10 Beauty Contessa-approved Sulfate-free Shampoos and Conditioners after a Brazilian Blowout

Brazilian blowout is one of the most suggested salon professional treatments in repairing and smoothening damaged and chemically treated hair. It usually lasts for about 8-12 weeks, and may extend its longevity depending on your aftercare. So, if you just had a Brazilian blowout, or have plans of getting one, you might as well read on because truly, maintaining a keratin-treated hair is a different story.

Keratin-treated hair maintenance may include avoiding sodium and sulfate rich products (even waters! sadly, that includes swimming pools and beaches too!) These harsh surfactants tend to break down keratin from your hair easily making it frizzy and unmanageable - and that's the last thing we want to happen after getting a blowout! Deep conditioning your hair once every week contribute to the silkiness and moisture of your hair as well. However, the best option to maintain your post blowout hair is to use the right sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

Sulfates in regular shampoos and conditioners are harsh cleansing agents that ought to remove not only chemicals and dirt, but also hair proteins like keratin. Also, the foamy suds and lathering effect of these agents strip off natural oils making hair dry and brittle if frequently used - and that's a no no! So if you want to optimize the health of your post-blowout hair watch out for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ammonium laureate sulfate (ALS), and sodium cocyl taurate on the labels of the products that you use.

Sulfate-free hair products are known to be tough in cleaning hair but gentle enough not to remove essential oils and hair proteins. Good thing there are so many sulfate-free hair shampoos and conditioners available in the market depending on your post-blowout hair type. My advise, choose wisely to see what suits you best because not all sulfate-free products are good for post blowout hair. We are aiming for sulfate-free products that not only lengthens longevity of your post blowout hair, but also boosts nourishment and hair repair without causing scalp irritations and hair damage like itchiness, redness, hair fall, dandruff and dry hair.

Here's a list of the 10 Beauty Contessa-approved sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that you can check out after getting a Brazilian blowout (with no particular order):

1. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Hail to the two of the known salon professional post-blowout aftercare - the Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner, respectively. I have personally used these products and let me tell you, it's good investment!

Definitely, the Olaplex No. 4 is one highly nourishing reparative bond maintenance shampoo that repairs and protects your tresses from being damaged further, from split ends and even from frizz. Basically, the magic of repairing hair is within every strand by making a bridge to connect broken hair bonds. And with Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, your hair is protected keeping it smooth and relatively soft especially after a Brazilian blowout. The Olaplex Patented System is heaven-sent not only for post-blowout hair but also to damaged hair, color treated hair and split ends. And, with just small amount, it lathers up so well already.

There are some cases that Olaplex No. 4 makes hair a little bit straw-like and hard to comb through. That's why this is best partnered with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner for the moisturization of your hair. What's more good about it, as it leaves your hair moist, it makes it shiny, smooth and resilient as well. Additionally, application starts from the scalp down to the tips.

However, these two might not be too helpful for people with post-blowout bleached hair for it leaves the scalp quite dry that it may cause itchiness. This is a bit contradictory with Olaplex Nos 1-3 which are perfectly good for bleached hair. Maybe because, despite these products have the longest ingredients list in the Olaplex collection, the active ingredients in Olaplex Nos 4 & 5 are 10% low compared to Olaplex Nos 1 to 3 - branding the shampoo and conditioner just 'maintenance'.

Overall, Olaplex Nos 4 & 5 combination is a match made in heaven for your post-blowout hair with exemptions. It might be pricey but I assure you, these small bottles come with big impact!

Let me tell you...

When checking the label, no need to fear the ingredients that says ''sodium laureth sulfosuccinate'. They are not sulfates, hence, they just sound like one. These are common surfactants in products with greener and natural formulas derived from palm oil or coconut oil that's responsible for greasing, foaming and emulsifying. The molecules of these ingredients are too large to penetrate the skin. Thus, they are extremely gentle to the skin even at higher concentration.

Recommended hair type: All post blowout hair types

Active ingredient: Olaplex Patented System

Where to buy: https://www.sephora.ph/ , https://www.hairmnl.com/ and selected leading salons, and other legit online stores

Best price in the market: P2,300/250ml

Impression: SALON PROFESSIONAL, IN ALL CAPS.

2. Brazilian Blowout Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner

If you're rooting for the ultimate salon professional product, your search is over. Coming in a new label and formulation, the Brazilian Blowout Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner is now better than ever - expanding its hair care capabilities from post-blowout hair to color treated hair. It's paraben-free, gluten-free and not tested on animals.

