Sulfates in shampoo: good to know for healthy hair

If you have curly or dry hair, chances are you've come across the term "sulfate-free" before. Many brands prominently display it on their packaging, but what does that really mean? And are all foaming cleansers automatically bad for your hair? In this blog post, we delve deeper into sulfates, C14-16 olefin sulfonate, and their milder counterparts.

What do sulfates actually do?

Sulfates are surface-active agents. They ensure that water and oil mix well, making it easier to rinse away dirt and product residue. This also explains why shampoos containing sulfates often lather well and give that "clean" feeling.

But that thorough cleansing has a downside: sulfates not only remove dirt, but also the natural oils that protect your scalp and hair. Especially with curly or dry hair, this can lead to:

• dehydration and frizzy hair
• a sensitive or tight scalp
• faster color fading
• less bouncy curls
  

The culprits: aggressive sulfates that you should avoid

Some sulfates are so powerful that they can actually strip your hair of everything it needs. Common examples include:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
• C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (also known as Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate)

The latter resembles milder variants in name, but in practice, it's just as strong as classic sulfates. It's often used in clarifying shampoos, but it's not CG-approved for daily or weekly use.

Why C14-16 olefin sulfonate is not CG-proof

Although not technically a “sulfate,” C14-16 olefin sulfonate works almost identically:

• removes the natural fat layer
• can dry out curls and cause frizz
• affects the moisture balance
• makes the hair less elastic and more fragile

That's why this substance is excluded from the Curly Girl Method. Use it occasionally to remove buildup, but for your regular routine, choose milder cleansers.

Milder alternatives that are permitted (CG-approved)

Not all foaming ingredients are bad. There are also mild surfactants that effectively cleanse your hair without drying it out. For example:

• Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (milder than the C14-16 variant)
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Coco Glucoside
  
• Decyl Glucoside
  
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
  
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

These milder look-alikes resemble harsher sulfates in name, but cleanse much more gently. This helps maintain the natural balance of hair and scalp, keeping curls bouncy and hydrated.

What to look for when reading an ingredients list
1. Look beyond “sulfate-free” on the front.
2. Note the order in the INCI list.
3. Check for look-alikes.
4. Use clarifying shampoo only occasionally.

In summary

• Sulfates cleanse powerfully but can disrupt the natural moisture balance.
  
• C14-16 olefin sulfonate is not a classic sulfate, but just as aggressive → not CG-proof.
  
• Milder alternatives such as coco glucoside or sodium alpha olefin sulfonate are suitable
• Always read the ingredients list, not just the claims on the packaging.

By consciously choosing a mild shampoo, you prevent dehydration, maintain your natural shine and your curls remain bouncy.

At CGproducten.nl you'll find a carefully selected range of shampoos without harsh sulfates or drying cleansers. Perfectly formulated for the Curly Girl Method and suitable for all curl types.