Why use sulfate-free shampoo for colour-treated hair?

Many people choose sulfate-free shampoo because it can feel gentler on cosmetically coloured hair and supports a more moisture-friendly wash routine.

What is the best shampoo for colour-treated hair?

The best option depends on your hair type and colour goals, but many shoppers look for sulphate-free, colour-safe formulas paired with conditioning support.

Do I need a conditioner with colour-safe shampoo?

Yes. A matching conditioner can help support softness, detangling, and shine while complementing the shampoo in a colour-care routine.

Can colour-safe shampoo help colour last longer?

It can help support better colour maintenance by cleansing more gently and helping the hair stay hydrated and manageable.

Sulphate Free

PURE, GENTLE & PROFESSIONAL HAIR CARE

Shop the Best Sulphate-Free Shampoos & Haircare in South Africa

Discover our premium range of sulphate-free shampoos, conditioners, and treatments at Partners Hair. Whether you are searching for a gentle daily cleanser or specialized care for processed hair, going sulphate-free (or sulfate-free) is one of the best choices you can make for your hair's long-term health.

Sulphates are harsh cleansing agents that create lather but can easily strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and premature colour fading. By switching to a sulphate-free routine, you ensure a gentle, hydrating cleanse without compromising on that clean-hair feeling.

Who should use sulphate-free hair products?

Colour-Treated Hair: Protect your investment! Sulphate-free shampoos prevent colour molecules from washing out too quickly, keeping your salon colour vibrant for longer.
Keratin Treatments & Brazilian Blowouts: Harsh salts and sulphates will strip away keratin and smoothing treatments. Our range ensures your treatments last their full lifespan.
Curly & Wavy Hair: Curls crave moisture. Removing sulphates helps maintain your natural curl pattern, eliminates frizz, and supports the Curly Girl Method (CGM).
Dry or Sensitive Scalps: If you suffer from scalp irritation or extreme dryness, sulphate-free formulas offer a soothing, non-stripping alternative.

At Partners Hair, we stock only industry-leading, salon-approved brands including Pureology, Moroccanoil, Olaplex, Kérastase, and Redken. Browse our full collection below to find your perfect match, and enjoy free nationwide delivery on all orders over R390.

FAQ

What are the best brands of sulphate-free shampoo?

The best sulphate-free shampoos come from professional, salon-trusted brands that use high-quality alternative cleansers to gently wash the hair without stripping it. Some of the top-rated brands globally (and available right here at Partners Hair) include Kevin Murphy, Pureology, Olaplex, Moroccanoil, and Kérastase.

What sulphate-free shampoo is best for my hair type?

It depends on your specific hair needs! For example, if you have dry or color-treated hair, Kevin Murphy Hydrate-Me.Wash is an excellent choice. If you have damaged hair, look for repairing formulas like Olaplex No.4 or Kevin Murphy Repair-Me.Wash. For curls, hydration-focused washes like Kevin Murphy Killer.Curls Wash are highly recommended.

How can I tell if my shampoo is really sulphate-free?

The easiest way is to check the ingredient list on the back of the bottle. The most common harsh sulphates used in standard hair products are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). If you read the ingredient list and neither of these (nor any other ingredients ending in "sulfate") is listed, the shampoo is sulphate-free.

Who should not use a sulphate-free shampoo?

While sulphate-free shampoos are great for most people, they might not be the best choice if you have very oily hair, low porosity hair, or if you use heavy styling products (like waxes or non-water-soluble silicones) every day. Sulphate-free cleansers are very gentle and sometimes struggle to cut through extreme product buildup or excessive natural oils. If this is you, using a clarifying shampoo once a week can help!

Why does my hair feel weird after switching to a sulphate-free shampoo?

When you first make the switch, your hair might feel slightly different or even a bit greasier for a few weeks. This is completely normal! It’s called an "adjustment period." Standard shampoos strip your natural oils, causing your scalp to overproduce oil to compensate. When you switch to a gentler sulphate-free formula, it takes your scalp a little time to rebalance its natural oil production. Additionally, sulphate-free shampoos don't foam or lather as much, but they are still cleaning your hair!

How often should I wash my hair with sulphate-free shampoo?

For the healthiest hair, it is generally recommended to wash your hair every 2 to 3 days. You can use your sulphate-free or hydrating shampoo to gently cleanse the roots and scalp without stripping essential oils. Be sure to only apply your conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends to prevent weighing the hair down or causing buildup near the scalp.