8 sulphate free shampoos reviewers love for healthy-looking hair

There are a lot of products formulated with damaged hair in mind. From hair masks, to heat protectants and leave in conditioners, we're all fixated on all the things our hair could be missing that we fail to realise simplifying the situation could be the exact solution our hair's been needing the most. 

That's where sulphate free shampoos come in. 

Are sulphate-free shampoos better for hair?

Designed without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which can strip the hair of it's natural oils, upset sensitive scalps, and amplify frizz, sulphate free shampoos are gentle on damaged hair. 

If you find that your in-salon colour fades quickly, a sulphate-free shampoo will help to maintain it's vibrancy. They're also particularly beneficial for curly, damaged, dry or brittle hair, as they promote definition and moisture retention, and prevent breakage.

Convinced a sulphate free shampoo is for you? Ahead, BEAUTYcrew's editors and REVIEWcrew Members reveal their go-to selections in the category. 

Ouai Detox Shampoo

from $29 at Sephora

"I use a lot of leave in conditioner, hair serums and oils, as well as dry shampoo, so a detoxifying shampoo that adequately removes product buildup from my scalp is a must. This stuff from Ouai is gentle enough to use in my mandatory double cleansing routine, so I never feel like it's drying my hair out or stressing out my scalp either. Plus, I love that it's made with naturally exfoliating apple cider vinegar." — Briar Clark, BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor

Key features:

Sulphate, paraben and oil free
Suitable for all hair types, including coloured hair
Enriched with exfoliating apple cider vinegar
Contains chelating agents, which remove hard water deposits and impurities
Hydrolysed keratin softens, smooths frizz and adds shine
Clarifies and removes build up 
Scented with 'Melrose', a rose, bergamot, lychee, cedarwood and white musk fragrance

Available at:

89ml: $29 from Sephora
300ml: $61 from Sephora

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Growth Booster Anti-Fall Shampoo

from $15.99 at Chemist Warehouse

"The sulphate-free and silicone-free formula feels gentle on the scalp and doesn’t strip moisture, which I really appreciate. It lathers lightlyand leaves my hair feeling clean without being weighed down. After a few washes, I did notice my hair feeling a little fuller and more resilient, especially at the roots. The blend of aminexil, niacinamide, and ginger extract gives it a targeted, strengthening feel, and it seems to reduce the amount of breakage and shedding I’d normally see after brushing or washing." — Izzie R, REVIEWcrew Member

Read more L’Oréal Paris Elvive Growth Booster Anti-Fall Shampoo reviews

Key features:

Sulphate and silicone free
Suitable for all hair types, including damaged and thin hair
Enriched with aminexil, nianimacide and ginger extract
Gently cleanses hair
Minimises hair fall and breakage

Available at:

200ml: $15.99 from Chemist Warehouse
200ml: $19 from Coles

Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo

from $44 at Oz Hair & Beauty

"Redken’s Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo is a dream for colour-treated hair! The sulphate-free formula feels so gentle yet effective, enhancing vibrancy and leaving my hair unbelievably shiny. It helps seal the cuticle, keeping my colour fresh and radiant for longer. My hair feels soft, healthy, and full of life after every wash. Plus, it gives that freshly-washed salon glow we all love. If you want to maintain glossy, salon-quality colour and long-lasting shine, this shampoo is an absolute must-have." — Lisa P, REVIEWcrew Member

Read more Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo reviews

Key features:

Sulphate free
Suitable for all hair types, including coloured hair
Acidic pH balances hair and scalp
Maintains and enhances in-salon colour
Gently cleanses without stripping or fading colour
Nourishes, strengthens and protects
Promotes soft and smooth hair

Available at:

300ml: $44 from Oz Hair & Beauty
300ml: $45.99 from Chemist Warehouse
300ml: $55 from Adore Beauty

Garnier Fructis Curls Method Shampoo

from $7 at Woolworths

"Finding a good shampoo for curls that cleans but doesn’t dry your hair out or cause more knots is hard, but this one delivers. Having a curl specific cleanser that is the quality of other more expensive products available at supermarkets and chemists at a great price is a huge win. The size is very generous and a little goes a long way. My scalp and hair felt so clean but not at all stripped of moisture." — Teneal K, REVIEWcrew Member

Read more Garnier Fructis Curls Method Shampoo reviews

Key features:

Sulphate, silicone, alcohol, mineral oil, and artificial colourant free
Suitable for wavy, curly and coily hair types
Enriched with a hyaluronic moisture complex and shea fatty acids complex
Promotes moisture retention
Detangles and defines curls
Enhances curl elasticity and bounce

