If you’ve got a head of gorgeous curls, chances are you know the struggle of finding the right hair care products is REAL. At one point, you've probably found yourself sifting through hair care forums, product reviews, or helpful TikTok videos, to get what you need.

You might even go on a deep dive and look at the ingredients list on your hair care products. If you’ve done this one, have you ever spotted "sulphate" listed? If so, you might want to know what that is and how it can affect your curls. So, let's get into it!

What are sulphates?

Sulphates are cleaning agents that are commonly used in shampoos and other hair care products. It’s a type of surfactant, which is a chemical that helps to remove dirt, oil, and buildup from your hair.

How do sulphates interact with your curls?

Sulphates create a lather that helps to give your hair a deep clean. While this may sound like a good thing, sulphate can actually strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. Research has found that sulphates in haircare have been linked to an increase in frizz, hair fragility, and scalp dryness. This effect can be especially problematic for those with curls, as even the loveliest of curls can be naturally prone to dryness and frizz.

You may also notice that your hair is more prone to breakage and split ends after using products containing sulphates. This is because sulphate can damage the cuticle of your hair, which is the outermost layer that protects it.

Another issue with sulphates is that they can disrupt the natural curl pattern of your hair. They can cause your curls to become frizzy, lose shape, and become more difficult to style. This is because they can weaken the protein bonds in your hair, which are responsible for holding your curls together.

How can you protect your hair?

Don't you worry. There are plenty of sulphate-free hair products available that can help you achieve healthy, luscious curls. Look for products that are labelled "sulphate-free" or "gentle" on the packaging. These products are made without sulphates and are much kinder to your hair. They will still clean your hair without stripping it of its natural oils or disrupting your curl pattern. 

Of course, we would recommend the 01 Shampoo which does a fabulous job of cleaning your curls without skimping on moisture. It's formulated with natural, plant-derived ingredients like baobab oil, coconut oil, and yucca plant extract. And it's sulphate-free, baby! Plus the rest of the range is completely natural and free from sulphates.

In addition to avoiding sulphates, it's also important to follow a haircare routine to keep your curls healthy and happy. This includes regular deep conditioning treatments and avoiding heat styling tools as much as possible (we know this can be tough at times!).

So, there you have it. Now you know what sulphate is and how it can impact your beautiful curls. By switching to sulphate-free haircare products and following a haircare routine that works for you, you can keep your curls looking beautiful and healthy. Happy hair days ahead. x