Is sulfate-free shampoo actually better for my hair?

Specialist haircare communities like r/HaircareScience repeatedly push back on the idea that sulfates are inherently bad. Sulfate-free formulas are gentler on color-treated and very dry hair and tend to preserve curl pattern, but they also lather less and can leave a film on fine hair. If you have an oily scalp or use a lot of silicone-based stylers, a sulfate shampoo (or periodic clarifying wash) may actually serve you better.