My Struggle & Experience of going SULFATE FREE-PART 1

Hey all!

How are you doing today?

Well today is my confession day 😛 I am going to share my experience of going Sulfate free.

It’s been successful 2 years (on and off 3 yrs) that I have stopped using sulfate shampoos containing especially SLS/SLES; read on to know more about my Journey and the struggles that I faced.

There was a time in 2008 where I was going through tremendous hair fall. It was so horrible that I used to get scared touching my hair. My mom was also worried and hence used various kinds of Ayurveda hair oils on me; which did work but as soon as I washed my hair, there! it could all be seen in the drain! so much of hair fall.

It was then I decided to go to a Trichology center (Richfeel); using their products, services, diet and medicine made my hair fall stop to quiet an extent and I was happy. But to my dismay as soon as I stopped their medicines it ALL started again. Then came 2010 and my search started, there are a few things that I read as a reason to my crazy hair fall:

Stress one of the most common reasons for hair fall
Seasonal-Yes there is a hair shedding season too!
Allergy to some kind of food or products
Lack of nutrition
Hormonal changes- Damn these hormones and their jumping games!

I checked each and every thing above and ensured that everything is under control. STILL NOTHING WORKED! Though I am glad I started eating right in this phase 😀 While continuing my research I came across the world of wonderfully marketed and advertised chemicals 😮 I was shocked and really worried for what I have been doing all these years!

Never too late, and the only option I had, I decided to give up on SULFATES COMPLETELY; I was on a go sulfate free mission. This step, ONE SMALL STEP has changed the way my hair behaves COMPLETELY and FOR LIFE! I discovered the magic of nature and other combination chemicals which eventually does not harm your hair.

My Initial Struggle and Experience of going Sulfate Free:

At first the most difficult thing was to find a shampoo that did not have Sulfates. I first tried L’occitane and loved it. I thought this was it. But then the price started to pinch me. So went on a look out for an effective and pocket friendly product. Then came ORGANIX in my life; which also worked well. Later there were shampoos that worked so well but either would get over too soon or would not be successful in removing oil from my hair.

ALL this while I was learning more and more about the goodness of other ingredients and was getting wiser. (Not to forget as well as confused 😕 ) But I decided to move on; on this Journey and tried many products that did not have Sulfates. I started seeing the difference in my hair texture, hair fall and was motivated to continue on this journey.

Today after trying out various sulfate free shampoos I am confident and happy enough to say that use what suits your budget and hair; just ensure it does not have any sulfates. I have seen remarkable difference in the volume and texture of my hair. I am sure with time you will also see the same.

Common Problems faced while going SULFATE FREE:

Where to get the shampoo’s from?

Well today we have multiple online stores, you can check this out in addition to the common ones: NaturalMantra

How do I clean oil out of my hair?

You really do not SLS/SLES for oil removal. There are milder sulfates which work really well and does not strip off natural oils from your hair. I have personally found Sebamed anti-dry and Khadi Henna and Shikakai (SLS and PARABEN Free) to be very effective in oil removal. These can be used for once a week cleansing so there is no buildup.

There are SO many Sulfate free claiming shampoos which one should I use?

OK now this is a personal choice and also a LOT of trial and error. I have used so many and infact am still trying out.

If you have a good budget you can try TBS Rain forest range, Forest Essentials, KAMA Ayurveda or L’occitane.
If you have a decent budget then you can go for Rustic Art, Organic Surge, IHT9
If you are on a cost saving budget then you may try Khadi or Biotique.
If you do not want to spend a lot then there are Local Ayurveda brands like Jiva which claim to be safe and are sold at a very reasonable price
If you are very patient and do not want to spend at all then you can try this recipe

I have not had any hair problems; do i still go for sulfate free shampoos?

Why not! You can try the mild yet effective and less harmful shampoos. it’ll only do better for your hair. There is definitely NO HARM.

How long will it take time to see results?

It all depends on your hair. For me it took about 8 months initially. But today if I switch then the difference is seen in a months time.

This was my journey while switching from regular to sulfate free shampoos. It was one hell of a ride but definitely worth the destination!

Stay tuned for the next part as I will share my learning’s a few good sulfate free shampoos available.