The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processEveryone wishes to have smooth, manageable, frizz-free, and lustrous hair. And picking the best keratin shampoo with a sulfate-free formula might be a great option! While there are multiple hair treatments that give you the desired outcome, however, some of these treatments come with a baggage of side effects. Keratin shampoos are formulas that have keratin as their key ingredient. It is a protein that is naturally found in your hair, skin, and nails. It plays an important role in maintaining structure, strength, and overall health when it comes to hair. So, if your hair is showing signs of dryness, or brittle texture, then it is time to switch to a keratin shampoo.
Keratin shampoos with sulfate-free formulas help to strengthen and replenish the building blocks of your hair. These help in coating each hair strand with keratin, which helps to repair damage, enhance hair elasticity, reduce frizz, and improve overall hair health. Such shampoos are particularly beneficial for chemically-treated hair, colored hair, and dry, damaged hair. As they are free from harsh chemicals, they help in cleansing your hair and scalp without stripping off its natural oils and making your hair more manageable and glossier. So, to help you find the best from the lot, we have listed below our top recommendations that will give your dry and damaged tresses maximum TLC.
Our top picks
14 Best Keratin Shampoo with Sulfate-Free
The Color Boost Scalp Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner kit by KERANIQUE provides optimum color protection. It is specifically developed to reduce fading with each wash and to maintain the vibrancy of your hair color. This sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for keratin treated hair protects the integrity of the hair fibers and reduce breakage due to hair thinning. The shampoo is enriched with a keratin amino complex that helps in thickening, and strengthening hair to prevent damage. It helps in retaining the shine and supporting scalp health by removing buildup. The conditioner helps in enhancing hair color while nourishing your hair to tame down the frizz.
Pros
- Prevents hair breakage and loss
- Color protection formula
- Boosts hair volume
- Renews hair cell
- No artificial dyes
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May dry out the scalp
2
Best for Curly Hair
BINGO HAIR CARE MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Enriched with the goodness of Moroccan Argan Oil, the shampoo and conditioner set from BINGO HAIR CARE is perfect for curly hair. With hydrating properties of argan oil, this shampoo and conditioner for keratin treated hair tame your frizz fantastically, making your hair smooth and shiny. It fights dryness, and dehydration, and helps to retain lost elasticity. The formula has restorative vitamins which condition damaged hair. The product is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E which help in restoring shine to dry and dull hair. It also helps in protecting your hair from UV rays and free radical damage. The conditioner works in coherence with the shampoo and helps in replenishing lost shine and cutting down frizz.
Pros
- Contains antioxidant properties
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Reduces flaky and dry scalp
- Adds shine to lifeless hair
- Improves scalp health
- Thickens hair texture
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for color-treated hair
- May cause hair to knot
Quick Tip
You can boost this keratin shampoo’s results by adding a teaspoon of coconut oil. Mix well and apply this to your hair strands to enjoy salon-like shine and smoothness.
3
Best with Strengthening Properties
OGX Ever Strengthening + Brazilian Keratin Smooth SHAMPOO
Give your hair a gentle nourishing touch with the OGX Ever-Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo. Suitable for dry, wavy, coarse, curly, and frizzy hair, this formula will turn into a blessing for many. Infused with a blend of rich oils, this keratin safe shampoo is a powerhouse of nourishment and moisturization. It contains avocado oil to promote moisture, coconut oil that adds to the softness, and cocoa butter which helps in locking in moisture. The formula also contains Brazilian keratin protein that boosts hair strengthening and smoothing. Our team discovered through using this product that, no matter the hair type, this shampoo is sure to hydrate your hair and leave them feeling soft.
Pros
- Promotes stronger and longer hair
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Helps smoothen hair cuticles
- Makes hair appear glossy
- Formula lathers richly
- Pocket-friendly price
- Pleasant fragrance
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not suitable for oily hair
Quick Tip
Mix a dollop of this keratin shampoo with a drop of olive oil for a luxurious hair spa at home. This will help to hydrate, strengthen, and provide shine.
4
Best for Damage Repair
Bellisso KERATIN ENRICHED SHAMPOO And CONDITIONER Set
Give your dry and brittle hair a nourishing makeover with this keratin-enriched shampoo and conditioner set by Bellisso. Loaded with damage-repairing properties, this formula has protein which binds to each strand to help strengthen and reverse the signs of damage. It prevents hair breakage by shielding it from environmental damage. It forms a protective barrier around each hair strand to help prevent breakage and strengthen hair. Moreover, the conditioner is also rich in nourishing ingredients such as vitamin B5, collagen, silk protein, and argan oil. This is one of the best keratin shampoos that also consists of a sulfate-free formula. The shampoo and conditioner duo are gentle on the scalp and help in healthy hair growth.
Pros
- Nourishes hair to prevent breakage
- Protects hair from further damage
- Promotes hair strength
- Eliminates split ends
- Makes hair glossy
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains formaldehyde
- Makes hair dry
5
Best for All Hair Types
NYK1 SALK & SULPHATE FREE KERATIN AND COLOR AFTERCARE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
The NYK1 sulfate-free shampoo for keratin treated hair cuts down on your expensive treatments and gives you salon-like smooth hair at home. It has been carefully designed to boost your hair color, smoothen the hair cuticles, and nourish your hair for a glossy finish. The formula cleanses and fortifies your hair without stripping hair bonds and natural moisture. It gets rid of dirt, grime, and oil build-up from your scalp leaving it thoroughly clean. We have found from using this product that, this shampoo lathers richly and leaves a pleasant lingering fragrance all day long.
Pros
- Cleans without stripping moisture
- Leaves hair shiny and soft
- Works on hair extensions
- Makes hair manageable
- Suitable for all hair types
- Paraben-free
- Salt-free
Cons
- Hair becomes prone to tangling
6
Best for Color-treated Hair
LUSETA KERATIN SHAMPOO And CONDITIONER
The LUSETA sulfate-free keratin shampoohas a hydrating formula that gives your hair an extra dose of protein that replenishes the hair shaft to strengthen it. It contains keratin which helps in repairing damaged hair while adding a lot of shine to your tresses. The formula is also enriched with quinoa seed which contains nine essential amino acids. These help in repairing hair damage while promoting hair elasticity and making it less prone to breakage. The conditioner that comes with this shampoo contains argan oil which ensures that your hair has a luminescent shiny coat and is silky smooth.
Pros
- Makes hair more manageable
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Tames frizz and flyaways
- Strengthens hair strands
- Prevents breakage
- Gentle on the scalp
- No harsh chemicals
- Boosts shine
Cons
- Not very moisturizing
- Some might find the fragrance to be strong
7
Best for Deep Conditioning
GK HAIR TAMING SYSTEM - MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO And CONDITIONER SET
The GK Hair Taming Set from their moisturizing range aims at hydrating your hair from root to tip. Packed with the goodness of juvexin - a keratin with anti-aging protein, this shampoo and conditioner for keratin treated hair leaves your hair soft, shiny, and well-moisturized. It makes your hair more adapted to absorbing nutrients and less prone to causing split ends, thinning, and breakage. The formula also eliminates frizz, adds smoothness to your hair with static reduction, and makes your tresses easy to manage. Designed for color-treated hair, this formula aids in enhancing hair color, preserving it, while rejuvenating hair follicles. It also protects against heat damage caused by styling tools.
Pros
- Makes hair more manageable
- Eradicates frizz and flyaways
- Prevents hair breakage
- Enhances hair color
- Natural ingredients
- Reduces split ends
- Locks in moisture
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Highly expensive
8
Best Alcohol-free Formula
VITAMINS KERATIN SHAMPOO
For those seeking a shampoo that offers both cleansing and conditioning benefits, Vitamins Keratin Shampoo is your pick! Formulated with nourishing ingredients like keratin, avocado oil, and vitamin E, this formula helps in restoring your hair’s natural bounce and shine. It also contains a blend of essential oils, Moroccan argan oil, and herbal complex which help in cleansing and nourishing your scalp to boost hair strengthening. This is one of the best keratin shampoo with a sulfate-free formula that helps in preventing hair breakage by promoting elasticity. Through our trial and error, we discovered that this formula also caters to those who have an itchy scalp.
