Collection: Vegan Shampoo

Every hair type benefits from switching to sulfate free shampoos, but the best formula depends on your specific needs.

Curly hair: Sulphate-free cleansing preserves your hair's natural oils, which are essential for maintaining curl definition and reducing frizz. Silicone-free formulas prevent the buildup that weighs curls down and dulls their shape. Look for moisturising ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera that enhance bounce and definition without heaviness.

Fine hair: Gentle surfactants cleanse without stripping, leaving fine strands looking fuller rather than flat. Plant-based proteins from rice and bamboo add body and volume without weighing hair down. Silicone-free formulas are especially important for fine hair, as silicone buildup quickly makes thin strands look limp and greasy.

Thick hair: Dense, coarse hair needs deep moisturisation that sulphate-based shampoos strip away. A sulphate-free formula with argan oil, coconut oil, and plant-based keratin keeps thick hair manageable, hydrated, and frizz-free, even in humid Australian conditions.

Colour-treated hair: Sulphates open the hair cuticle and strip colour molecules, causing colour to fade faster. Switching to a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner can extend colour vibrancy by up to 40% compared to traditional shampoos. Gentle cleansing preserves both the colour and the hair's structural integrity.

Oily hair: It may seem counterintuitive, but sulphate-free shampoo can help regulate oil production over time. Sulphates over-strip the scalp, triggering rebound oiliness as your scalp overcompensates. After a 2 to 4 week transition period, most people notice their scalp producing less excess oil.

Dry or damaged hair: The right moisture balance is essential for restoring dry, damaged strands. Harsh sulphates strip the scalp's protective moisture barrier, worsening dryness and brittleness. A sulphate-free formula preserves natural oils while hydrating with ingredients like kakadu plum, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Ideal for hair damaged by sun, heat, chemical treatments, or hard water.

Sensitive scalp: Dermatologists specifically recommend sulfate free shampoos for people with scalp sensitivities, eczema, or dermatitis. Gentle surfactants like coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside cleanse without triggering irritation, redness, or flaking. Our formulas are pregnancy-safe and hypoallergenic, making them a safe choice for even the most reactive scalps.

Frizz and flyaways: Sulphates strip the natural oils that keep the hair cuticle sealed and smooth. By retaining these oils, a sulphate-free formula helps control frizz, especially in Australia's humid coastal climate. Silicone-free formulas allow natural smoothness without the weight of synthetic coatings. For those living in coastal areas, the combination of salt air and humidity makes frizz management particularly important.

Colour fading: If your colour fades quickly, sulphates may be to blame. A shampoo conditioner without sulfate protects colour molecules by cleansing gently without opening the hair cuticle. Pair with a colour-safe conditioner for maximum vibrancy.

Product buildup and heavy hair: Silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone) coat the hair with a waterproof layer that accumulates over time, making hair feel heavy, dull, and difficult to style. Sulfate free shampoos paired with silicone-free conditioners keep hair light, bouncy, and free from buildup. If you have been using silicone-based products, a clarifying wash followed by a consistent sulphate-free routine can restore your hair's natural movement and shine.

Dryness and brittleness: Sulphate-based shampoos strip moisture from the hair shaft, leaving strands brittle and prone to breakage. Sulphate-free formulas with plant-based moisturisers like jojoba, argan, and coconut oil restore hydration and elasticity.

Hard water damage: Australian water is among the hardest in the world, depositing calcium and magnesium on the scalp and hair. Sulphate-free shampoos work better with mineral-heavy water because gentle surfactants do not react as harshly with mineral deposits, reducing further dryness and damage.

Sulphate-free: Our formulas replace harsh SLS and SLES with gentle, plant-derived surfactants like coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside. These clean effectively without stripping the scalp's natural moisture barrier or irritating sensitive skin.

Silicone-free: No dimethicone, cyclomethicone, or any ingredient ending in "-cone". Your hair gets genuine hydration and nourishment rather than a temporary synthetic coating that builds up over time.

Paraben-free: No methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben. Our formulas use naturally-derived preservatives that keep products fresh without the concerns associated with parabens.