Available at:

200ml: $7 from Woolworths
200ml: $12.99 from Chemist Warehouse
200ml: $13.99 from Priceline

Kérastase Première Decalcifying & Repairing Shampoo

from $65 at Adore Beauty

"Not an exaggeration. I will be using these products moving forward as they have completely changed my hair. It left my hair clean, repaired and stronger as I put it through [the ringer with] a lot of heat. My hair feels lighter [and] it stays cleaner for longer... I could not fault this product and will absolutely be purchasing in the future as a 'once a week' shampoo (apparently once you've de-calcified, you don't need to keep doing it). The texture, smell and packaging is also lovely and it feels like I'm using a quality product. I have very long hair and a little still went a long way — in three weeks I've still not even used a third of the bottle." — Hannah N, REVIEWcrew Member

Read more Kérastase Première Decalcifying & Repairing Shampoo reviews

Key features:

Sulphate free
Suitable for all hair types, including very damaged hair
Enriched with citric acid and glycine
Gently cleanses and removes calcium build up, which can weaken colour or chemically treated hair
Minimises breakage
Promotes manageable, shiny, bouncy and smooth hair
Can be used as a clarifying hair mask

Available at:

250ml: $65 from Adore Beauty
250ml: $65 from Oz Hair & Beauty
250ml: $65 from MECCA

Thanks to Nature Revitaplex Bond Repair #3 Shampoo

from $25 at Woolworths

"This shampoo was recommended to me as my hair was in poor condition through summer, sun and swimming. I noticed a difference straight away, my hair felt softer and silkier. It smells absolutely beautiful; the scent of this shampoo is divine, and the scent lingers on my hair, which is nice. It has definitely helped repair my hair, my breakage and split ends are [under control], and my hair looks healthier, really shiny (with no frizz), and it feels healthy too. It’s good value, it lathers up well and rinses out with ease." — Debbie P, REVIEWcrew Member

Read more Thanks to Nature Revitaplex Bond Repair #3 Shampoo reviews

Key features:

Sulphate free and made with 95 per cent naturally derived ingredients
Suitable for all hair types, including damaged hair
Enriched with camellia oil
Cleanses, nourishes and strengthens damaged hair
Minimises breakage
Promotes healthier looking hair 

Available at:

250ml: $25 from Woolworths
250ml: $25 from Thanks To Nature

Limitless R1 Reconstructive Repair Shampoo

from $24.95 at AMR Beauty

"As a natural blonde (yes I promise it’s real), my hair takes a toll from just existing. So having a reparative shampoo in my routine is a must and my fave strand-saving pick just happens to be on the affordable side. This incredible smelling (read: literally head-turning) shampoo is formulated with hyaluronic acid, shea butter and kakadu plum, all of which work to strengthen my strands, improve my hair texture and even gives them a nourishing hydration boost." — Emma Allcock, BEAUTYcrew’s Content Producer

Key features:

Sulphate and paraben free
Suitable for all hair types
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, Kakadu plum and shea butter
Strengthens and restores damaged hair
Boosts hydration and promotes moisture retention
Improves hair texture and elasticity
Gives hair a healthy glossy finish

Available at:

500ml: $24.95 from AMR Beauty

Head & Shoulders BARE Soothing Hydration

from $11.49 at Chemist Warehouse

"I really enjoyed incorporating this shampoo into my routine. I found it was effective in helping keep the flakiness of my scalp to a minimum and worked effectively at cleansing the scalp and hair without stripping the hair leaving it quite soft and shiny. The scent was so lovely too, one of my favourite scented hair products to date adding to the extra feeling of ‘clean and fresh’. I love the design of the bottle aesthetically, and for all the great things it has integrated (like the less plastic), and the ability to squeeze and roll the bottle as it empties to get the very last bits. I would definitely be grabbing this again if it’s on sale." — Marriette R, REVIEWcrew Member

Read more Head & Shoulders BARE Soothing Hydration reviews

Key features:

Sulphate, silicone and dye free
Suitable for all hair types
Enriched with a plant-derived cleansing and moisturising agents, and pH balancing citric acid
Recyclable bottle made with less plastic
Only contains nine ingredients
Soothes and hydrates

Available at:

400ml: $11.49 from Chemist Warehouse
400ml: $11.49 from Priceline
400ml: $23 from Woolworths

Main image credit: @nicolaannepeltzbeckham

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