The GHI’s best sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner set is on sale

We all love the ritual of washing our hair and, given these unprecedented times we live in, the little things (like a relaxing bath or a good hair day) are all-the-more important. What's more, now we all have a bit more time on our hands, it's a good time to reconsider all your routines and if they're working for you.

So if you've been considering switching up your hair-care routine, it could be a good time to opt for a sulphate-free shampoo instead. These avoid the use of chemical detergents to cleanse hair of dirt and oil.

What are sulphates?

As we covered when the GHI tested the best shampoos for blondes, a lot of personal care products, like shampoos, toothpastes and shower gels include sulphates like sodium laureth sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). While they're totally safe to use, in recent years, they've still earned a bit of a bad rep.

If you have sensitive or dry skin, they can be overly-drying and, as they're made from petroleum (which is a non-renewable source), they're not especially green. As for that foamy lather they produce? Well, it's actually unnecessary.

So, if you'd like to move away from these traditional cleansers, there are plenty of options for you. The GHI has tested a range of those on the market to find the best around and the winner impressed our panel with a near-perfect score of 94/100. Even better, we've spotted that they're currently on sale at Feel Unique with a not-too-shabby 20% discount.

Kerastase

Designed to de-frizz tresses, reduce blow-dry time, and leave hair feeling light, smooth and soft, this Kerastase duo impressed in the GHI's thorough tests. Hair was left feeling smoother, looked shinier after shampooing and, despite the lack of detergents, the lather was creamy, thick and felt 'luxurious', according to our panel.

The conditioner was also a hit, working well to fight frizz - and multiple testers commented that their hair stayed smooth and manageable for a few days after use. Not bad.

With such a high score, there wasn't much to dislike about this duo, but a few testers with very fine hair felt it was a little heavy for them. It's also quite pricey for shampoo and conditioner (which is why it's a great idea to take advantage of sales!).

However, considering the results last a few days, the bottles should still last a good while. We also think it's worth investing in quality - especially now we can't go out as much as we'd like for a while, it's all the more important to treat ourselves to the little things to keep our spirits up.

Pick up this shampoo and conditioner set at Feel Unique here.

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The Best Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Buildup from Your Hair and Scalp

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The Best Clarifying Shampoo to Remove Buildup from Your Hair and Scalp

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How to Know If You Should Use a Clarifying Shampoo

Lather, rinse, repeat. We all know how to shampoo, but finding the right product to use isn't always so simple. There are plenty of them on the market — exfoliating, volumizing, brass-busting — but clarifying shampoos have the most confusing nomenclature. Like, what is a clarifying shampoo anyway? Doesn't it do the job of a standard shampoo? What makes it different? For answers, we chatted with experts in the know for insight as to what "clarifying" really means.

First off, clarifying shampoos are deep cleansers that aim to remove residue and buildup. Hairstylist Cash Lawless notes that your stylist may suggest one based on these factors: the amount of buildup you've got, your porosity (how well your hair can absorb moisture), how often you use product, your natural sebum production, styling routine, heat usage, and if your hair is color-treated.

"Do you use leave-in hair products? Do you heat style? Most importantly, does your hair feel dull, limp, heavy, or dirty after washing it? If so, then it's time to clarify," says Lawless. Those with color-treated hair should be extra careful with clarifying shampoos. Many formulas can change your color — especially deposited color — so Lawless suggests clarifying if needed before getting a dye job.

Clarifying shampoos have a reputation for stripping hair, because, well, they're meant to eliminate buildup. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King says that many clarifying shampoos use chelating agents like EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA, which latch on to metal ions that may be in your water. "[Their] function is to 'chelate' (form a bond with) metal ions in water so that the water is softer and better for the hair," she says. She notes that while EDTAs are less harsh on your strands than other surfactants, that doesn't mean they can't be stripping and drying. This is why some brands add moisturizing agents to their clarifiers.

But there are some clarifying shampoos without EDTAs in their formulas. King mentions that EDTAs can cause sensitivity for some people over time, but other than that, "there are no health concerns." So, the point remains: Use clarifying shampoos sparingly and only when you need them.

As for how often you should use them, "It's a personal decision," says Lawless. "But in general, I recommend every two weeks for those who use styling products, [as well as] heat and who don't wash every day."

