Why do all sls free shampoos make my scalp and hair actually worse?!

[Indecisivejo]

Does anyone else find this happens to them? I've tried so many for my itchy flaky scalp and coloured damaged hair but they all seem to make the problems worse

Have you tried the Aesop one? the calming shampoo? its the only thing I have found that doesnt irritate my scalp. maybe its not the SLS causing the issue? I've been trying for years to find a shampoo I am not allergic to and I've tried loads of SLS free ones, no dice.

No I haven't tried that one do you have a link to it please? What about conditioner?

I don't know but have the same problem. I have bought endless sls free shampoos and have been allergic to them all. There must be something else nasty in them. I was going to post about this myself and hope a mumsnet detective can figure it out.
Of the most recent purchaces I am allergic to....
Pantene not Sls free but the worst of all!
Horns and halos
Childs farm

But not
Aussie
Paddy's bathroom (juicy pineapple shampoo)

I know most of these are baby shampoos but i need something to bathe my daughter that I don't react to!

Maybe one of the ones that doesn't react with me will work for you

Weleda baby

There are various alternative preservatives and surfectants such as Cocamidopropyl betaine and Methylisothiazolinone which are well known irritants but very frequently used in gentle or SLS free shampoos because they are not SLS.

Sometimes the only way to find out is through allergy patch testing, if you've tried all other avenues.

It happens to me too!

It used to be quite chronic, and I thought I had psoriasis on the scalp. The best shampoo for me is Aveeda. I like to use cruelty-free cosmetics and in an attempt to save money I changed to a Superdrug shampoo and conditioner. By the third wash, I was itching like I had nits!

Sulphate in shampoo helps it to lather and is very effective in removing oil and grease from the hair and scalp. If you have greasy dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) sulphate free shampoo could be making the problem worse.

Eucerin do a good range of shampoos which will get your itchy flaky scalp under control.

Another one with a sensitive scalp. My curly hair and scalp are dry not greasy. I have tried the no poo, which helped a bit, but the best sls shampoo I have used is Organic Systems Sooth Plus, it really makes my scalp feel normal. The sls free shampoo is part of the curly girl method, as curly hair needs moisture and sls shampoos can strip the moisture from your hair.

I agree it's miserable and I have had allergic reactions in the past to shampoos.

I think its because they don't clean the scalp properly so the hair follicles don't get a good de-grease!

I generally use non-sls non-silicone shampoo/conditioner but I give my hair an SLS shampoo once a fortnight just to clear my scalp otherwise I get a flaky, smelly scalp

Really rate the liz earle shampoo and conditioner, not only sls free, cruelty free but makes my hair beautifully shiny and healthy looking :)

god I'm glad Im not alone! IlostItIn I have exactly the same problem. Its not the SLS but something brings me out in a rash. I'm ok with Aussie but aesop is definitely the best.

www.aesop.com/uk/hair-care/cleanse/calming-shampoo.htm

I've not tried their conditioner, i was trying to work out what I was allergic too and didnt want to try too many things.

I have the same problem too. Sorry no suggestions because I haven't found anything that works for me. Look forward to trying these out.