Is Mild Shampoo Good For Your Hair?

When it comes to choosing a shampoo, we’re used to seeing phrases  like deep moisturizing, dandruff-free, or “made for color-treated hair.” So even though the buzz about mild shampoo has been bubbling up in the hair care world recently, it still may be new to you. Whether you’ve seen it on a drugstore shelf or had it recommended by your hairstylist, getting the facts behind mild shampoo is important before you try it on your tresses.  So we’re sharing what you need to know about mild shampoo and whether it’s a good shampoo choice for your hair.

What Is Mild Shampoo?

Mild shampoo refers to a shampoo formula that’s gentle and doesn’t contain harsh surfactants, an anionic surface-active agent commonly used in cosmetics. Similar to a clarifying shampoo, it’s used to provide a light cleansing compared to regular or deep shampoos. Most mild shampoos have sulfate-free formulas. 

Editor’s note: Sulfates are detergents that create a lathering effect in shampoo formulas—hence all the suds when you wash your hair.

Is Mild Shampoo Good For Hair?

A mild shampoo is perfectly fine for your hair, as long as you aren’t looking for a deep cleanse. The gentle formula won’t strip away essential oils and won’t dry out your strands which is a wise pick for those with dry, damaged, or dehydrated hair. However, if your hair has lots of oil and buildup, it might not be the best plan. Opt for a mild shampoo most of the time and occasionally reach for a clarifying formula to deep clean your strands.

Can You Use Mild Shampoo If You Have Color-Treated Hair?

With colored hair, it’s essential not to treat your mane too harsh, which includes using a shampoo that could fade your color. Mild shampoos can be a good fit since they offer a light wash with formulas that are safe for color-treated hair. Similarly, mild shampoo may be a fit for chemically-treated hair—but you’ll want to make sure that’s true of the particular formula you’re using.

The Right Mild Shampoo Formulas From Your Hair

Different shampoos suit different needs and different hair types but there are a number of gentle, sulfate-free mild shampoo formulas that work with all sorts of strands. Choose the best shampoo (and coordinating conditioner) for you based on your needs and your hair—its type, color, and the chemical processes it’s undergone.

For dry hair: Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo. This shampoo is especially gentle and can help replenish hair with essential moisture and luminous shine. Follow it with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Conditioner.

For damaged and color-treated hair: Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo, which can be paired with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner and. This system strengthens hair inside and out by reinforcing weak hair bonds leaving hair soft & smooth, while protected from future damage.

For color-treated blonde hair: Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Blonde Shampoo. This shampoo for blondes will help balance your hair color and hydrate over-processed hair. Use it with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Blonde Conditioner.

For chemically-treated hair: Try the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo, which repairs, smooths, and improves the overall texture of hair for a salon-quality finish. Pair it with the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner to truly care for chemically-treated hair.

Next: How Often Should You Use a Hair Mask?

Written by: Lauren Paige Richeson, Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris