Sulfate Free Shampoo NZ | Colour & Keratin Safe | Zilion NZ
Sulfate Free Shampoo in New Zealand
Sulfate-free shampoo is the everyday wash most hairdressers recommend once hair has been coloured, lightened or smoothed. It cleans without the strong foaming detergents found in many supermarket shampoos, so colour, keratin treatments and natural moisture last longer. At Zilion the collection runs to more than 180 products, from 60ml travel bottles to salon litres and matching shampoo and conditioner bundles.
Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, including Joico, Alfaparf Milano, Aluram, DesignMe, De Fabulous, Arata, Ouidad, Malibu C, Schwarzkopf Professional, Redken and Echosline. Every order is genuine stock sent from within New Zealand.
About Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are effective, inexpensive cleansers that make a big, rich lather. They are also quite stripping. On coloured, bleached, curly or keratin-smoothed hair, that strong cleanse can lift colour, loosen a smoothing treatment and leave lengths feeling dry. Sulfate-free shampoos swap them for milder surfactants that clean the scalp with less impact on the hair.
The trade-off is lather. Most sulfate-free formulas foam less, which some people mistake for not cleaning. They do clean; it just helps to wet the hair thoroughly, massage the scalp and wash twice if you wear a lot of product. Many of the brands here also add their own care technology, such as keratin and babassu oil in Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy, marula oil and quinoa protein in De Fabulous, or Arata's N-DurHance conditioning polymer.
Sulfate-Free Shampoo by Hair Type and Concern
Coloured hair. Colour-safe washes such as Redken Color Extend Magnetics, Schwarzkopf BC pH 4.5 Color Freeze, Matrix Glow Mania and HH Simonsen Color Shampoo help colour stay bright between appointments. See more in Coloured Hair Shampoo.
Keratin and smoothing treatments. Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy Lisse Design Maintenance Shampoo and HQ Professional Pro-Liss Maintenance Shampoo are designed to help smoothing treatments last longer.
Blonde and brunette toning. Aluram Purple Shampoo, Joico Blonde Life Brightening and Ouidad Tone It Away keep blondes cool, while Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Brunette Anti-Orange tackles brassiness in darker hair. More options sit in Purple Shampoo.
Damaged and dry hair. De Fabulous Reviver and Marula Oil, Joico Defy Damage, Arata Damage Defence Super Shampoo, DesignMe Gloss.Me and Minimalist Maleic Bond Repair Complex focus on repair and moisture. Browse Damaged Hair Shampoo for more.
Curls and waves. Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Curls Enhancing Low Shampoo, Aluram Curl, DesignMe Bounce.Me and Ouidad Advanced Climate Control cleanse gently so curls keep their moisture. See Curly Hair Shampoo.
Fine hair and volume. DesignMe Puff.Me, Aluram Volume and Decibel Thickening Shampoo add lift without heavy oils. See Volumising Shampoo.
Scalp, build-up and hard water. Malibu C Hard Water Wellness, Swimmers and Un-Do-Goo shampoos remove minerals, chlorine and product build-up, and L'Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox is designed for use after colour or lightening. For flakes or oil, see Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Oily Hair Shampoo.
Brands in This Category
These are the brands with the most sulfate-free shampoos and bundles at Zilion. Each link opens the brand's full range:
- Joico
- Alfaparf Milano
- DesignMe
- Aluram
- De Fabulous
- Arata
- Ouidad
- Malibu C
- Schwarzkopf Professional
- Pure Organic
- Echosline
- Scalp&Care
Top 10 Sulfate Free Shampoos
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo 1000ml: a gentle colour-protecting wash in a salon litre, and one of our most popular shampoos this year.
- Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy Lisse Design Maintenance Shampoo 250ml: keratin and babassu oil to help keratin smoothing treatments last.
- Joico Defy Damage Protective Shampoo 300ml: a daily sulfate-free cleanser that helps protect hair from damage and preserve colour.
- Aluram Curl Shampoo 355ml: a lightweight, plant-powered curl cleanser that hydrates and defines.
- De Fabulous Marula Oil Shampoo 250ml: marula oil, quinoa protein and hydrolysed keratin for dry, damaged hair.