After getting the One and Only Original Brazilian Blowout in your favorite salon (*coughs Beauty Contessa), complete the total hair care deal with the Brazilian Blowout Acai Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner at home. The sulfate-free cleansing system of these products maintain the vital moisture and protein balance needed for radiant frizz-free hair. The exclusive Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex infuses the hair with a rich source of amino acids to help strengthen while locking in moisture and locking out humidity. So as soon as the Brazilian blowout locks in keratin in your hair, the infused hair proteins and hydrolyzed keratin locks in moisture when used as maintenance. Along with the indicated ingredients, the blend of natural antioxidants that conditions your hair cuticle ensures that every time you wash, condition, and style your hair, you'll also give it a healthy boost of nutrients that compliment your smoothing treatment while adding shine and flexibility. The smell is quite odd but surely, these products deliver. Nothing but love and life for your hair!

Recommendable hair type: All post blowout hair types, especially color-treated hair

Active ingredient: Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex

Where to buy: Selected leading salons, https://www.hairmnl.com/, https://www.brazilianblowout.com/products/acai-anti-frizz/

Best price in the market: P2100/350ml

Impression: Expensive but divine! SALON PROFESSIONAL, I repeat! SALON PROFESSIONAL.

3. Kerastase Bain Fluidéaliste Sulfate Free Shampoo

IT'S KERASTASE! Why are you not surprised? For the 1st time, Kérastase Discipline defies rigidity. Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidéaliste Sulfate Free Shampoo is a smooth-in-motion sulfate free shampoo that has an ultra-gentle formula designed to tame hair in need of manageability. It is ideal for very sensitized, color-treated or chemically-treated hair and post blowout hair. This new ideal of perfection makes today's women of different hair types take control of their hair to give it life even after a Brazilian blowout.

If you check their website, Kérastase has been very clever with words in marketing their products. Hence, Kérastase has been a trusted salon professional hair care that you can bring home since 1960s. Its Morpho-Constituing Agents and Surface-Morphing Polymers restore the hair fiber’s homogeneity and coat the fiber to provide manageability and anti-frizz protection. The Surface Perfector ingredients of this product make the hair smooth, soft and easy to detangle. It also has High Precision care agent for hair restoration with a natural touch that has a weightless effect.

On the other hand, some claims that this does not leave your hair squeaky, though it really smoothen your tresses. It makes the hair nice, soft, smooth and shiny; even without the application of any conditioner. The shampoo itself is pearlescent, thick and creamy, and unlike most other sulfate free shampoos it actually lathers up quite easily. There are also claims that the floral scent doesn't last too long.

Recommendable hair type: All post blowout hair types

Active ingredient: Morpho-Kératine™ Complex

Where to buy: Most leading hair salons, https://www.hairmnl.com/products/kerastase-discipline-fluidealiste-shampoo-250ml , https://www.zalora.com.ph/kerastase-kerastase-discipline-bain-fluidealiste-smooth-in-motion-sulfate-free-shampoo-for-unruly-over-processed-hair-new-packaging-250ml-8-5oz-n-a-1881431.html

Best price in the market: P1750/250 ml

Impression: Trusted and guaranteed effective from my grandmother to me :)

4. Herbal Essences Potent Aloe + Hemp Shampoo and Conditioner

Say hello to ALOE! Herbal Essences has a long line of good-smelling sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, however, the Herbal Essences Potent Aloe + Hemp Shampoo and Conditioner stood out for post-blowout types of hair.

Harnessing the power of plants, this sulfate-free duo nourishes dry hair as it increase manageability, suppleness, and shine thereby leaving your hair hydrated and silky soft while controlling the frizz factor. The potent aloe in every bottle provides powerful moisture to post blowout hair. It is mindfully created as sulfate free, paraben free, colorant free and certified cruelty free by PETA too.

They're made with real botanicals that are endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a world leading expert on plant science. It's like how Powerpuff Girls were made - sugar, spice and everything nice (sugar, salts in multiple forms and plant extracts that is!). Have I mentioned cannabis sativa is also included in the ingredients? Nice.

But if you are sensitive with overpowering scent, the fragrance of coconut lime with aloe might be too strong for you. There are also claims that it lathers so much, and there's nothing really extraordinary. Some say it is not best for persons with sensitive scalp.

Recommendable hair type: All post blowout hair types, but not for sensitive scalp

Active ingredient: Potent Aloe

Where to buy: https://herbalessences.com/en-us/our-products/aloe/hemp-potent-aloe-sulfate-free-shampoo/ , Selected Watsons stores, Proctor and Gamble Official Stores

Best price in the market: P798/400ml

Impression: Hard to find, most commonly available in the US.

5. Alfaparf Keratin Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner

The de-frizzing process is more popular than ever, so keep the straight hair talking with Alfaparf's progressive keratin smoothing home care! This product is not just sulfate-free, it's also paraben-free and salt-free.

The Lisse Design Keratin Therapy Shampoo support the lasting effects of your salon treatment to give you a manageable, smooth hair. While the Lisse Design Keratin Therapy Conditioner nourishes and moisturizes your keratin-treated hair. Formulated and enriched with Keratin-Collagen complex, these products keeps your hair smooth after a Brazilian blowout. They also contain Babassu Oil which has extraordinary moisturizing properties that leaves hair soft, silky and shiny. The hydrolyzed collagen and keratin ensures hair restoration making your hair strong preventing hair breakage and hair fall. These specially formulated products have a pleasant fragrance of cocoa butter with vanilla. Both products are best used together (even daily) to prevent dryness and frizz in humidity, especially in a tropical country we have.

Recommendable hair type: All post blowout hair type, thinning hair or hair fall

Active ingredient: Keratin-Collagen Complex

Where to buy: most leading salons, https://www.zalora.com.ph/alfaparf-alfaparf-lisse-design-keratin-therapy-deep-cleansing-shampoo-500ml-16-91oz-n-a-1835343.html

Best price in the market:P1,838/500 ml

Impression: Consistent and progressive forms of salon professional hair smoothening aftercare

6. L’Oreal Ever Sleek Sulfate-Free Keratin Caring Shampoo and Conditioner

The Ever Sleek Keratin Caring Shampoo and Conditioner by L’Oreal is one of the most affordable and readily available sulfate-free and silicone-free product in the market.

It is infused with sunflower oil to protect your hair from harsh sun rays. Also, it has sodium chloride, but no further harsh salts as they claim to balance the texture and moisture of hair making it suitable for all post blowout hair types. However, some find it too liquidy (if that's a word) and not too foamy. It's sulfate-free so it's supposed to be foamy. Also, the particles of these products separate when exposed to colder temperatures, so it has to be shaken well before use.

Recommendable hair type: All hair types

Where to buy: Watsons, SM Beauty, Selected grocery stores, SnR, https://www.lorealparis.com.ph/products/hair-care/shampoo/eversleek-keratin-caring-shampoo-250ml/

Best price in the market: P350/250 ml

Impression: Very affordable, readily available and it's L'Oreal!

7. Davines Dede/Shampoo and Conditioner

Davines products have been known as eco-friendly, organic and safe for use. The Dede Shampoo and Conditioner are characterized by a soft foam, formulated to gently cleanse the hair making it light and shiny ideal for post blowout medium fine and fine hair type.

The natural active ingredients such as Orbassano Red Celery extract and Slow Food Presidium aids in nourishing and cleansing hair safely. These products are also rich in mineral salts that has a re-mineralizing effect on the hair. This could be the reason why it causes greasiness when it's used too much.

Recommendable hair type: Post blowout medium fine to fine hair type, too much sun exposure hair types

Active ingredient: Orbassano Red Celery extract, and Slow Food Presidium

Where to buy: Selected leading salons, https://www.hairmnl.com/products/davines-essentials-dede-shampoo-delicate-daily-shampoo-for-all-hair-types

Best price in the market: P1,090/250ml

Impression: Should be used at least 3-4 times a week.

8. Lakme Teknia Organic Balance Shampoo

Nothing lacks Lakme Teknia Organic Balance Shampoo! Having it known, it's vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, and colorants-free, it's also silicone-free.

This product is definitely one of the underrated shampoos available in the market. And after reading this, I'm sure it's really worth giving a try. Lakme Teknia Organic Balance Shampoo is a hydra shampoo, formulated without sulfates, with 93% naturally derived ingredients, for a gentle wash and daily use.

