9 best sulphate-free shampoos for every hair concern (2024)

When it comes to hair care, a regular wash is key to having a healthy scalp and mane (contrary to what dry shampoo lovers believe). The feeling of foamy bubbles when we lather on shampoo may make us believe that it's doing an extra thorough job, but what if we told you that those come from an ingredient called sulphate, which could cause damage to your hair? Sulphates can make hair dry, irritate the scalp, strip colour from colour-treated hair and cause curly hair to frizz faster.

What is sulphate free shampoo?

Sulphate-free shampoos do not have surfactants that strip the hair of its natural oils. While sulphates lather to emulsify dirt and oil, they can also be too harsh on some hair types. Options without sulphates are rife in the haircare aisle, and usually contain surfactants made of coconut oil or corn, as these impart a silky texture to the hair without harming it. Since nobody wants damaged or unruly hair, we've rounded up nine of the best sulphate-free shampoos out there. You can think of them as a healthier, gentler liquid wash for your mane.

The best sulphate-free shampoos in India for every hair type

1. For damaged hair: Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo

The Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo is ideal for hair that has been damaged by colour, chemical processing or excessive heat styling. It has reparative keratin and antioxidant-rich argan oil and is formulated without sulphates.

2. For oily hair: Kérastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Shampoo

Heat styling products and serums can leave build-up in your hair over time—use a clarifying shampoo to keep it clean and residue-free. The Kérastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Shampoo has a spa-like aromatic fragrance and cleanses away impurities and dirt, while restoring your hair's natural texture.

3. For dry strands: The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo

Keeping your hair moisturised and hydrated is key to hair health, especially longer locks. Try The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo, which locks in hydration but won't weigh your hair down, all while being sulphate-free.

4. A scalp-soothing shampoo: Vichy Dercos Ultra-Soothing Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Nobody wants an itchy or irritated scalp, but it's a problem many suffer from. Invest in the Vichy Dercos Ultra-Soothing Sulphate-Free Shampoo, which is clinically proven to soothe the scalp after the first use. It's sulphate and paraben-free, and hypoallergenic too.

5. A hair-growth boosting shampoo: Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser Bhringraj & Shikakai

If you're looking to boost hair growth, try the Forest Essentials Hair Cleanser Bhringraj & Shikakai, which controls hair thinning and breakage, and promotes regrowth. While bhringraj improves hair growth and reduces hair fall, the shikakai infusion and liquorice contain micronutrients that help to control dandruff. They also stimulate the growth of new hair.

6. For curly tresses: Ouai Curl Shampoo

Curly hair can be hard to manage, and sulphates are one of the main ingredients causing unruly curls and waves. An easy way to fight the frizz and keep your curls bouncy and smooth is to use a sulphate-free shampoo. The Ouai Curl Shampoo, for example, is a lightcleanser that cleans strands while replenishing moisture to leave your curls bouncy and hydrated.

7. For coloured hair: Bumble and Bumble Color Minded Shampoo or Kiehl's Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo

Colour-treated hair can be stripped of its colour much faster if you don't use a sulphate-free shampoo. Try either the Bumble and Bumble Color Minded Shampoo or the Kiehl's Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo. Both protect colour from fading and help eliminate colour washout to keep the hue of your locks rich and fresh.

8. For hair growth: Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is formulated with a Bond Building Chemistry to restore the hair's internal strength and moisture. It's designed for all hair types, is sulphate and paraben-free, and colour-safe too.

Also read:

The best hair fall remedies approved by dermats and Ayurveda

The best hair oils you can buy online, for every hair concern

4 kinds of hair oils that promise smoother, problem-free hair

Do you really need to switch to a sulphate-free haircare routine?