- Arata Damage Defence Super Shampoo 200ml: pH-balanced, with N-DurHance polymer, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and plant proteins.
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo 250ml: a sulphate-free curl shampoo that builds a frizz-free base in any climate.
- Schwarzkopf Professional BC pH 4.5 Color Freeze Shampoo 250ml: restores hair to an optimal pH to help hold colour pigments in.
- Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo 100ml: a vegan, sulphate-free shampoo that tackles dryness and dullness from hard water minerals.
- DesignMe Puff.Me Volumizing Shampoo 300ml: weightless volume for fine or flat hair, also in 50ml, 500ml and 1000ml.
Best Sellers at Zilion
- Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo 1000ml ($96.00)
- Aluram Purple Shampoo 60ml ($7.03)
- Aluram Purple Shampoo 355ml ($29.10)
- Davines NaturalTech Purifying Shampoo 250ml ($55.35)
- HQ Professional Pro-Liss Maintenance Shampoo 300ml ($26.93)
- HQ Professional Organic Luxe Maintenance Shampoo 300ml ($24.86)
- DunGud Day Spa Restorative Shampoo 250ml ($40.46)
- Decibel Thickening Shampoo 1000ml ($253.00)
- Decibel Thickening Shampoo 296ml ($78.00)
- Scalp&Care Revitalizing Thickening Shampoo Coloured Hair 250ml ($32.00)
Benefits of Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Colour lasts longer. A gentler cleanse lifts less pigment, so coloured hair fades more slowly between salon visits.
- Kinder to smoothing treatments. Keratin and smoothing services usually come with sulfate-free aftercare, because strong detergents can shorten their life.
- Less dryness. Lengths keep more of their natural oils, which matters for curly, coarse and bleached hair.
- Gentler on the scalp. Many people with a dry or easily irritated scalp find milder cleansers more comfortable.
- Better curl definition. Low-lather formulas leave moisture in, so curls clump and hold their shape.
- Plenty of choice. Sulfate-free formulas now cover every concern, from volume and repair to toning, hard water and build-up.
Sulfate-Free Shampoo Buying Guide
Start with what has been done to your hair. Colour, bleach and keratin smoothing are the main reasons to go sulfate-free. Choose a colour-protect formula for coloured hair, a toning shampoo once or twice a week for blondes and brunettes, and a maintenance shampoo after a smoothing treatment.
Then match your texture. Fine hair needs a light, volumising formula, while thick, coarse or curly hair can take richer moisturising shampoos with oils and butters.
Keep a clarifier in the cupboard. Gentle shampoos can leave styling products behind over time. A monthly or fortnightly wash with something like Malibu C Un-Do-Goo or a product from Clarifying Shampoo resets the hair.
Pick the size. Try a travel size such as Aluram 60ml or Malibu C 100ml first, then move to 1000ml bottles from Redken, Alfaparf Milano, DesignMe, Aluram, Ouidad or De Fabulous once you have found the one.
Buy the routine together. Most of these shampoos are part of a range with a matching conditioner and mask, and many are sold as duos and trios for less than buying separately.
How to Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, as low-foam shampoos spread better on soaked hair. Use a coin-sized amount, emulsify it in your hands, then massage into the scalp with your fingertips for about a minute. Rinse, and repeat if you wear a lot of product or have an oily scalp; the second wash usually lathers more. Let the rinse water clean the lengths, then follow with conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends.
Why Shop Sulfate-Free Shampoo at Zilion
- Official NZ stockist. Every shampoo we sell is genuine stock from brands we are authorised to supply.
- Free shipping over $85. Orders under $85 ship for a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
- Afterpay and Zip. Spread the cost of a bigger order over interest-free instalments.
- Same-day dispatch. In-stock orders placed before 9am leave our warehouse the same business day.
- Bundles and big sizes. Save with shampoo and conditioner sets in Packs & Bundles, stock up with Litres, or pack Travel Sizes.
- Help when you need it. Email care@zilion.co.nz with your hair type and any treatments you have had, and we will suggest a sulfate-free shampoo.
Delivery Across New Zealand
We deliver sulfate-free shampoo right across the country, to Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, and to rural addresses in every region. Metro orders usually arrive in 1 to 4 business days and rural orders in 3 to 7.
Sulfate Free Shampoo FAQs
What does sulfate-free shampoo mean?
It is made without sulfate detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These are strong foaming cleansers, so sulfate-free formulas use milder surfactants instead.
Why are sulfates in shampoo at all?
Sulfates are effective, inexpensive and make a rich lather. They clean well, but they can be stripping on coloured, bleached, curly or smoothed hair.
Is sulfate-free shampoo better for coloured hair?
Yes, for most people. A gentler cleanse lifts less colour each wash, which is why colour-protect ranges such as Redken Color Extend Magnetics are sulfate-free.
Do I need sulfate-free shampoo after a keratin treatment?
Most smoothing treatments come with sulfate-free aftercare advice, because strong detergents can shorten their life. Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy Lisse Design Maintenance Shampoo is made for this.
Does sulfate-free shampoo lather?
It usually foams less than traditional shampoo. Wet your hair thoroughly and wash twice if needed; the second round normally lathers more.
Does sulfate-free shampoo clean properly?
Yes. Lather is not a measure of cleaning. Massage the scalp well and rinse thoroughly, and add a clarifying wash now and then if you use a lot of styling product.
Why does my hair feel greasy after switching to sulfate-free shampoo?
It can take a few washes to adjust, and gentler cleansers may leave heavy products behind. Wash twice, use less conditioner near the roots, and clarify occasionally.
Can I use sulfate-free shampoo every day?
Yes. Most are designed for daily use, and gentle formulas are a good choice if you wash often.
Is sulfate-free the same as natural or organic?
No. Sulfate-free simply means the formula does not contain sulfate detergents. Check each product page for other ingredient claims.
Are all shampoos in this collection sulfate-free?
The collection is built around sulfate-free shampoos and the bundles that include them. Formulas change from time to time, so check the ingredients on each product page if it matters to you.
Is sulfate-free shampoo good for curly hair?
Yes. Low-lather cleansers help curls keep their moisture. Aluram Curl, DesignMe Bounce.Me, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control and Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Curls Enhancing Low Shampoo are popular.
Is sulfate-free shampoo good for fine hair?
It can be, as long as you choose a lightweight volumising formula such as DesignMe Puff.Me, Aluram Volume or Decibel Thickening Shampoo.
Which sulfate-free shampoo suits dry, damaged hair?
Look at De Fabulous Reviver and Marula Oil, Joico Defy Damage, Arata Damage Defence Super Shampoo and DesignMe Gloss.Me.
Is there a sulfate-free purple shampoo?
Yes. Aluram Purple Shampoo is one of our best sellers in this collection, and Joico Color Balance Purple and Ouidad Tone It Away are also available.
What is a sulfate-free shampoo for brunettes?
Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Brunette Anti-Orange Shampoo is a blue-toned shampoo that counteracts red and copper brassiness in darker hair.
What is Aluram?
Aluram makes clean, plant-powered haircare. Its Daily, Moisture, Volume, Curl and Purple shampoos are all in this collection, in 60ml, 355ml and some 1000ml sizes.
What is Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino?
Semi Di Lino is Alfaparf Milano's care line, with shampoos for curls, brunettes and other concerns. Several are labelled Low Shampoo, a gentle low-lather format.
What is Joico Defy Damage?
Defy Damage is Joico's protective line. The shampoo is a sulfate-free daily cleanser designed to help protect hair from damage and keep colour vibrant.
What is Arata Damage Defence Super Shampoo?
It is a sulphate-free, pH-balanced daily shampoo with 1% N-DurHance conditioning polymer, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, soy and pea proteins and arginine.
What does Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo do?
It helps protect hair from dryness, discolouration and damage caused by minerals in hard water. Malibu C describes it as vegan and sulphate-free.
What is Malibu C Un-Do-Goo?
It is a gentle alternative to a harsh clarifying shampoo that removes styling product build-up and restores colour vibrancy and manageability.
What does L'Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox do?
It is a sulfate-free cleansing cream for use after colour, balayage or lightening that the brand says lifts metal particles away while keeping colour vibrant.
What is Schwarzkopf BC Color Freeze?
BC Clean Performance pH 4.5 Color Freeze Shampoo restores hair to an optimal pH, which Schwarzkopf says helps hold colour pigments inside the hair.
Which sulfate-free shampoo helps fine, thinning-looking hair?
Decibel Thickening Shampoo and Scalp&Care Revitalizing Thickening Shampoo are designed to build a fuller base. For medical hair loss, speak to your GP.
Do sulfate-free shampoos help a sensitive scalp?
Many people find milder cleansers more comfortable. See our Sensitive Scalp Shampoo collection, and talk to your GP or pharmacist if irritation continues.
Can sulfate-free shampoo cause build-up?
Over time, gentle cleansers can leave silicones and styling products behind. Clarify every couple of weeks to reset.
Should I use a sulfate-free conditioner too?
Conditioners do not usually contain sulfates, so any conditioner from the same range will suit. Pairing shampoo and conditioner from one range keeps results consistent.
How much sulfate-free shampoo should I use?
About a coin-sized amount for short to medium hair, more for long or thick hair. Spreading it on well-soaked hair makes a little go further.
Should I shampoo twice with sulfate-free shampoo?
If you wear a lot of product or have an oily scalp, yes. The first wash breaks down residue and the second cleans the scalp.
Can men use sulfate-free shampoo?
Yes. L3VEL3 Sulfate Free Shampoo 500ml is a popular barbershop choice, and any shampoo here works on short hair.
Is sulfate-free shampoo safe for children?
Gentle formulas are often a good fit, but check each product page for age guidance and avoid getting shampoo in the eyes.
Can I swim with coloured hair and use sulfate-free shampoo?
Yes. After swimming, Malibu C Swimmers Shampoo is designed to remove chlorine and minerals. Follow with conditioner.
Is sulfate-free shampoo more expensive?
Not always. Prices start from under $10 for travel sizes, and litre bottles bring the cost per wash down.
What sizes are available?
Sizes range from 15ml sachets and 50 to 100ml travel bottles to 250 to 355ml retail sizes and 1000ml salon litres.
Which sulfate-free shampoos come in a litre?
Litres include Redken Color Extend Magnetics, Alfaparf Milano Keratin Therapy and Semi Di Lino, DesignMe Puff.Me, Gloss.Me and Bounce.Me, Aluram Curl, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control and De Fabulous Reviver.
Do you have sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner bundles?
Yes. Joico InnerJoi, YouthLock, Hydra Splash, Defy Damage and JoiFULL are available as duos and trios, along with other bundles in this collection.
Which sulfate-free shampoos are best sellers?
Redken Color Extend Magnetics 1000ml, Aluram Purple Shampoo in 60ml and 355ml, and Davines NaturalTech Purifying Shampoo are our best sellers in this collection this year.
Does sulfate-free shampoo stop frizz?
It helps, because hair keeps more moisture. For stubborn frizz, choose a smoothing formula such as Ouidad Advanced Climate Control and follow with a smoothing conditioner.
Can I use sulfate-free shampoo with a toner or gloss?
Yes. Sulfate-free shampoo is a good choice after a gloss or toner, as it helps the tone last longer.
How do I know if a shampoo contains sulfates?
Check the ingredients for sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate. They are usually listed near the top.
Is Zilion an official stockist of these shampoo brands?
Yes. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in this collection, from Joico and Alfaparf Milano to Aluram, DesignMe and De Fabulous.
Are the shampoos you sell genuine?
Yes. As an official stockist we only sell genuine products.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on NZ orders over $85. Orders under $85 cost a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders placed before 9am are dispatched the same business day. Metro deliveries take 1 to 4 business days and rural deliveries 3 to 7.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both available at checkout.
Can I return a product I have opened?
No. For hygiene reasons, opened or used products cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
What is your returns policy for unopened items?
Unopened, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a change of mind. Return postage and a restocking fee of $10 or 10% (whichever is less) apply.
What if my order arrives leaking or damaged?
Email care@zilion.co.nz within 5 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes or overseas?
No. Our couriers do not deliver cosmetics to PO Boxes, and we ship within New Zealand only.
Who can I ask for help choosing a sulfate-free shampoo?
Email care@zilion.co.nz with your hair type and any colour or smoothing treatments, and our team will recommend a shampoo.
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