Pros
- Strengthens hair for healthy growth
- Enhances glossy hair texture
- Provides deep hydration
- Boosts natural curls
- Tames down frizz
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Runny consistency
- Tends to make hair greasy
9
Best Scalp Soothing Formula
Bellisso APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SHAMPOO And CONDITIONER Set
The Bellisso hair treatment set is loaded with scalp-soothing properties. These are one of the best shampoo and conditioner for keratin treated hair that are powered with apple cider vinegar. It helps in promoting scalp health, while naturally balancing pH levels. The formula tends to soothe irritation and itchiness while restoring conditioning and nourishment to your hair and scalp. It is further powered with vitamin B5 and keratin, along with coconut oil, argan oil, and avocado oil to enhance hair texture. Designed specifically for everyday use, this shampoo helps in eradicating everyday grime, build-up, and dirt for a refreshing scalp.
Pros
- Nourishes dry and damaged hair
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Boosts hair color vibrancy
- Relieves scalp irritations
- Enhances hair texture
- Pleasant fragrance
- Boosts shine
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not suitable for curly hair
10
Best Smoothing and Nourishing Formula
herbalosophy KERATIN SMOOTH SHAMPOO And CONDITIONER
Perfect for those with weak, fine, and permed hair, this shampoo and conditioner set by heralosophy cleanses and smoothes your hair without any “chemical overdose”. The formula is loaded with hydrolyzed keratin and protein, which help in taking your hair from brittle and dull to shiny and healthy! It makes sure to nourish and moisturize your hair and quench the dry and damaged hair for the ultimate smooth and shiny look. The formula also nourishes your scalp and reduces hair breakage by strengthening hair follicles. It also balances the pH level of your scalp and boosts healthy hair growth. Our team discovered through using this product that, this shampoo and conditioner combo is perfect to enhance the color vibrancy of your hair.
Pros
- Prevents hair tangling and knotting
- Minimizes frizzy hair and flyaways
- Incredible for color-treated hair
- Safe for damaged and dry hair
- Prevents frizz and flyaways
- Smoothens the hair
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- The shampoo does not lather richly
11
damila SALT & SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
The damila salt free shampoo for keratin treated hair works on all hair types and promises healthy and lustrous tresses. The formula is enriched with keratin protein that aids in replenishing your hair with each use and helps in maintaining the keratin levels. It makes sure to keep your hair smooth and healthy while extending your keratin treatment without stripping your natural hair oil. This sulfate-free shampoo is infused with natural botanical extracts. These extracts mildly cleanse your hair without drying it out or resulting in damage. While the conditioner helps in strengthening, moisturizing, and preventing hair breakage. It tames frizz and flyaways for smoother and silkier-looking hair with increased elasticity.
Pros
- Refreshing and pleasant fragrance
- Makes hair more manageable
- Made from natural ingredients
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Best suitable for dry hair
- Strengthens hair cuticles
- Nourishes scalp
- Phthalates-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Might not be suitable for sensitive scalp
- Not a hypoallergenic formula
12
GK HAIR TAMING SYSTEM - BALANCING SHAMPOO And CONDITIONER SET
Try the GK Hair Taming System’s Balancing formula that prevents hair thinning and helps in enhancing the volume of your hair. Infused with keratin protein and other nourishing oils, this balancing formula helps revive your dull and damaged hair. It infuses each hair strand with proprietary blends of nutrients, vitamins, and proteins. These further aid in increasing strength and vitality to prevent hair breakage. The formula caters to eradicating build-up and excess oil by deeply cleansing your scalp to boost hair volume. It strengthens the weak and thin hair while hydrating it and soothing scalp irritations. Based on our first-hand experience, this formula works well for colored-treated and chemically-treated hair and helps in deeply conditioning coarse hair.
Pros
- Boosts volume and thickness of hair
- Promotes healthy hair growth
- Suitable for all hair types
- Deeply cleans the scalp
- Revives damaged hair
- Prevents hair thinning
- Strengthens hair
- Controls pH level
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Highly expensive
13
Botanic Hearth VOLUMIZING & SMOOTHING KERATIN SHAMPOO
Packed with volumizing and smoothing properties, this is one of the best keratin shampoo with a sulfate-free formula. This Botanic Hearth shampoo contains a blend of immensely conditioning ingredients that help in restoring dull, dry, and chemically damaged hair. The formula aims to add luster and shine to such parched hair. It has a special blend of botanical extracts which gently detangles and softens hair to make them more manageable. While the conditioner is packed with silk proteins and argan oil which help in conditioning your hair further for restoring essential moisture and softness. After trying out this product, our team experienced their hair to be more voluminous and thicker.
