infused with the goodness of 100% organic avocados that nourish and strengthen the hair while protecting it against damaging free radicals. The shampoo does not strip the natural oils of your hair. It keeps your hair looking shiny and bouncy.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil

15. Best For Hairfall Reduction: Hairfinity Rice Water Shampoo

4.3

Image: Hairfinity

BUY ON AMAZON | $22.99

The Hairfinity Rice Water Shampoo strengthens and repairs weak, damaged, and overprocessed hair. It is formulated with rice extract that boosts hair elasticity and restores its natural shine. It also treats scalp inflammation, detoxifies the hair follicles, and strengthens each strand of your hair. The shampoo stimulates scalp health and hair growth and reduces hair fall. It is suitable for all hair types and color-treated hair as well.

Key Ingredients: Rice extracts

16. Best Hair-Smoothening Formula: Wella Professionals Elements Renewing Shampoo

4.3

Image: Wella

BUY ON AMAZON | $25

The Wella Professionals Elements Renewing Shampoo is a gentle hair cleanser, formulated with safe, natural ingredients. Aloe vera moisturizes and soothes the hair, olive essence smoothes out the hair texture, and vitamin E protects the hair against damaging free radicals. The dermatologically tested formula is also packed with cotton-based conditioning agents that add luminous shine to the hair. It renews your hair from the roots and shields it against mechanical stress.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, olive essence, vitamin E, and cotton-based conditioning agents.

17. Best pH-balanced: Pantene Hydrating Glow Shampoo

4.6

Image: Pantene

BUY ON AMAZON

The Pantene Hydrating Glow Shampoo is enriched with Baobab essence and vitamin B5 that intensely condition your hair and detangle it. It is a pH-balanced formula that protects your hair against damaging free radicals. It gently cleanses the scalp without fading the natural shine of your tresses. The shampoo is infused with a fresh fragrance of water flowers and sparkling citrus that offers a luxurious shampoo experience. It is suitable for all hair types and is safe for even color-treated hair.

Key Ingredients: Baobab essence and vitamin B5

Different hair issues require different solutions. However, every hair care enthusiast should avoid sulfates and silicones in their shampoos to keep their tresses soft and moisturized. For your guidance, we are providing a buying guide that will help you in choosing the best sulfate- and silicone-free hair care products for your precious strands.

How To Choose The Ideal Sulfate- And Silicone-Free Shampoo For Your Hair

Ingredients

Since the shampoos are already sulfate- and silicone-free, check the ingredients list for other harmful ingredients. Steer clear of shampoos containing parabens, phthalates, and sodium chloride. Opt for sulfate- and silicone-free shampoos that comprise nourishing ingredients like argan oil, neem, and jojoba oil that offer hydration and make your hair appear softer. Choose shampoos with phyto-caffeine that treat hair loss and improve your hair texture. You can also choose formulations with essential oils such as lavender oil, basil oil, and ginger oil that moisturize your scalp and treat frizzes.

Hair Type

Hair types such as curly hair, wavy hair, flat hair, textured hair, and more should be kept in mind while investing in hair care shampoos. If you have curly hair, go for sulfate-free and organic shampoos to keep your curls hydrated and defined. If you have straight hair, choose sulfate-free keratin-induced shampoos to tame frizzy and unmanaged hair. Thinning hair needs additional care, so use lightweight and gentle sulfate- and silicone-free shampoos. Shampoos for extremely dry hair need beneficial ingredients that can moisturize well, while shampoos for oily hair are specifically meant for deep cleansing to get rid of excess sebum and product buildup.

Skin Type

Choose silicone- and sulfate-free shampoos based on the skin type of your scalp. If you have an oily scalp but dry, frizzy hair, then go for a cleansing shampoo for your scalp and an effective conditioner for nourishment. If you have a dry scalp with dandruff, select the shampoos that improve hydration and offer moisture while combating flakiness and dandruff.

pH Level

The right pH level for the scalp and hair is 5.5, approximately. To prevent any pH imbalance of your scalp and hair, use a shampoo with a similar pH level. To maintain the health of your tresses, products with lesser pH balance are preferable. A high pH level product may weaken your cuticle and make your hair difficult to manage. It can also make your tresses appear dull and damaged.

Infographic: Points To Remember While Buying Sulfate- And Silicone-Free Shampoos

Sulfates and silicones are two of the most commonly used ingredients in shampoos and conditioners. But they might not always be good for your hair. Sulfates strip moisture from your hair and make it dry, and silicones cause buildup. However, several brands offer shampoos that do not contain sulfates and silicones.
Check out the below infographic to understand how you can determine a suitable sulfate and silicone-free shampoo for your hair.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach with extensive knowledge in hair care. After extensive research and examining user reviews on various websites, she has compiled a list of the best sulfate and silicone-free shampoos trending nowadays, as both of these components have been shown to cause long-term hair damage. She’s also included a description of each product to assist you in selecting the ideal shampoo from various options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is silicone-free or sulfate-free shampoo better?

Yes, silicone-free and sulfate-free shampoos are better than ordinary traditional shampoos anyday! Apart from environmental concerns, these shampoos are quick enough to remove buildup and rejuvenate dull hair strands.

Can you use silicones with sulfate-free shampoo?

Yes, you can use silicones and sulfate-free shampoos together, as they remove unwanted damage and revive frizzy tresses.

Is silicone free the same as sulfate-free?

No, sulfates and silicones are not similar. The shampoos that are silicone-free might necessarily be sulfate-free. However, there are many shampoos that are both silicone and sulfate-free.

How long does it take for your hair to get used to silicone-free shampoo?

It can take up to 6 to 7 weeks for your hair to make adjustments after you switch to a silicone-free shampoo. Many hair types have also adjusted to the change in 2 to 3 weeks.

Why is my hair greasy after using sulfate-free shampoo?

Your hair might feel greasy while adjusting to a sulfate-free shampoo. While this is very common, the condition could occur due to lack of strength in your tresses.

Is it okay to use sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoo everyday?

Yes, sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free shampoo can be used everyday on your hair. However, if you have damaged tresses, it is better to speak to a hair care professional before making a routine for yourself.

What happens to your hair when you stop using silicones?

When you finally ditch silicones, your hair will feel more moisturized. The natural oils that are produced by your scalp can finally nourish your tresses and revive their health.

(i) Jessica Noelle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_feVNdNmgVM

(ii) What Can I Buy?
https://whatcanibuy.blogspot.com/2018/05/product-feature-soapbox-soaps-coconut.html

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Alexandro VasquezHairdresser

   

Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha