Top 10 SLS-Free Shampoos Available In India – 2024

Imagine never having a bad hair day ever! While it sounds far-fetched, it is possible to greatly minimize the number of bad hair days you have by simply taking better care of your hair. And the most crucial part of a great hair care routine is keeping your locks clean.

A common misconception when it comes to hair cleansers is that the more it lathers, the better. On the contrary, SLS (the chemical that creates lather in shampoos) can cause quite a bit of damage to your hair. To help you make better hair care decisions, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 SLS-free shampoos available in India. But first, let’s look at what SLS is and why it is bad for your hair.

Why Is SLS Bad For Your Hair?

SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is a surfactant that is present in most shampoos which helps create lather. A lot of popular shampoo brands use SLS in their products as the surfactant is cheap and helps create a lot of lather. This harsh chemical, also present in household detergents no doubt eliminates dirt from your hair, but it also strips away nourishment and moisture from your hair shafts. It dries out your scalp and hair leading to issues such as split-ends and hair breakage. Not only does the chemical damage your hair, but prolonged exposure to it can also irritate your skin. While most shampoos are loaded with harsh chemicals, it can safely be said that SLS is among the worst of them. If your hair has been feeling dead lately, it is high time you ditch your harsh SLS-loaded shampoos to make room for these SLS-free shampoos.

Best SLS-Free Shampoos Available In India

1. Best Overall:Soultree Triphala Revitalizing Shampoo With Henna And Shikakai

3.8

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹40

Product Description

Soultree’s Triphala Revitalizing Shampoo With Henna And Shikakai is 100% natural and organic. The shampoo is enriched with extracts of Triphala, Amla, Bibhitaki, Haritaki, Shikakai, and Henna to help nourish your hair while efficiently cleansing it.

2. Best For Hair Growth:Mamaearth Onion Shampoo For Hair Fall Control

3.8

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹313

Product Description

Cleanse and strengthen your hair with the Mamaearth Onion Shampoo For Hair Fall Control. This shampoo prevents the damage caused due to excessive washing and forms a protective shield on each hair strand. The plant keratin infused in the shampoo prevents dryness, repairs split-ends to reduce breakage, while vitamin E infuses shine and makes your hair flexible. The key ingredient, onion oil, improves the blood supply and stimulates the hair follicle to promote hair growth.

3. Best For Scalp’S Ph Level:Biotique Bio Green Apple Fresh Daily Purifying Shampoo And Conditioner

4

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹79

Product Description

Biotique’s Bio Green Apple Fresh Daily Purifying Shampoo And Conditioner is enriched with sea algae and centella. The shampoo helps maintain your scalp’s pH level while nourishing your hair and scalp with its natural minerals and proteins. The shampoo gently yet effectively cleanses your hair of dirt and excess oils while leaving your locks feeling conditioned.

4. Best Afforadable:Himalaya Herbals Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹230

Product Description

Himalaya’s Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo claims to be a breakthrough 2-in-1 formula. The shampoo helps reduce hair fall while nourishing your hair shafts. It helps condition your hair, improving its texture and curbing hair fall caused by breakage. Enriched with Butea Frondosa and Bhringraj, Himalaya’s shampoo helps nourish your scalp and strengthen your hair follicles.

5. Best For Damaged Hair:Khadi Natural Herbal Shikakai Shampoo

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹168

Product Description

Khadi Natural’s Herbal Shikakai Shampoo helps gently cleanse your hair while soothing damage and conditioning hair. Shikakai is a natural hair cleanser that leaves your hair feeling clean without stripping away essential oils. This shampoo is ideal for people with dry or damaged hair types.

6. Best For Dandruff:Vaadi Herbals Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo With Extract Of Tea Tree

3.9

Image: Vaadi Herbals

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹7.99

Buy on Walmart

Product Description

Vaadi Herbals’ Dandruff Defense Lemon Shampoo helps improve scalp health. Lemon, the active ingredient in this cleanser, helps prevent dandruff while strengthening your roots, ensuring that your hair grows out to be healthy and strong. The product claims to efficiently cleanse excess oil and dirt while adding shine and volume. The tea tree extracts help keep your scalp healthy.

7. Best For Dry Hair:Omved Hydrating Shampoo For Dry Hair

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON

Product Description

Omved’s Hydrating shampoo helps rejuvenate your hair, restoring it with moisture and strength. The shampoo is specially formulated for dry hair and claims to penetrate into the scalp to help bring about a moisture balance. Enriched with Jatamansi, Geranium, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Amalika, this product helps nourish your hair making it soft and manageable.

8. mCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Shampoo

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹425

Product Description

The mCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Shampoo is fortified with coffee extract, protein, argan oil, and caffeine that helps to remove accumulated impurities and dirt from the scalp and hair. The coffee-rich formula promotes hair growth, controls hair fall, and makes the hair healthy. Argan oil infused in this shampoo hydrates your hair, boosts shine, and makes it smoother. Additionally, the presence of protein nourishes your hair and strengthens the hair shaft.

9. Best For Fine/Thin Hair:Luxura Sciences Argan Oil Shampoo

3.7

BUY ON AMAZON

Product Description

Stimulate hair growth with the Luxura Sciences Argan Oil Shampoo that is enriched with minerals and vitamins. It gently cleanses the impurities from your hair and scalp and retains your hair’s moisture. The blend of shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera, hydrolyzed keratin, pro-vitamin B5, ginger root extract, and vitamin E restores the softness and shine of your hair while strengthening its roots. It effectively nourishes your hair, smooths the frizz, and makes your hair stronger, younger, and thicker.

10. Best For Strong Hair:StBotanica Activated Charcoal Hair Shampoo

3.8

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹449

Product Description

Detoxify your scalp with the StBotanica Activated Charcoal Hair Shampoo that gently cleanses your hair of impurities, excess oil, and scalp buildup. The shampoo is fortified with the power of activated charcoal, olive oil, almond oil, oats extract, and green tea extract that help to improve the texture of your hair, making it stronger. In addition, the ingredients infused in shampoo maintain the moisture balance, protect hair from environmental damage, and promote healthy hair growth.

*Subject to Availability

Alicia Igess Jones, a hairstylist, says, “Always choose your shampoo based on your hair needs.” Consider the following points before buying an SLS-free shampoo to select the most suitable product for your hair’s needs.

Things To Consider Before Buying SLS-Free Shampoo

• Ingredients

Always check the ingredients list to ensure that the shampoo is sulfate-free. Avoid these sulfate-based additives:

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
• Sodium Lauroyl Taurate
• Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Instead, opt for an SLS-free shampoo that contains sulfate alternatives – like fruit sugars and coconut oil – for gentle cleansing. Some safe and mild ingredients to look for when buying a sulfate-free shampoo are:

• Coco glucoside
• Decyl glucoside
• Lauryl glucoside
• Disodium cocoyl glutamate
• Caprylyl capryl glucoside
• Sodium cocoyl glutamate

• Hair Type

Different SLS-free shampoos are formulated or specific hair types. Therefore, choose a shampoo accordingly. For thin and lifeless hair, go for a volumizing shampoo. For frizzy hair, opt for an anti-frizz shampoo that tames frizz and softens your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SLS-free shampoos help with a dry or sensitive scalp?

Yes, SLS-free shampoos are gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation or drying out the scalp. They provide a more nourishing and moisturizing cleansing experience.

Are there any potential drawbacks or side effects of SLS-free shampoos?

SLS-free shampoos produce less lather compared to traditional shampoos with SLS. You may require reapplication and thorough rinsing to remove residue. Also, it is essential to choose high-quality products to ensure effective cleansing.

Are SLS-free shampoos more expensive than regular shampoos?

SLS-free shampoos may be slightly more expensive than regular shampoos due to the use of gentle alternative surfactants. The cost difference varies depending on the product brand and formulation.

Are SLS-free shampoos suitable for children?

SLS-free shampoos are generally suitable for children, including those with sensitive skin or scalps. The milder formulation is gentler on their delicate hair and skin, making it a preferred option for parents looking for a safer and more nourishing choice. However, consult your pediatrician before using it.

Are SLS-free shampoos suitable for daily use?

It is recommended to shampoo your hair twice or thrice a week at the most, not daily. If you have dry hair, wash your hair once or twice a week. Those with oily hair can wash it twice or thrice a week and use a co-wash if needed on the other days.

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Alicia IgessHairstylist

   

Alicia Igess is an award-winning stylist and the founder of Urban Tangles, a multicultural hair and makeup studio. She has over 20 years of experience in hair design and her firm focuses on makeovers. She, along with her team, works on an exclusive “referral-only” clientele, which includes the who’s who of Atlanta.

Read full bio of Alicia Igess

Kirtana DivakarCommerce Writer

 

Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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