The main focus and best feature of this product is hydrating your hair after a post blowout treatment. I do not know about the their sea but this product claims that it is proudly enriched with spring sea water from Brittany! Actually, the spring sea water is pumped from a natural reservoir near the coast of North Brittany, France more than 22 meters below ground. The salt is removed as the sea water percolates through the rock, leaving the water naturally rich in minerals and trace elements. That makes Lakme Teknia Organic Balance Shampoo contain a high mineral content that adds moisture and keeps your hair looking healthy. Oh yes, there's beauty in water.

The active ingredient, green emollient derived from plants, ensures protection on your scalp from irritations and hair growth too. As for the scent, expect a fragrance of sparkling orange with splashes of ginger essential oil. It's all vegan goodness for hair in a bottle, and I guess, it's really worth a try!

Recommendable hair type: All hair types

Active ingredient: Sea water from Brittany (rich in minerals and trace elements) and Green emollient, derived from plants.

Where to buy: Leading salons, https://simplybeauty.ph/products/lakme-teknia-organic-balance-shampoo , https://www.hairmnl.com/products/lakme-teknia-organic-balance-shampoo-300ml

Best price in the market: P1,020/300ml

Impression: A good moisturizing hair shampoo for dry post blowout hair

9. Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo

As they say, start with a Brazilian blowout and end with Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo for a smooth finish. Formulated with the proprietary Amino Renew ingredient, this product strengthens and smoothens hair by replenishing amino acids while realigning hair's keratin structure. This product is free from parabens and phthalates as well.

It has glycerin as a natural humectant providing hair moisturizing benefits. It is also infused with Argan butter blended from Argan oil as a natural emollient and conditioning agent - known of its high content in natural tocopherols ( Vitamin E), phenols, carotenes and essential fatty acids leaving post blowout hair soft, nourished and shiny.

As for the fragrance, you'll get to appreciate the Moroccanoil signature scent - an exotic blend of spicy amber and sweet warm florals. This product doesn't lather so much, that's because of the absence of sulfate and no other replacement to cause too much foaming or emulsification. Some claims that the hair may feel heavy and coated, but that's just the main mechanism of the product which causes the hair to smoothen longer after a blowout.

Recommendable hair type: All post blowout hair types

Active ingredient: AMINORENEW™

Where to buy: https://www.sephora.ph/products/moroccanoil-smoothing-shampoo/v/250ml

Best price in the market: P1,680/250ml

Impression: Luxury in a bottle

10. L'Occitane Aromachologie Gentle and Balance Micellar Shampoo

If there's another underrated sulfate-free shampoo, that's L'Occitane Aromachologie Gentle and Balance Micellar Shampoo. It is ideal for all hair types and for daily use. With its micellar technology, it claims that it could cleanse and wash away dirt, grist, pollution and excess oils while protecting and maintaining scalp natural balance.

Additionally, this product is enriched with essential oils of Lemon, Orange, Rosemary, Chamomile and PDO Lavender, making it light, and fluid. It offers a unique sensorial experience, wherein the exquisite fragrance awakens the senses. I haven't tried this product, and I never saw any bad reviews (as of writing this) regarding L'Occitane Aromachologie Gentle and Balance Micellar Shampoo. I find everything in the ingredients list gentle and mild for use for post blowout hair and even for sensitive scalp. Most ingredients like Capryl Glucoside are plant derived, organic and water-soluble. Indeed, four thumbs up to L'Occitane!

Recommendable hair type: All hair types

Active ingredient: PDO Lavender Essential Oil and other Essential oils

Where to buy: L'Occitane en Provence stores, Rustans

Best price in the market: P1,150/300ml; P1,750/500ml

Impression: Underrated good sulfate-free shampoo for post blowout hair with extremely nice fragrance

OH BEFORE YOU GO!

1. You might feel different when using sulfate-free shampoos. It is normal because sulfate-free shampoos are not as bubbly as the regular ones. Rest assured, it still cleanses your hair despite it's not squeaky or does not lather up so much.

2. Just a disclaimer! I am a freelance product review writer and at the same time, a salon owner too. I am not affiliated with certain brands, websites or stores. I just review the products accordingly to provide you choices, where to get them and how much they could possibly be.

3. Indicated suggested price may vary depending on the supplier/seller. You could also buy from other stores or online that I did not mention, as long as you are sure of its legitimacy.

4. The usage and effects of the sulfate-free products may be different from every person. Daily usage may be suitable for some, and 2-3 times a week would work out for others. Alternate use of hydrating shampoos and sulfate-free products sometimes works well too. There are more sulfate-free products in the market, I might review them anytime soon on my next blog. :)