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SLS Free shampoo that really cleans?

27 replies

HolyShmoly · 02/03/2018 23:13

Hello, both DH and I use Tresemme deep clean shampoo. It's basically the only thing that really makes me hair and scalp feel clean and not go greasy after a day. DH uses gel daily, I don't use much product and none on my roots, but my hair still feels dirty quickly. My hair is really thick and I absolutely can't be arsed washing it every day, even if it wasn't bad.
But, I know sulphate is meant to be really bad.
So is there an alternative? Preferably fairly cheap?

OP posts:
SureIusedtobetaller · 02/03/2018 23:17

Cowshed - says it’s all sls free and leaves my hair clean, all the others left it all sticky and dirty at the roots.

LetsGoBitches · 02/03/2018 23:35

MooGoo is good too, as is Jason. Hth

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 02/03/2018 23:36

Aveda works well for me. I can't use SLSs as they make my scalp peel off.

MinnieMinchkin · 02/03/2018 23:51

Why do you not use the shampoo on your scalp, OP? I use tiny amount on my scalp, rinse it quickly and then put loads of conditioner on the mid-lengths to the ends. I've tried SLS-free products but even after more than 6 months, by which time my scalp should have self-regulated, I realised I never felt clean without SLS.

HolyShmoly · 02/03/2018 23:55

I do shampoo my scalp? I don't use hair product like serum on my roots.

I'm soon to go on mat leave so I really can't afford aveda. Sad

OP posts:
JeNeSuisPasVotreMiel · 03/03/2018 00:01

What does SLS stand for and is it different to parabens?

HolyShmoly · 03/03/2018 00:11

It's sodium lauryl sulfate. It makes the nice foamy, bubbly thing that makes you feel like you're getting a good clean. I think parabans are preservatives?

OP posts:
Misty9 · 03/03/2018 00:11

Sodium laureth sulphate. And yes, different to parabens. I use body shop ginger shampoo as have grease issues. Not sure if it has SLS in it but I do try to avoid it.

tabulahrasa · 03/03/2018 00:13

If you’re not using SLS shampoo, it won’t wash out any product that’s got silicones in it or anything else that’s not water soluble.

So it’s likely to be a build up of that... almost definitely if you’re using serum, they all have silicone in them.

You need a silicone free conditioner and products to go with the shampoo, you’ll need to use an SLS but silicone free shampoo to get rid of it and then switch everything.

WesternMeadowlark · 03/03/2018 02:28

I find Jane Carter Solution Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo (had to check the name!) really good.

It may be a bit expensive for you, but it is one of those products that last ages because you don't need to use much at a time, and I say that as someone with very thick, curly hair.

Antheia · 03/03/2018 02:35

I love Alterna Caviar shampoos and conditioner. There are different kinds: replenishing moisture, instant recovery, anti aging volume, daily detoxifying (maybe this last one will give that 'clean' feeling?).

I use the replenishing moisture shampoo and conditioner, it doesn't feel like there's residue left behind in my hair.

itsbetterthanabox · 03/03/2018 02:35

Sls isn't bad as such only if you have scalp issues or if you have curls.
My thick straight/wavy hair responds best to sls and silicones.
I've gone sls and silicon free and my scalp was no different plus my hair felt more fragile without the silicones.

Longdistance · 03/03/2018 02:46

I’m going to tag along if that’s ok?

I’ve started to use Palmers shampoo it’s free from SLS and Parabens. I know what you mean about hair getting greasy quickly. I have used OGX in the past, but the next day my hair is greasy again, but smells nice Confused

SLS Free shampoo that really cleans?
ToftheB · 03/03/2018 03:50

I like dr organics shampoo and conditioner from Holland & Baratt. I agree with a previous poster though, you need to be using silicone free products to avoid build up with an sls free shampoo. Or you could do a ‘clarifying wash’ once a week or so with your old shampoo.

MinnieMinchkin · 03/03/2018 10:12

Sorry OP, I understand nowBlushGrin

I have fine hair so have embraced washing everyday again since having given up on giving up SLS. I still avoid silicones in conditioner and use coconut oil or olive oil as a mask every couple of weeks.

GhettoFabulous · 03/03/2018 10:40

Avalon Organics, I wouldn't be without it. Absolutely the only one I've tried which is kind to my super sensitive scalp and actually foams and cleans. There's a shop on Ebay which sells it with free postage. I like the rosemary kind, but there's also a lemon one which gives a super deep clean which is great for build up or after swimming.

RubberJohnny · 03/03/2018 10:52

I use Shea moisture Jamaican black castor oil shampoo and their conditioner. I also use a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a pint of warm water to rinse with after the conditioner. I have lots of hair and its waist length and only wash once a week. It's one of the best shampoos I've found. And leaves none of that residue. I'm allergic / very Intolerant to sls.

AnnaMagnani · 03/03/2018 11:39

If you are still using silicones in conditioner/styling products, no SLS-free shampoo is going to feel that it really cleans.

I use SLS-free shampoo, am silicone free and have noticed my previously greasy fine hair that would be yukky by the end of one day can now go 3 days between washes.

I use Jessicurl but have had the same with any SLS-free shampoo I've used, even cheapy ones from L'Oreal.

DragonsAndCakes · 03/03/2018 11:44

I second Avalon. They leave my hair positively squeaky clean!

I also like Aubrey organics and Jason on this list here.

www.gentlebubbles.com/buy-phthalate-free-products/sulfate-paraben-phthalate-free-shampoo/

HolyShmoly · 03/03/2018 19:25

Oh I don't know if I can go silicone free. My hair gets very frizzy and I don't know how I can tame it at all without serum.

OP posts:
HolyShmoly · 03/03/2018 19:27

Sorry, forgot to say thank you all for your suggestions and advice!

OP posts:
PNGirl · 03/03/2018 19:58

It's probably frizzy from the SLS though. Maybe try it for a couple of weeks?

tabulahrasa · 03/03/2018 20:30

Yeah SLS and silicon will make it frizzy...serums weigh your hair down, but they also stop moisture getting to it and SLS is really drying, so hair goes all dry and frizzy and you end up in a bit of a vicious circle.

Sharpstagram · 03/03/2018 20:40

Another vote for Dr Organics from H&B. The coconut oil range is the best shampoo/conditioner I've found. Shampoo felt my hair feeling a bit odd and I couldn't have used it on its own but with the conditioner it was amazing.

AnnaMagnani · 03/03/2018 20:46

There are plenty of silicone-free products which get rid of frizz, your hair will thank you for it!

My hair is frizz free and silicone free and much happier for it. Curly hair is much much happier being nourished not stripped and then weighted down.