Pros
- Restores hydration to chemically damaged hair
- Replenishes smoothness and shine
- Suitable for everyday use
- Deeply hydrates dry hair
- Ideal for all hair types
- Revives lifeless hair
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for thin hair
14
GK HAIR TAMING SYSTEM with JUVEXIN COLOR PROTECTION SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Keep your hair color intact and shiny with this shampoo and conditioner set by GK. The sulphate-free shampoo for keratin treated hair provides UVA and UVB protection and shields your tresses from harmful damage. It helps in nourishing and hydrating your color-treated hair while making your color last longer than usual. The formula improves the overall health of your hair by deeply cleansing the scalp. It is a gentle formula for daily use that is designed specifically to add volume, strengthen, thicken, and stimulate your chemically treated hair. Both the shampoo and conditioner are packed with aloe vera and flower seed oil blends which repair your hair from root to tip.
Pros
- Locks in hair color for a longer time
- Prevents hair from detangling
- Suitable for everyday use
- Repairs split ends
- Boosts volume
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive and oily scalp
- Quite expensive
These were some of our top recommendations for the best sulfate-free shampoo for keratin treated hair. While you can pick any of these products, we suggest that you go through our following buying guide to understand factors to consider while buying them.
How to Choose the Best Keratin Shampoo with Sulfate-free Formulas?
Keratin-treated hair requires a lot more care to help maintain its softness and shine. Picking the highest-rated or pricier product isn’t the way to go about it. To make sure you pick the best keratin shampoo with a sulfate-free formula, you need to consider a few key factors to make an informed decision.
Hair Type:
When it comes to hair products, the first thing to consider is which hair type it is designed for. Be it dry, oily, curly, color-treated, or chemically treated, each hair requires a specific set of ingredients to show efficacy. Even with the best keratin shampoo with a sulfate-free formula, each product addresses specific hair concerns and hair types. If you have chemically treated or colored hair, check if the keratin shampoo is safe for such hair. In short, inspect the hair type suitability before choosing a shampoo.
Ingredients:
When choosing a keratin shampoo most people opt for a sulfate-free formula. However, sulfate is not the only chemical that might have hair damaging effects. Ideally, you should also avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, alcohol, and even formaldehyde, or artificial dyes. These can strip off the hair’s natural oils and lead to a lot of damage and dryness.
Always look for ingredients that have nourishing properties. Pick the ones with argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, or the ones formulated with plant-based proteins. These help in promoting healthy hair and scalp boosts hair growth, and enhances hair texture. It is, however, best to pick a formula that is enriched with plant-derived or natural components to ensure it is free from harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients, and adulterants.
Pro Tip
Use sulfate-free keratin shampoo to revive your hair. Gently lather and focus on roots. Rinse well for stronger, smoother locks. Repeat 2-3 times a week for best results.
Formula:
After the ingredients, the next thing to check in a sulfate-free shampoo for keratin treated hair is its benefits. Remember, you must pick a formula that matches and aligns with your desired results. While most keratin shampoos help in eliminating split ends, and hair manageability, you must pick a formula that does more to your hair. It should have other benefits like reducing frizz, improving elasticity, repairing damaged hair, increasing shine, and boosting healthy hair growth. It must also enhance your hair texture, strengthen, and boost volume. Make sure that the formula lathers richly to avoid hair tugging and breakage during hair wash. Along with this, ensure that the formula provides gentle cleansing, it should be mild but thorough.
Brands and Budget:
It is a common misbelief that the higher the price; the better the product. One must never go with such logic and instead focus on factors like ingredients and formulation to determine if the product is worth investing in. Look for a reputed brand that specializes in hair care and has positive product reviews. If you are still skeptical about a product, it is best to invest in a smaller size or a travel-size sample to test out its effectiveness and how your hair and scalp react to it. Through our trial and error, we discovered that, what might work for one, might not work for the others. So, make sure you look through the ingredient list and then pick a product.
