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Hair

The 12 Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos for Healthy, Hydrated Hair

 

Clean your strands without stripping.

Healthy hair starts with a clean scalp, and your shampoo is key. That sudsy lather that gives you the super-clean feeling is usually due to sulfates in the formula, which is an ingredient that can be quite controversial. “Sulfates provide a rich lather to remove dirt, oil, and debris, but they can be harsh and strip natural oils from the hair and scalp—causing irritation, dryness, and itchiness,” says hairstylist Raven Hurtado. “Sulfate-free shampoos have more gentle ingredients and are less irritating.”

The good news is that plenty of sulfate-free options keep hair hydrated while cleansing—and they still have a great lather. To find the best sulfate-free shampoos, we conducted hours of research and consulted experts on what makes an effective formula. After considering dozens of options, we landed on these top shampoos.

Best Overall

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo

What We Like

• Has a great lather and cleanses well
• Reparative and strengthening formula
• Great for all hair types, including color-treated

What to Consider

• Strong fragrance

Key Ingredients: Keravis protein, astaxanthin | Scent: Floral, herbal | Size: 9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This sulfate-free shampoo from Pureology is our top pick because it truly does it all. It adds hydration, repairs damage, and strengthens the hair to prevent breakage. The key ingredients are keravis, a vegetable-derived protein that keeps the hair strong and resistant to damage, and astaxanthin, an antioxidant with reparative properties. It has a gentle formula that’s effective on all hair types, and it even includes a patented anti-fade complex to keep color-treated hair vibrant. After a couple of washes, you’ll see hair that feels softer and looks shinier.

Best Budget

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

What We Like

• Under $10
• Softens the hair
• Prevents breakage and frizz with continued use

What to Consider

• May be too hydrating for super fine hair

Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, coconut oil, egg powder | Scent: Fresh, sweet | Size: 13 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The drugstore has many gems, and this affordable sulfate-free shampoo from OGX is one of our favorites. Its ultra-hydrating formula features coconut milk to nourish dry hair types. If you have damaged strands that need strengthening, you’ll love that this one has a protein and lipid complex to keep the hair strong and protected. The lovely scent, with notes of coconut and peach, makes the experience even more relaxing.

Best Luxury

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo

What We Like

• High-quality formula with a luxurious lather
• Gentle, won’t fade color
• Easy pump applicator

What to Consider

• Too heavy for finer hair types

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, caviar extract, rice protein, soy amino acid | Scent: Fresh | Size: 16.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

While it’s not necessary to splurge on shampoo, this luxurious option from Alterna is worth the money if you’re looking for a top-notch hair-washing experience. Its key ingredient is caviar extract for soft, vibrant hair and antioxidants and omega-3s to replenish and protect the hair from damage. It’s gentle enough for color-treated hair types and makes color look brighter with continued use. We’re big fans of the lush lather, and we love that it makes hair more manageable and smooth when used consistently.

Best Volumizing

NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Shampoo

What We Like

• Adds volume to fine or flat hair types
• Formulated with botanical ingredients to strengthen the hair
• Improves scalp health

What to Consider

• Can be drying

Key Ingredients: Rice protein, soy protein, stem cells | Scent: Japanese cherry blossom | Size: 11.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have stubbornly flat or limp hair, using a volumizing spray or dry shampoo won’t always give you the long-lasting volume you crave. Using a shampoo that can make hair look thicker and fuller over time, like this one, is your best option. It’s formulated with ingredients to make the hair stronger and appear bouncier, including rice and soy proteins. It also works to improve scalp health with apple extract and vitamin E. With continued use, you’ll see hair that looks lifted and healthy.

Best for Damaged Hair

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

What We Like

• Strengthens the bonds in the hair to prevent breakage
• Repairs damage and split ends
• Cleanses without stripping the hair

What to Consider

• Most effective when used with other Olaplex products

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate | Scent: Fresh | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Olaplex is one of our favorite brands for repairing damaged strands, so there’s no surprise that their shampoo is one of our sulfate-free go-tos. This one contains the brand’s signature bond-building technology to restore breakage for hair that looks completely healthy and smooth. The gentle formula is effective on all hair types and won’t strip color or cause dryness. While it works best when paired with other products from the line, we still love it for a cleanse that strengthens the hair with each use.

Best for Sensitive Scalps

Aveeno Oat Milk Blend Shampoo

What We Like

• Soothing and gentle formula
• Affordable
• Hydrates and softens the hair

What to Consider

• Strong scent

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal | Scent: Sweet | Size: 12 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Many shampoos can strip the natural oils from the hair and cause dryness, making sensitive scalps feel itchy and dry. We love this one as it’s gentle on the scalp and soothes with colloidal oatmeal—aka the most effective ingredient for irritated skin. It has a hydrating formula that’s still great for a deep cleanse—it’s especially effective at removing buildup and keeping the hair soft. Since it’s only $8, you can use as much as you please without breaking the bank.

Best for Curly Hair

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

What We Like

• Keeps curly hair hydrated while shampooing
• Great smell
• Reduces frizz and tangling

What to Consider

• Small amount of product

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, algae, vitamin E | Scent: Spicy amber, floral | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Curly and natural hair can frequently get matted while shampooing, leading to an unpleasant detangling experience. We love this shampoo because it keeps the hair hydrated while washing, so it’s easier to manage as soon as you step out of the shower. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil and vitamin E, it creates a nice lather that deep cleans but doesn’t strip the hair—keeping it feeling soft even after rinsing. It also has an amazing tropical smell that lingers without being too strong. We wish it had more product, but a little bit goes a long way.

