Best sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners: top 10 combinations that are gentler on your hair

Sulphates found in shampoos and conditioners are responsible for creating that foamy lather you see when washing your hair, and also remove dirt and excess oil to leave your locks feeling squeaky clean.

But while they are effective at cleaning, sulphates can also leave your hair feeling dry and irritate your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin. A sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner provides a gentler approach to hair washing, so your locks are left looking and feeling clean, without any unnecessary damage.

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners through their paces to find out which combinations give the best results. We also spoke to Katie Allan, founder of boutique London hair salon MAYFIVE, to bring you the ultimate guide on sulphate-free hair care.

Should I use a sulphate-free shampoo?

A good sulphate-free shampoo will leave your hair feeling clean and conditioned without weighing it down or leaving it looking too wispy. Katie explains that it's 'great for clients with coloured hair to avoid it fading in between services, and also for hair that is naturally drier (like curly hair). They aren't as abrasive and will cleanse hair without ruffling cuticles unnecessarily. Shampoos that are heavy in sulphates can result in colour fade and frizzy hair.'

Katie also advises that people with severe scalp conditions, such as dandruff, use a product containing sulphates until the condition clears. You can then move on to something more gentle afterwards.

Katie's top tip: Wet the hair thoroughly and apply a small amount of shampoo into your palms. Rub together in your hands first to create a lather and then apply directly to the roots and massage through. If you feel like it isn't lathering, just add a bit more water.

What is the best sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner?

Best sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner: Kérastase Discipline Gentle smooth-in-motion shampoo and Kérastase Discipline Fondant FluidealisteBest for coloured hair: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and ConditionerBest for frizz: Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo and ConditionerBest for effective cleaning: Living Proof Restore Shampoo and ConditionerDesigned for dry hair: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yoghurt Shampoo and ConditionerGood for oily hair: Ouai Smooth Shampoo and ConditionerThe panel's choice: Authentic Beauty Concept Replenish Cleanser and ConditionerFor protection from humidity-based frizz: OGX Hydrate & De-frizz + Kukui Oil Shampoo and ConditionerSuitable for dry and sensitive scalps: Balance Me Protect and Shine Shampoo and ConditionerGreat for helping to smooth hair: Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner

Will my hair still be clean after washing with a sulphate-free shampoo?

Yes, it will still effectively wash away your daily grime and build up. You may notice that sulphate-free shampoos have a lower foam and lather due to the alternative cleansing agents used, but this doesn't affect performance.

GHI tip: Do a double wash to ensure your hair is fully cleansed of dirt and residue. Lather, rinse, repeat! It has the added bonus of creating more of that foamy goodness we love.

How the GHI tests sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner

Over 300 testers lathered and rinsed their way through 24 sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner brands. They helped to assess how easy each one was to apply and distribute across hair, how well they lathered (if applicable) and washed out, and how hair felt and looked after drying.

In the lab, the GHI experts used a machine called the Dia-Stron to measure how easily a comb went through hair strands after washing them with each shampoo and conditioner.

Here are the ones that performed the best on test.