Now that you've got the lowdown on clarifying shampoos, check out the ones hairstylists recommend.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

5 Natural DIY Hair Masks to Make from the Comfort of Your Kitchen

No matter how great your shampoo and conditioner are, sometimes you need a mask to restore your hair to its softest, shiniest self. Don't have one handy? Like our favorite DIY face masks, there are plenty of genius recipes you can whip up with ingredients in your pantry. Coconut oil masks are a fan-favorite thanks to their deep-conditioning power, but if you want to try something new (or you've used all your coconut oil) there are plenty of other all-natural hair concoctions worth whipping up. We turned to five top hair experts to share the DIY hair mask recipes they recommend, each one offering different benefits for all hair types and textures.

Dry Hair Mask

For strands in need of serious TLC, this simple mask from Moroccanoil Artistic Director Kevin Hughes. In addition to the mainstay coconut oil and honey, "Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, which all help to hydrate and nourish the hair," Hughes explains. "People with damaged and/or dry hair will see the greatest results from this mask, but it can be used for all hair types," he adds.

Pure Argan Oil

Moroccanoil sephora.com

$52.00

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Ingredients

2 tbsp. coconut oil, melted

2 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. argan oil (Hughes recommends Moroccanoil Pure Argan Oil)

Directions

Separate hair into four sections. Then, take two-inch-wide pieces and gently comb the mask through with your hands from mid-length to ends, spreading evenly. Continue until the mask is distributed throughout the hair. If you have long hair, pull it up into a bun on top of your head, and place a shower cap over your hair. Leave this on for about 20-30 mins, then rinse out with shampoo and follow with your normal conditioner.

Multitasking Mask

Courtesy of Jana Blankenship, founder of natural beauty line Captain Blankenship and author of Wild Beauty, this creamy, hydrating mask has just two ingredients. "Yogurt is rich in protein which helps strengthen hair, while lactic acid cleanses hair and helps promote dead skin cell turnover," explains Blankenship. "Honey is both an emollient and a humectant, meaning it helps hair retain moisture while also helping smooth and soften your mane." Best of all, she says, "This mask is great for all hair types and can also be used as a face mask."

Ingredients

2 tbsp. yogurt, ideally full fat

1 tbsp. honey

Directions

Mix ingredients in a small bowl. Apply from roots to ends of hair. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse well.

Curly Hair Mask

Tridsanu Thophet / EyeEmGetty Images

For natural curls in need of extra nourishment, Alicia Bailey, global education manager of haircare brand Design Essentials, has the perfect solution. Avocado, honey, and oil all infuse hair with much needed moisture, but there's a secret ingredient: "Coconut milk not only hydrates, but it also aids with detangling the hair," says Bailey

Ingredients

1 medium or large avocado

2 tbsp. coconut, avocado, or olive oil

1 tbsp. coconut milk

1 tbsp. honey

Directions

In a small bowl, mash all ingredients together. Continue mixing until the mixture looks like a paste, and all ingredients are well combined. Part the hair into four sections and apply from ends to roots, covering the entire head. Apply a plastic cap and allow the mask to stay on the hair for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. If you have a portable, hooded dryer, sit under the dryer for deeper penetration. Rinse well with tepid water, then shampoo with a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by a moisturizing conditioner. Rinse, then apply a leave-in conditioner and proceed to style.

Smoothing Mask

With just three ingredients (including water), this simple mask from Jessielee Meltz, hairstylist at IGK Soho in New York, keeps hair smoother and shinier. "Apple cider vinegar closes the cuticle of your hair, making it smoother, less prone to frizz, naturally detangled, as well as shinier," says Meltz. "It's said to be an alpha-hydroxy acid, which exfoliates the scalp, helping with dandruff." Meanwhile, everyone's favorite humectant, honey, "reduces breakage, allowing hair to stay strong, healthy and grow longer," adds Meltz.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. water

Directions

After shampooing, mix the ingredients into the palm of your hand and apply from scalp to ends. Apply a shower cap and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cold water.

Detoxing Mask

This ginger and tonic scalp detox is courtesy of curl expert, owner of salon Spiral (x,y,z) in N.Y.C., and CurlyWorld founder Lorraine Massey. "Lemon water has an alkalizing effect, meaning that it can help begin to neutralize and dislodge silicone and oil coatings on the hair fiber," says Massey.

Craig P. JewellGetty Images

Ingredients

2 lemons

Large chunk of ginger

Mint leaves (optional)

Water

Directions

Blend first three ingredients in a blender, then strain out the pulp. Mix the remaining liquid with anywhere from 2 tbsp. to one pint of water (depending on how concentrated you want your mixture) and pour over wet hair. Massage the scalp for a minute or more to stimulate blood flow and loosen buildup on the scalp. Rinse out the mixture and follow with a sulfate-free, silicone-free, water-soluble cleanser or conditioner.

The Best Hair Masks to Use for Every Hair Type and Texture

While many of us are working from home and practicing social distancing indefinitely, Zoom meetings with your co-workers and digital happy hours with your friends are the "new normal." Given your now nonexistent com mute and the option to turn your camera off on video calls, there really isn't a reason why you should bother doing your hair every day.

Sure, taking a break from heat-styling is enough to improve the health of your hair, but since you have more free time at home, why not take your haircare routine to the next level with a mask? Hair masks are like a shot for your hair: These treatments are extra powerful and can seriously transform your hair after just one use.

RELATED: 8 Root Touch Up Products to Hold You Over Until Your Next Color Appointment

How do hair masks work? Depending on which one you choose, start off by coating your damp hair with the cream pre- or post-shampoo. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes, and then admire how soft, shiny, and shampoo commercial-worthy your hair looks.

Once you've zeroed in on exactly what your hair needs, the next step is finding a mask that will treat for concerns. Whether your hair is damaged, dry, or frizzy, we've found the perfect mask for you. Here, the 10 best hair masks for every hair type and struggle.

VIDEO: These Are the Best Bangs for Every Face Shape

Best Overall: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Weightless Mask

This Living Proof mask is the overachiever of hair treatments. Safe for all hair types and textures, it's infused with a patented hair molecule (NBD), that helps smooth, polish, and keeps hair cleaner for longer. As if that isn't enough, the mask also boosts shine and detangles. Whew, that's a lot.

To buy: $38; sephora.com.

Best for Faded Hair: Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask

If an appointment with your colorist isn't in the cards, a color depositing mask can neutralize brassy tones so your hair color looks fresh. Moroccanoil's mask comes in seven different shades, plus it's extra hydrating thanks to the brand's signature nourishing argan oil.

To buy: $28; sephora.com.

Best for Dry Hair: Ouidad Nourishing Intense Hydrating Mask

Think of this mask like a hydrating conditioner on steroids. With a blend of rich nourishing natural oils and antioxidants, it revives dull, dry hair of all textures.

To buy: $32; dermstore.com.

Best for Dry Scalp: Nexxus Inergy Gentle Exfoliating Scalp Scrub

Fact: A good hair day starts with a balanced scalp. Yes, this treatment is technically a scrub, but it's the equivalent of a detoxifying mask — but for your scalp. The mix of micro-sugar exfoliants, strengthening ginger root, and wheat protein work together to lift impurities and product buildup from the scalp without drying out your skin.

To buy: $15; target.com.

Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3

There's a reason why Olaplex gets so many celeb endorsements: There's no reparative treatment for color-treated hair quite like it. Olaplex No.3 is the at-home version of the mask that hairstylists use at salons, but it's just as effective. Instead of working from the outside in, it strengthens each strand of hair from within, filling any holes made during the coloring process. With a stronger structure, your hair will be more soft and s hiny.

To buy: $28; nordstrom.com.

Best for Oily Hair: Phyto PHYTODETOX Pre-Shampoo Purifying Mask

Maybe you haven't washed your hair as often as you should or you simply have naturally oily roots. Either way, a detox mask will clear away the excess oil that's weighing your hair down. This Phyto mask is packed with oil-absorbing eucalyptus essential oil and ghassoul. Together, these ingredients re-balance your scalp and hair after just 10 minutes of letting the mask soak in.

To buy: $26; ulta.com.

Best for Curly Hair: SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hair Masque

While natural hair is always gorgeous, making sure your curls are extra hydrated will level up your go-to styles. With shea butter, coconut oil, and hibiscus, this deep treatment moisturizes hair starting at the cuticle so your curls are shiny, smooth, and defined.

To buy: $14; ulta.com.

Best for Thick Hair: Leonoryl Greyl Masque à l'Orchidée Softening Hair Mask

The problem with thick hair is that you need so much product to coat it, a hair mask jar often a single-use purchase. If this sounds like you, try Leonoryl Greyl's hair-softening mask. A little bit of the ultra-rich cream goes a long way, so you'll get a handful of treatments out of the tub — at the very least. As for the actual formula, it's packed with nourishing botanicals that reduce tangles and frizz in extremely thick hair.

To buy: $65; nordstrom.com.

Best for Fine Hair: Verb Ghost Hair Mask

It might seem counterintuitive to use an ultra-moisturizing mask on fine hair, because it may weigh it down. But, guess what? All hair types need to be hydrated to stay healthy. It boils down to the ingredients in the hair mask you use. For fine hair, look for a treatment that's formulated with lightweight, but effective natural oils like this one from Verb.

To buy: $18; sephora.com.

Best for Brittle Hair: Kérastase Genesis Strengthening Hair Mask

If you notice your hair brush has been extra full lately, you might be experiencing breakage from over-styling. Luckily, a strengthening hair mask can help get your shedding situation under control. Kérastase's creamy treatment nourishes, hydrates, and detangles. So, you can stop being so rough while brushing your hair to get those knots out.

To buy: $62; sephora.com.

5 DIY Hair Masks You Can Make Right Now

From Harper's BAZAAR

No matter how great your shampoo and conditioner are, sometimes you need a good mask to restore your hair to its best self. Don't have one handy? Like our favorite DIY face masks, there are plenty of genius recipes you can whip up with ingredients in your pantry. Coconut oil masks are a favorite thanks to their deep-conditioning power, but if you want to try something new (or you're fresh out) there are plenty of other all-natural concoctions worth whipping up. We turned to five top hair experts to share the DIY hair mask recipes they recommend, all offering different benefits and results.

Dry Hair Mask

For strands in need of serious TLC, this simple mask from Moroccanoil Artistic Director Kevin Hughes. In addition to the mainstay c oconut oil and honey, "Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, which all help to hydrate and nourish the hair," Hughes explains. "People with damaged and/or dry hair will see the greatest results from this mask, but it can be used for all hair types," he adds.

Ingredients Directions

Separate hair into four sections. Then, take two-inch-wide pieces and gently comb the mask through with your hands from mid-length to ends, spreading evenly. Continue until the mask is distributed throughout the hair. If you have long hair, pull it up into a bun on top of your head, and place a shower cap over your hair. Leave this on for about 20-30 mins, then rinse out with shampoo and follow with your normal conditioner.

Multitasking Mask

Courtesy of Jana Blankenship, founder of natural beauty line Captain Blankenship and author of Wild Beauty, this creamy, hydrating mask has just two ingredients. "Yogurt is rich in protein which helps strengthen hair, while lactic acid cleanses hair and helps promote dead skin cell turnover," explains Blankenship. "Honey is both an emollient and a humectant, meaning it helps hair retain moisture while also helping smooth and soften your mane." Best of all, she says, "This mask is great for all hair types and can also be used as a face mask."

Ingredients

2 tbsp. yogurt, ideally full fat

1 tbsp. honey

Directions

Mix ingredients in a small bowl. Apply from roots to ends of hair. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse well.

Curly Hair Mask

For natural curls in need of extra nourishment, Alicia Bailey, global education manager of haircare brand Design Essentials, has the perfect solution. Avocado, honey, and oil all infuse hair with much n eeded moisture, but there's a secret ingredient: "Coconut milk not only hydrates, but it also aids with detangling the hair," says Bailey.

Ingredients

1 medium or large avocado

2 tbsp. coconut, avocado, or olive oil

1 tbsp. coconut milk

1 tbsp. honey

Directions

In a small bowl, mash all ingredients together. Continue mixing until the mixture looks like a paste, and all ingredients are well combined. Part the hair into four sections and apply from ends to roots, covering the entire head. Apply a plastic cap and allow the mask to stay on the hair for a minimum of 20-30 minutes. If you have a portable, hooded dryer, sit under the dryer for deeper penetration. Rinse well with tepid water, then shampoo with a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by a moisturizing conditioner. Rinse, then apply a leave-in conditioner and proceed to style.

Smoothing Mask

With just three ingredi ents (including water), this simple mask from Jessielee Meltz, hairstylist at IGK Soho in New York, keeps hair smoother and shinier. "Apple cider vinegar closes the cuticle of your hair, making it smoother, less prone to frizz, naturally detangled, as well as shinier," says Meltz. "It's said to be an alpha-hydroxy acid, which exfoliates the scalp, helping with dandruff." Meanwhile, everyone's favorite humectant, honey, "reduces breakage, allowing hair to stay strong, healthy and grow longer," adds Meltz.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. water

Directions

After shampooing, mix the ingredients into the palm of your hand and apply from scalp to ends. Apply a shower cap and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cold water.

This ginger and tonic scalp detox is courtesy of curl expert, owner of salon Spiral (x,y,z) in N.Y.C., and CurlyWorld founder Lorraine Massey. "Lemon water has an alkalizing effect, meaning that it can help begin to neutralize and dislodge silicone and oil coatings on the hair fiber," says Massey.

Ingredients

2 lemons

Large chunk of ginger

Mint leaves (optional)

Water

Directions

Blend first three ingredients in a blender, then strain out the pulp. Mix the remaining liquid with anywhere from 2 tbsp. to one pint of water (depending on how concentrated you want your mixture) and pour over wet hair. Massage the scalp for a minute or more to stimulate blood flow and loosen buildup on the scalp. Rinse out the mixture and follow with a sulfate-free, silicone-free, water-soluble cleanser or conditioner.

You Might Also Like

The Best Hair Products For Men 2020

Esquire

Unless you've been living in an Essex nightclub for the past six months, you'll have noticed that things are shifting in the hair arena. After years of disconnected shaves and man-buns, it seems we're finally veering away from footballers' follicular faves and returning the the kinds of classic, sharp styles that won't make you wince when Facebook serves them back up in a couple of years time.

But this doesn't have to mean digging out those creaking clippers – today, you have options. Leonardo DiCaprio is here to remind you of the immortal appeal of a not-too-slick back, while Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles have made an unexpectedly strong case for cherubic curls (bonus points for boyband-worthy bone structure and a crocheted cotton collar).

But whatever your haircut of choice may be, you're going to need the right tools for the job. From the ultimate everyday shampoo to a clever volumising hack – and the finest hair pomade on the planet – we've rounded up all of the best men's hair products available today and deserving of a spot on your shelf.

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1 Best shampoo

SHOP

This sulphate and silicone-free shampoo sweeps away every last trace of oil while encouraging volume and movement. For satisfyingly clean roots, this is the winner.

Living Proof Full Shampoo, £22, Spacenk.com

2 Best budget shampoo

SHOP

Ask any hairdresser how much you should spend on your shampoo, and they'll tell you more than a tenner. They'll have good reason though, because salon-standard shampoos are generally more concentrated, meaning you'll use less each time.

That said, if we're going to have to drag you from the aisles of Boots kicking and screaming, stick with John Frieda. There's a formula for every hair type, and they'll get the job done better than most.

John Frieda shampoo, from £5.98 , Feelunique.com

3 Best conditioner

SHOP

You'll find family-owned sustainable haircare line Davines on the shelves of many an industry insider. Every one of the brand's conditioners is outstanding: this one, in particular, has an evangelical following for the way it repairs dry ends.

Davines Nounou Conditioner, £18.60, Cultbeauty.co.uk

4 Best budget conditioner

SHOP

A better-than-most line of conditioners for a very good price. John Frieda wins again.

John Frieda conditioner, from £5.98, Feelunique.com

5 Best hair thickening product

SHOP

Stay away from those miracle-touting products lurking in the depths of Amazon: nothing will re-grow lost hair.

Aveda's Thickening Tonic, however, will make what you've got look fuller and thicker. Spray it onto wet hair, and watch the 97% natural mist physically swell each strand.

Aveda Thickening Tonic, £18.70, Feelunique.com

6 Best hair pomade

SHOP

Hair pomades come in varying degrees of hold and shine: this one sits at the extreme end of both. It's infused with nice-sounding organic extracts that will nourish each strand (including scalp-soothing horsetail), yet delivers heavy-duty hold that'll see you through the longest of days.

Hanz De Fuko Heavymade, £18, Mankind.co.uk

7 Best styling cream

SHOP

If you're growing out your hair, a low-hold styling product is the key to looking more like Brad Pitt and less like a Nineties guitar teacher. Malin + Goetz's Styling Cream is a reliable choice: it's lightweight, non-sticky, and will tame flyaways without making your ends feel crispy.

Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream, £20, Spacenk.com

8 Best sea salt spray

SHOP

For extra volume with hold and a matte finish, opt for a sea-salt spray. This one can be sprizted liberally through just-washed hair to create effortless mussed-up texture.

Murdock Sea Salt Spray, £16.80, Lookfantastic.com

9 Best hair clay

SHOP

Blind Barber's message here is clear: if you want the exquisite slick-back of basketball player Bryce Harper, get his clay of choice. This one.

Blind Barber Hair Clay, £17, Mrporter.com

10 Best curly hair product

SHOP

Coarser curls require something a little heavier, like Moroccanoil's defining cream. Formulated with the brand's signature argan oil, it'll impart moisture and shine to thirsty hair.

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, £25.45, Lookfantastic.com

11 Best hair gel

SHOP

If the mere mention of hair gel brings the greasy ghost of Ross Geller to mind, stay with us. This one is perfect for slicked-back styles, making hair look simultaneously thicker and smoother.

Baxter of California Thickening Style Gel, £13, Lookfantastic.com

12 Best hair wax

SHOP

Sachajuan's hair wax is highly pliable, so you can restyle throughout the day. Lightweight, matte and totally non-greasy, it fully deserves its cult-hero status.

Sachajuan Hair Wax, £20, Mrporter.com

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