Consumers are now more ingredient-aware than ever. We think deeply about what we’re putting into our bodies and just as carefully about what we put on them. We've all become ingredient detectives, turning bottles around and scrutinising the fine print! And nowhere is that shift more apparent than in personal care. Study after study reveals the huge and growing demand for cleaner, kinder and more transparent products. One of the biggest changes in modern haircare has been the move toward sulphate free shampoo from the harsh formulas that have been a mainstay on bathroom shelves for what feels like forever! Here’s the lowdown on what that really means for your hair and scalp health.
What Are Sulphates And Why Are They Used?
Chances are we’ve all seen sulphates—often listed as SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) or SLES (sodium laureth sulphate) et al—on the back of our shampoo bottle. But few of us have any idea why they’re in there. There are two reasons they have been a staple ingredient in haircare for so long. Firstly, they are really good at cleaning hair, lifting oil and dirt efficiently. And secondly, they are a key ingredient in creating the foamy lather we’re all programmed to believe means clean hair.
But this foaming cleaning power can come at a cost.
The Hidden Effects Of Sulphates
Ever found that while your hair feels so clean it squeaks when pulled, but feels brittle too? It could well be down to sulphates. And it is not good news for your hair health. Because that sound comes from friction between strands when their natural protective coating has been stripped away, along with all the dirt, oil and product residue. Research has shown that sulphate detergents can strip away the hair’s natural oils and even structural damage to the cuticle. These harsh chemicals can also raise the hair’s pH and cause the cuticle to lift.
Your hair is left rougher, drier and brittle. And it’s bad news for your scalp too, as sulphates can alter the scalp’s natural microbiome. By shifting the balance of healthy bacteria and yeasts that keep it calm and comfortable, we go down the path to dryness, sensitivity, and irritation. Something we all need to be aware of, and particularly anyone with fine, fragile, or thinning hair. That extra stress can make a visible difference.
Why Sulphate Free Shampoos Are Better for Hair and Scalp Health
A sulphate free shampoo works in harmony with your hair’s natural chemistry — cleansing gently without stripping away what it needs.
Here are just a few of the benefits of going sulphate free:
- Protects natural oils: Keeps hair softer and more hydrated between washes.
- Reduces colour fade: Gentle surfactants help colour-treated hair stay vibrant for longer.
- Soothes the scalp: Fewer harsh detergents mean less tightness, dryness, and irritation.
- Improves texture and definition: Curls and waves stay smoother and more defined.
- Supports long-term strength: Less protein loss and cuticle damage over time.
When you’re looking for the best sulphate free shampoo, don’t just focus on what’s excluded — look at what’s included! The go-to products will be the ones that hydrate deeply and contain strengthening peptides and protective botanicals, ensuring that both hair and scalp stay nourished after every wash.
Sulphate Free Haircare That Delivers Clean, Lasting Hydration
Introducing Hair Gain’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner — a powerful yet gentle duo created to restore balance, shine, and lasting strength to every strand. Formulated with a mighty blend of advanced peptides, key hair vitamins and marshmallow root extract, this system works to deeply hydrate the hair while soothing and rebalancing the scalp. The result? Hair that feels clean yet nourished, soft yet strong — with a healthy, natural gloss.
Completely free from sulphates, silicones, and parabens, the Hydrating range delivers a luxurious cleanse without compromise. Suitable for all hair types, and even for those with the most sensitive scalps, it blends high-performance science with nature’s most nurturing ingredients to leave your hair refreshed, smooth, and resilient after every wash. And it’s clinically tested and proven: Hair Gain’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner were shown in independent lab tests (September 2025) to cut hair fall and breakage by up to 64%—from the very first use.*
Final Thoughts
Healthy, beautiful hair doesn’t need to be over-cleansed. It needs balance, hydration, and respect for the scalp that supports it. Switching to a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner is one of the simplest ways to protect your hair’s natural balance — cleansing without stripping and hydrating without weighing it down. Hair Gain’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner deliver instant softness and long-term strength, powered by peptides and marshmallow root to support both hair and scalp health.
But healthy hair needs more than a single step. True transformation comes from a holistic routine that works inside and out. That’s why the Hair Gain range is designed to complement every stage of your hair journey. Our Hair Mask and Scalp Foam deliver deep nourishment, hydration, and scalp comfort, while our amazing Hair Capsules and Hair Gummies strengthen and revitalise from within. And for those days between washes, our Peptide Puff™ Dry Shampoo keeps your hair feeling fresh and full — absorbing oil, lifting roots, and adding instant volume without buildup.
Together, they create a complete 360° hair wellness system — restoring harmony from root to tip and helping your hair reach its healthiest state.
Read More
Meet Hair Gain’s New Hydrating Shampoo And Conditioner
Product Build Up & The Effects On The Scalp
Hair Growth Cycle 101: What It Is & How to Support it
* Independently tested (Brushing Test) September 2025. Results achieved when using the shampoo & conditioner together as a regime.
