The 20 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Smooth, Shiny Hair (2024)

Sulfates are cleansing ingredients that are great for removing product buildup, residue, and oils from the hair and scalp—in fact, those who struggle with oily or greasy hair may prefer shampoos with sulfates for their ability to cleanse thoroughly. But if you're someone with textured, color-treated, damaged, dry, or brittle hair, then you may find shampoos with sulfates too harsh or over-drying. Avoid them for that reason, but know that they aren’t inherently bad. While some chemicals definitely shouldn't be in your products for their damaging effects, other ingredients get a bad reputation despite being safe and beneficial for some hair types and concerns. Sulfates are one of them.

Ahead, learn more about sulfates, who should avoid this ingredient, and some of the best options to try, according to professional hair experts.

What is sulfate-free shampoo?

Sulfate-free shampoos differ from conventional formulas because they don't contain sulfates—harsh cleansing ingredients that can strip the scalp and hair of its natural oils, says Fae Norris, a stylist at Neighborhood Salon in Echo Park, California. This is why sulfate-free formulas are great for color-treated hair, perms, and straightening treatments like keratin, since they remove dirt and residue without stripping strands of everything—including your natural oils that help give your hair moisture and shine.

Who else should use sulfate-free shampoo?

Those with dry, damaged, or brittle strands would benefit from using a sulfate-free formula. Similarly, since curly and coily strands are notoriously dry, natural hair types might also want to consider searching for shampoos without the cleansing ingredient so they can preserve moisture. And if you shampoo frequently, then you might want to add a gentle sulfate-free formula into your rotation.

Because there are many sulfate-free shampoos out there, we’ve sorted through them. Whether you have dry, dandruff-prone, fine, oily, curly, gray, thinning, or color-treated hair, here are the best sulfate-free shampoos to suit your hair type.

Apple cider vinegar—the star ingredient in this sulfate-free shampoo—is a miracle worker if you're prone to a dry, flaky scalp, because it contains a host of beneficial vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids that work together to balance your scalp's pH and clarify any buildup that may clog hair follicles, says Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in North Carolina.

This color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo contains algae, which works to cleanse the hair of impurities like excessive oils and styling products to leave your hair and scalp looking and feeling healthier, says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a board-certified dermatopathologist in Boston.

This shampoo contains five key ingredients to preserve color and keep hair healthy and shiny: biotin to strengthen, amino acids to moisturize, argan and maracuja oils to add shine and control frizz, and bromelain to boost circulation in the scalp. It also has built-in UV protection—a must for color-treated hair.

As we get older and hormones fluctuate, hair can become thinner, drier, more dull, and frizzier. This formula helps to combat all these hair concerns by restoring hydration, softness, and shine. It contains caviar extract and antioxidants that reinfuse hair with nutrients that are lost during the aging process. It also has omega-3's to help with moisture retention and proteins that fortify strands.

"This is a luxurious formulation that instantly smooths strands and reduces frizz," says Fred Connors, owner of FRED salon. Because it works to fight humidity, it's particularly good for anyone with unruly and difficult to manage hair, or keratin or color-treated hair, he adds.

This creamy formula contains nourishing oils, like shea butter, argan oil, avocado oil, and sea kelp extract, to hydrate and revive dry hair, says Chapman. With continued use, you'll notice strands are stronger and longer, too. It's a great choice for 3A to 4C hair types as well as dry hair and damaged hair.

Marine collagen and seaweed extract help to cleanse and stimulate the scalp to promote fuller and healthy-looking hair. Over time, you'll notice less breakage and stronger hair. It also has a delicious floral fragrance that is an instant mood booster.

Though an incredibly effective cleanser, this detoxifying shampoo is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, says Erum N. Ilyas, MD, a dermatologist in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. It contains apple cider vinegar, which is great for exfoliating flakes, residue, and buildup so the hair looks clean and shiny. Hydrolyzed keratin also helps reduce frizz and flyaways.

Curly-haired loyalists of this popular drugstore brand will love this hydrating formula. It contains glycerin and coconut oil to keep coils frizz-free for up to 24 hours—even on the most humid days.

This lightweight, hydrating formula leaves your hair with a smooth, shiny finish, thanks to murumuru butter, neroli oil, and vegan keratin. It also has Drybar's signature Blanc scent with notes of coconut, amber, and vanilla so you'll look and smell good.

This sulfate-free shampoo is made without the typical ingredients found in most that make hair dull, negatively affect the tone and color of hair, or cause thinning or loss, says Fincher. The no-residue formula is also great for hair extensions.

This shampoo is an excellent choice for anyone with hair that's been damaged by thermal, mechanical, or chemical services, because it's a rebonder, says celebrity stylist Patrice Vinci. "It actually reconnects and moisturizes dry, broken hair." It also helps to protect the hair from future damage caused by everyday stressors that may cause frizz, breakage, and split ends.

If you have an especially sensitive scalp, you'll love this ultra-gentle shampoo. It's specifically formulated without irritating ingredients like dyes, fragrances, formaldehyde, and other chemicals, says Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco. All hair types can use this formula.

Thanks to an infusion of natural oils and fragrances, this nourishing sulfate-free formula removes buildup, not natural moisture, to help prevent curly strands from drying out. It contains castor seed oil to help promote healthy hair growth, aloe vera juice to soothe and balance the scalp, and grapeseed oil, which is lightweight and nourishing.

Oprah’s hairstylist and wig expert Nicole Mangrum says this sulfate-free formula is ideal for keeping wigs, weaves, and extensions looking great for months on end. It's very moisturizing thanks to vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and it effectively detangles hair making wigs soft and manageable.

This affordable drugstore pick infuses parched hair with a much-needed dose of hydration to leave it feeling softer, says Qualimetra Chapman, a hairstylist for Mayvenn Install. As an added bonus, the blonde-specific formula helps maintain color and neutralize any brassy tones.

This Sephora bestseller is so much more than a traditional shampoo. It contains charcoal to detoxify, exfoliate, balance, and soothe dry, itchy scalps prone to dandruff. Your scalp will feel refreshed and comfortable after every use thanks to the invigorating peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil complex that helps with flaking. Coconut oil helps to moisturize.

This pH-balancing shampoo is made for all hair types, says Savannah Fincher, a licensed hairstylist and corporate educator at Blo Blow Dry Bar. It contains moringa seed extract to lock in color, repel dirt, hydrate, and detoxify hair. Anyone who frequently uses styling tools will love that this shampoo works overtime to provide thermal protection, too.

This sulfate-free shampoo gently removes dirt and product residue to leave all hair types feeling cleaner, but not parched, says celebrity colorist Yvonne Brown. It also helps prevent fading and smells amazing.

This 2019 Beauty O-Ward winner earned high praise for its ability to wash away excess buildup that can weigh down fine hair. Editors love that the formula contains chelators, powerful ingredients that fight hard water, as well as charcoal to combat excess oil. Your hair and scalp will feel clean after every use.