The Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos You Legit Need ASAP

Fact: When it comes to hair products, we all want the absolute best, regardless of our hair texture or curl pattern. While we're always on the hunt for a new hydrating styling cream or moisturizing hair mask, it might be time to reconsider the core staple of haircare: shampoo—or, more specifically, sulfate-free shampoo. ICYMI, your go-to everyday shampoo might be formulated with sulfates, i.e., sudsy surfactants that help break down scalp oils and product build-up on your hair. So, why is that bad, you may ask?

Well, even though sulfates help create that foamy lather you feel when shampooing, they can be rather damaging to your hair. While they're getting rid of the dirt and build-up, sulfates can also strip your hair of the good things it needs, like natural oils, moisture, and even hair dye if you have color-treated hair. As a result, sulfates can leave your hair feeling drier and more lackluster than before. The solution? Easy, sulfate-free shampoo. (And if you're wondering... Nope! Conditioners don't have sulfates, so you're already in the clear there.)

But we want to give you all the tea on sulfates, how they can affect your hair, and what the best sulfate-free shampoos are out there. So we sat down with a couple of the top celebrity hairstylists around—Monaé Everett and Bianca Hillier —to hear their verdict. But first, here's a sneak peek of what's to come...

✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in December 2022 to add new sulfate-free shampoos the internet won't stop talking about, delete outdated oldies, and checked in with new experts for the latest in shampoos, just for you.

Our top picks for the best sulfate-free shampoo picks of 2022:

Alright, we think you're ready to take the plunge into a sulfate-free life. These shampoos will gently cleanse your hair (so no grease or oil), and restore shine and moisture too. Below, you'll find 15 of the best sulfate-free shampoos that are really, genuinely excellent, plus all the info you need to know about 'em.