Natural surfactants: Coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside are derived from coconut and sugar. They produce a gentle, effective cleanse that respects your scalp's pH balance and moisture barrier. While traditional shampoos rely on sulphates to create thick lather, these plant-derived surfactants clean just as effectively without the harshness. Even though the shampoo lathers less than conventional products, the cleansing action is thorough and leaves hair feeling genuinely clean rather than stripped.

Plant-based proteins: Hydrolysed rice protein, quinoa protein, and soy protein penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen and repair, delivering results comparable to animal-derived keratin and collagen. 100% vegan.

Australian botanicals: Our formulas feature native Australian superfruits including Kakadu Plum (the world's highest natural source of vitamin C), Lemon Myrtle (antimicrobial and antifungal), and Davidson Plum (rich in antioxidants). These ingredients are sustainably sourced and uniquely suited to protecting hair from Australia's harsh environmental conditions.

Curly and coily hair types are naturally drier because the shape of the hair strand makes it harder for natural scalp oils to travel down the shaft. Sulphate-based shampoos exacerbate this by stripping the limited oils that do reach the lengths. A sulfate free shampoo and conditioner preserves these essential oils, keeping curls hydrated, defined, and bouncy. Look for formulas with jojoba oil and aloe vera that enhance curl pattern without weighing hair down. Silicone-free formulas are equally important, as silicone buildup dulls curl definition and creates a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.

Fine hair is particularly vulnerable to product buildup because each strand has less surface area to distribute oils and products. Sulfate free shampoos with lightweight plant-based proteins like rice protein and bamboo extract add body and volume without weighing strands down. Silicone-free formulas are essential for fine hair, as even a small amount of silicone buildup can make thin strands look limp, flat, and greasy. A gentle, thorough cleanse leaves fine hair looking fuller and more voluminous.

Colour-treated hair requires special attention because the colouring process opens the hair cuticle, making it more porous and vulnerable to damage. Sulphates open the cuticle further during cleansing, allowing colour molecules to wash out. A shampoo conditioner without sulfate cleanses gently without lifting the cuticle, helping colour vibrancy last up to 40% longer. Our formulas include quinoa protein, which helps lock in hair colour and prevent fading, along with antioxidant-rich Kakadu Plum that protects against UV colour degradation.

It may seem counterintuitive, but sulfate free shampoos can help regulate oil production over time. Sulphates over-strip the scalp, triggering a rebound effect where your sebaceous glands overproduce oil to compensate. After a 2 to 4 week transition period, most people notice their scalp producing less excess oil and their hair staying cleaner for longer between washes. For combination hair with oily roots and dry ends, focus the cleanse on the scalp and let the lather rinse through the lengths without scrubbing.

Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water (never hot, which strips moisture and irritates the scalp). Apply a generous amount of sulphate-free shampoo directly to the scalp and massage gently with your fingertips for 1 to 2 minutes. Focus on the scalp rather than the lengths, as the scalp is where cleansing matters most. Let the lather rinse through the lengths without scrubbing. You may notice less foam than you are used to. This is completely normal, as lather is produced by sulphates and is not an indicator of cleansing effectiveness. For a thorough clean, try double-washing: a quick first wash to remove surface dirt, followed by a second wash to deeply cleanse the scalp.

Apply a sulfate free conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends only. Avoid the scalp, as conditioner can weigh down roots and cause buildup, especially on fine hair. Leave the conditioner on for 2 to 3 minutes to allow plant-based proteins and moisturising ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle while the conditioner is in, as wet hair is at its most fragile. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.

If you are switching from a sulphate-based shampoo, expect a transition period of approximately 2 to 4 weeks (around 6 washes). During this time, your scalp is recalibrating its oil production. Sulphates have been over-stripping your scalp, causing it to overproduce sebum to compensate. Once your scalp adjusts to gentler cleansing, oil production normalises and your hair will feel cleaner for longer between washes. During the transition, avoid the temptation to wash more frequently. Use a dry shampoo between washes if needed, and be patient with the process.

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Once a week, apply a targeted scalp treatment or serum containing ingredients like niacinamide, rosemary oil, or tea tree oil. These help reduce inflammation, clear buildup from follicles, and maintain the optimal environment for hair growth. Gently massage the treatment into your scalp for 2 to 3 minutes to boost circulation. This is especially important in hard water areas where mineral deposits can accumulate on the scalp even with sulphate-free cleansing.

In Australia's harsh climate, protecting your hair from environmental damage is essential. Apply a heat protectant before using any styling tools. When spending time outdoors, wear a hat or use a UV-protective spray to shield your hair from sun damage. After swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools, rinse your hair immediately and follow with a sulphate-free cleanse and deep conditioner. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage overnight. These small habits make a significant difference in maintaining the health and softness that sulphate-free cleansing provides.

Reality: Sulphate-free shampoo uses alternative surfactants like coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside that effectively remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. These plant-derived cleansing agents work differently from sulphates but are equally effective at keeping hair and scalp clean. Less lather does not mean less cleaning power. If you feel your first wash is not sufficient, try double-washing: a quick first wash to break down surface buildup, followed by a more thorough second wash.

Reality: The rich, foamy lather we associate with "clean" hair is simply a reaction between sulphates, water, and air. It is cosmetically satisfying but functionally unnecessary for cleansing. Modern plant-derived surfactants clean just as effectively without the foaming action. Many people who switch to sulphate-free shampoo actually find their hair feels cleaner for longer, as their scalp is no longer being stripped and overcompensating with excess oil.

Reality: There is a temporary transition period of approximately 2 to 4 weeks when switching from sulphate-based to sulphate-free shampoo. During this time, your scalp is adjusting its oil production after years of being over-stripped. This is temporary and resolves once the scalp recalibrates. After the transition, most people find their hair stays cleaner for longer and requires fewer washes per week. If oiliness is a concern during the transition, use a dry shampoo between washes.

Reality: Plant-based proteins like hydrolysed rice protein, quinoa protein, and soy protein provide comparable strengthening and conditioning benefits to animal-derived keratin, collagen, and silk. Plant-derived keratin has been shown to penetrate the hair shaft and provide structural reinforcement similar to animal-sourced alternatives. The source of the protein does not determine its effectiveness. What matters is the formulation, concentration, and how well ingredients work together.

Reality: Vegan refers to ingredients: no animal-derived components such as keratin (animal), lanolin, beeswax, silk, collagen (animal), or stearic acid (animal). Cruelty-free refers to testing: the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals. A product can be vegan but not cruelty-free, or cruelty-free but not vegan. The best products, like our vegan shampoo range, are both. Look for recognised certifications like Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Choose Cruelty Free to verify claims.

Reality: Dermatologists and the American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommend sulphate-free shampoos for people with eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. The science behind gentler cleansing is well-established. Sulphates disrupt the scalp's moisture barrier, irritate sensitive skin, strip colour-treated hair, and contribute to frizz by removing protective natural oils. Switching to sulphate-free is an evidence-based decision, not a fad. Australia's clean beauty market is growing at over 15% annually precisely because consumers are seeing real results.

Regular shampoo: Uses sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) as the primary cleansing agent. These sulphates create rich lather but strip the scalp's natural oils, disrupt the moisture barrier, and can irritate sensitive skin.

Sulphate-free shampoo: Uses plant-derived surfactants like coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside. These cleanse effectively without over-stripping, preserving the scalp's natural oil balance. Less lather does not mean less cleaning power.

Regular shampoo: Frequent use of sulphates can lead to scalp dryness, irritation, and rebound oiliness. Over-stripping triggers the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, creating a cycle of excessive oiliness and frequent washing.

Sulphate-free shampoo: Gentle cleansing allows the scalp to maintain its natural pH and moisture balance. Over time, oil production normalises, and many people find they can go longer between washes. Soothing botanical ingredients actively support scalp health.

Regular shampoo: Sulphates open the hair cuticle during cleansing, allowing colour molecules to wash out. This causes colour-treated hair to fade significantly faster, often requiring more frequent salon visits.

Sulphate-free shampoo: Gentle surfactants cleanse without lifting the cuticle, helping colour last up to 40% longer. A sulfate free shampoo and conditioner set is one of the most effective ways to protect your colour investment.

Regular shampoo: Sulphates and silicones wash down the drain and can persist in waterways. Animal-derived ingredients contribute to industrial farming practices. Synthetic additives may not biodegrade readily.

Vegan sulphate-free shampoo: Plant-derived ingredients are biodegradable and gentler on aquatic ecosystems. No animal-derived ingredients means no contribution to animal agriculture. Our recyclable packaging and Australian manufacturing further reduce the environmental footprint of your hair care routine.

Sulphate-free shampoo replaces harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) with gentler, plant-derived surfactants such as coco-glucoside and decyl glucoside. Sulphates are effective cleaners but can be unnecessarily aggressive, stripping the scalp of its natural oils, disrupting the moisture barrier, irritating sensitive skin, and fading hair colour.

A sulphate-free shampoo cleanses effectively while preserving the scalp's natural balance. This is particularly important in Australia, where hard water, intense UV, and dry climate already stress the hair and scalp. Switching to sulphate-free can reduce scalp irritation, extend colour vibrancy, control frizz, and leave hair feeling softer and more hydrated between washes.

Yes. Sulphate-free shampoos use alternative surfactants that effectively remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. The main difference you will notice is less lather, as foam is produced by sulphates reacting with water and air. Less lather does not mean less cleaning power. If you feel your first wash is not thorough enough, double-wash: a quick first wash to lift surface dirt, followed by a more thorough second wash to deep-cleanse the scalp.

Many people who switch to sulfate and silicone free shampoo actually find their hair stays cleaner for longer, because their scalp is no longer being over-stripped and overproducing oil to compensate.

Absolutely. Sulphates open the hair cuticle during cleansing, which allows colour molecules to wash out. This is why colour-treated hair fades faster with regular shampoo. A sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner set cleanses gently without lifting the cuticle, helping colour last up to 40% longer. If you colour your hair, switching to sulphate-free is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to protect your investment.

Some people experience a brief transition period of approximately 2 to 4 weeks when switching from sulphate-based to sulphate-free shampoo. During this time, your scalp is recalibrating its oil production after being over-stripped by sulphates. This is temporary. Once your scalp adjusts, most people find their hair stays cleaner for longer and requires fewer washes per week. During the transition, a dry shampoo between washes can help manage any excess oiliness.

Sulphate-free means the shampoo does not contain harsh detergents (SLS, SLES) that strip the scalp and hair. Silicone-free means the formula does not contain synthetic coatings (dimethicone, cyclomethicone) that build up on the hair over time. Both matter for healthy hair. Sulphates over-cleanse, while silicones create a waterproof layer that prevents genuine moisture from reaching the hair shaft. Our sulfate and silicone free shampoo range avoids both, giving your hair clean, lightweight, genuine nourishment.

A vegan shampoo contains no animal-derived ingredients. Common non-vegan ingredients in haircare include keratin (often sourced from hooves or feathers), lanolin (from sheep's wool), beeswax, silk proteins, collagen (from animal tissue), gelatin, and stearic acid (from animal fat). Our vegan formulas replace these with equally effective plant-based alternatives: rice protein, quinoa protein, soy protein, plant-derived keratin, and botanical extracts. Being vegan does not compromise performance.

No. Vegan refers to ingredients (no animal-derived components), while cruelty-free refers to testing (not tested on animals). A product can be vegan but tested on animals, or cruelty-free but contain animal-derived ingredients like lanolin or beeswax. Kadūra products are both vegan and cruelty-free, meaning we use no animal-derived ingredients and conduct no animal testing at any stage of development or manufacturing.

Yes. Many cases of dandruff and dry scalp are caused or worsened by the irritation that sulphates cause. By switching to a gentler cleanser, you reduce the inflammatory response that triggers flaking and itchiness. Our formulas include soothing ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, and lemon myrtle that calm the scalp and support a healthy moisture balance. If you have persistent dandruff, combining a sulphate-free shampoo with a targeted scalp treatment can be highly effective.

Yes. Our sulphate-free, silicone-free, vegan formulas are pregnancy-safe. We use gentle, plant-derived ingredients without hormonal disruptors, harsh chemicals, or synthetic fragrances. Many women switch to sulphate-free shampoo during pregnancy specifically to reduce their exposure to unnecessary chemicals. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns, but our botanical formulas are designed to be gentle enough for the most sensitive hair and scalp.

Check the ingredients list on the back of your shampoo bottle. Look for: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate (ALS), or Ammonium Laureth Sulphate. These are the most common sulphates used in haircare. They are typically listed near the top of the ingredients list because they make up a significant portion of the formula. If any of these appear, your shampoo contains sulphates. Our entire range is free from all forms of sulphates.