Best for Straight Hair

LolaVie Restorative Shampoo

What We Like

• Cleanses without weighing down straight hair
• Vegan and color-safe
• Vitamin-rich formula

What to Consider

• Could be more moisturizing

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, biotin | Scent: Clean | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Straight hair types need a shampoo that can efficiently cleanse the scalp without leaving a heavy residue, and this one from LolaVie fits the bill. It has a strong lather for a deep clean and is made without sulfates or silicones, so it stays gentle on the scalp. With ingredients like ceramides and biotin, this shampoo balances moisture in the hair—leading to smoother, softer locks. It also contains pea peptides and the brand’s patented bond technology to nourish and protect the hair from the inside out. While it could be a little more hydrating for those with drier hair types, it still makes styling more manageable overall.

Best for Wavy Hair

Odele Smoothing Shampoo

What We Like

• Enhances natural texture
• Moisturizing and adds shine
• Gentle and doesn’t strip while cleansing

What to Consider

• Can leave a slight residue in the hair

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, aloe, rice protein | Scent: Clean | Size: 13 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This shampoo from Odele enhances the hair’s natural pattern, making it a great choice for wavy hair types that want to emphasize their texture. The smoothing formula tames static and flyaways, moisturizing the hair to prevent frizz. It has plenty of ingredients to nourish and protect from damage, including amino acids, rice protein, and glycerin—and we love that it’s gentle on sensitive scalps. Another plus is the amazing scent, which has notes of cucumber, ylang-ylang, and oak moss.

Best for Oily Hair

Ouai Detox Shampoo

What We Like

• Clarifies product buildup and oils without stripping
• Adds volume and shine
• Amazing scent

What to Consider

• Could be more hydrating

Key Ingredients: Chelating agents, hydrolyzed keratin, apple cider vinegar | Scent: Rose, citrus | Size: 10 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Oily hair types should use a clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil and product buildup without stripping the hair. That’s why we love this one from Ouai in particular—it removes impurities and adds moisture to the hair simultaneously, leading to a balanced, soothed scalp. It uses a combination of chelating agents and apple cider vinegar to exfoliate and cleanse hard water buildup, dirt, chlorine, and more for a clarified head of hair. It also has hydrolyzed keratin and glycerin to add hydration and smooth frizz. It may not be moisturizing enough for super dehydrated hair types, but it’s a great pick if you need a deep clean.

Best for Dry Hair

Native Moisturizing Shampoo

What We Like

• Intensely moisturizing formula
• Smooths and strengthens
• Made with naturally derived ingredients

What to Consider

• Pump malfunctions easily

Key Ingredients: Lauramidopropyl betaine, coconut oil | Scent: Coconut, vanilla | Size: 16.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This intensely hydrating shampoo is our favorite for dry hair, gently cleansing while adding moisture. Its key ingredient is coconut oil, which is known for its moisturizing and strengthening properties. It boosts shine, makes the hair feel nice and soft, and lathers well.

Best for Blondes

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo

What We Like

• Eliminates brassiness and brightens blonde tones
• Prevents color from fading
• Gentle and can be used daily

What to Consider

• Can make the ends a little dry

Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, fruit extracts, olive, jojoba oil | Scent: Floral, fruity | Size: 8.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A purple shampoo is a must for bleached blondes, and this luxurious option from Oribe can keep your shade looking bright while eliminating brassy tones. You can use it daily to protect your color and is effective on all hair types. The formula contains a brightening complex with lemon and ginger root and the brand’s signature complex to protect the hair from environmental stressors and keep your strands looking healthy and vibrant. While it could be more hydrating, we think it’s a great pick if you want to extend the life of your color.

What to Look for in a Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Ingredient List: Before anything else, you’ll want to ensure the shampoo you’re purchasing is actually sulfate-free. Look for any mention of “sulfate-free” on the label and check the ingredient list to be sure. According to Hurtado, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are the most common types found in shampoos. 
Hydrating Ingredients: Sulfate-free shampoos can help keep hair hydrated, but choosing one with multiple nourishing ingredients can boost moisture in your hair for healthier strands. “Look for ingredients like shea butter and plant and seed oils to help hydrate and keep the hair soft,” says Hurtado.

FAQ

Can you use sulfate-free shampoo every day?

Absolutely—they’re usually gentler than options with sulfates, making them perfect for daily washing. If you wash frequently, we recommend looking for a more hydrating option to keep your hair soft and bouncy.

Does sulfate-free shampoo cause buildup?

Sulfate-free shampoos are great for removing buildup, especially if you reach for a clarifying or exfoliating option. Since they don’t strip your hair of its natural oils, you might not get that squeaky clean feeling you’re used to. However, with continued use, you’ll notice that your hair feels more hydrated after washing (as opposed to an option with sulfates).

Meet Our Experts

We spoke to the following expert to learn more about what to look for in the best sulfate-free shampoos.

• Raven Hurtado is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

Why Trust Byrdie

Shannon Stubbs is a writer at Byrdie, where she’s been on staff since 2022. To write this story, she spoke with an expert and researched the best options to recommend to readers. Her favorite sulfate-free shampoo is the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo.