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You may have heard that choosing a sulphate and paraben free shampoo is better for you, but have you ever wondered why? We are delighted that we can offer our full hair care range as sulphate and paraben free. Every shampoo, conditioner and hair styling product we create now comes with absolutely no sulphate ingredients or parabens. Zero, nada, zilch! That's good news for you hair.
What are parabens and sulphates?
You may already know about the damaging effects of sulphates on the hair as it has been quite a hot topic in the beauty industry over the past few months. For those who don't know sulphate is a common grease cutting detergent that is used in a number of common household cleaning products not just shampoo. The problem with the sulphate ingredient when it comes to hair products is that although it is good at cleaning it also strips all the natural oil from the hair and it is believed that sulphate can damage the hair follicles. That can cause thinning and weakening of the hair over time, which is something we all want to avoid.
Common sulphates to watch out for are sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Parabens are preservatives that prevent shampoo from going mouldy or growing fungus in the bottle. They also extend the shelf life of the product. There are different types of parabens but they all act as preservatives. Common parabens to watch for include methylparaben (E number E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216), butylparaben and heptylparaben (E209). There is concern that parabens could be linked to breast cancer.
Parabens may attach themselves to oestrogen receptors to form phytoestrogens. These may play a role in breast cancers, so it's best to choose products without it. They may cause or irritate dermatitis and rosacea, two skin conditions that can be embarrassing and painful.
Both parabens and sulphates have been linked to scalp dryness and dandruff, and many people suffering from these conditions find immediate relief by switching to a kinder shampoo and conditioner.
Why go sulphate and paraben free?
Sulphate and paraben free shampoos and hair styling products offer a number of benefits over their sulphate cousins. Neal & Wolf's hair care range uses more sophisticated ingredients that create the same foaming and cleaning effect of sulphate but without the hair follicle damaging effects. Our products are also much kinder to your skin and scalp - and your eyes too. You'll notice if you get a sulphate free shampoo in your eyes in the shower it won't sting so much as a sulphate shampoo!
Sulphate free shampoo is also a perfect option for those who suffer with allergies, eczema, or an irritated scalp because it cause much less irritation. Ultimately sulphate free shampoo will deliver longer stronger and healthy hair over the long term.
Hair care products that avoid sulphates and parabens may cost a little more because they use high quality more expensive ingredients, but it is well worth it in our opinion.
As Sarah Jessica Parker says, every girl has to indulge herself once in a while. 
Buy paraben and sulphate free products in our store The Neal & Wolf online store offers a wide range of sulphate free shampoos, conditioners and styling products such as Elevate volumising lotion and Fix hold & shine spray. Our Blonde range of purple shampoos and conditioners are perfect for coloured and lightened hair.