After making sure you pick the best keratin shampoo with a sulfate-free formula, it is important to know how to use the shampoo correctly for maximum effectiveness.
How To Use the Keratin Shampoo Sulfate-Free?
To get the most out of the best shampoo after a keratin treatment, it is important to use it correctly. Here are a few general steps that you need to follow to make your hair lustrous and shiny:
Step 1: Start by dampening your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure that your hair is completely wet from roots to tips.
Step 2: Take a generous amount (depending on the length of your hair) of your sulfate-free keratin shampoo on your palm and distribute it evenly through your hair. Focus on the roots and scalp and work your way down towards the tips.
Step 3: Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips and cleanse it thoroughly to eliminate build-up. It is best to massage the shampoo into your scalp in circular motions as it helps to stimulate the scalp and improve blood circulation.
Step 4 (Optional): Some keratin shampoos have specific instructions to leave the product on for a couple of minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate in your hair shafts for optimum benefits. So, if your shampoo has such instructions, it is best to leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing.
Step 5: After massaging and lathering it up, it's time to rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly. Make sure that no shampoo residue remains in your hair, as it can weigh it down and make it appear greasy or oily.
Step 6 (Recommended): To get optimal results for your hair, it is always recommended to use a suitable (preferably keratin-based) conditioner after shampooing. Apply the conditioner from the mid-length of your hair and work it toward the tips. Avoid the scalp area and leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off thoroughly.
Step 7: After rinsing, gently squeeze out the excess water from your hair. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, as it can lead to a lot of friction and may also cause frizz. Instead, grab a soft microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt and pat down your hair. Then proceed with your usual styling routine.
Conclusion
Keratin is an important element for your hair as it helps in improving the overall hair health and strengthens it. The above recommended list of best keratin shampoo with a sulfate-free formula are sure to work wonders on your tresses. They target damaged, dry, and brittle hair, and help in bestowing you with manageable gorgeous hair. Most of these keratin shampoos are designed for all hair types, and make sure to enhance hair texture and quality. From mild formulas to intensely hydrating and damage repairing formulas, the list has it all! We recommend you to go through the key factors and pick a keratin shampoo that helps in boosting volume, provides intense hydration, and strengthens and enhances your hair like never before. Happy shopping!
FAQ's
Should You Use Keratin Sulfate-free Shampoo Daily?
Although one must not wash their hair every day unless it is very oil or is recommended so by a trichologist or dermatologist. However, if you must, keratin sulfate-free shampoo formulas are gentle cleansers and are perfectly safe for daily use.
Are Keratin Sulfate-free Shampoos Good for Keratin-Treated Hair?
Yes, a keratin sulfate-free shampoo probably works the best for keratin-treated hair.
Is Keratin Bad for Curly Hair?
Absolutely not. Keratin is completely safe for curly hair as they help in eliminating frizz, and dryness and cater to adding natural bounce and definition to your curls.
Does Keratin Shampoo Help Hair Grow?
Yes, keratin shampoos are known to help rebuild hair structure which aids in boosting healthy hair growth.
Does Keratin Sulfate-free Shampoo Straighten Hair?
Yes, keratin shampoos are known to help rebuild hair structure which aids in boosting healthy hair growth.
Does Keratin Sulfate-free Shampoo Straighten Hair?
No, keratin shampoos do not necessarily help in straightening your hair. They simply help in making your hair more manageable, soft, and shiny. The keratin sulfate-free shampoos cater to strengthening and enhancing your hair texture and reducing frizz.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Haircare expert Alvira struggled with unmanageable, frizzy hair due to the continuous use of the wrong shampoos. She made the switch to using the best keratin shampoos that boast a sulfate-free formula sans any parabens. With regular use of the right shampoo, she soon began flaunting frizz-free hair with zero signs of dryness, damage or split ends. Pamper your hair with these fuss-free formulas that guarantee a thicker, healthier mane.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sbXNpK2ipJyWe6S7zGiqnqSVmMFwrsSsq2ajlaeutbXNZqqhmZ2lvLB50q6jn5mkmnqnvsSeZGpqYmiCcoQ%3D