Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 122

Warriors’ Curry makes All-NBA for 11th time; SGA, Jokic and Giannis named to first team

By TIM REYNOLDS

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo were the only players to appear on every MVP ballot this season.

It only made sense that they would be unanimous All-NBA picks as well.

Gilgeous-Alexander — the league’s MVP — along with Jokic and Antetokounmpo, were unveiled Friday night as first-team All-NBA players, along with Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell.

Tatum was another unanimous first-team pick. Mitchell made the first team for the first time.

Antetokounmpo has seven first-team selections and nine appearances on the All-NBA team overall. Jokic is a five-time first-teamer and seven-time All-NBA pick, Tatum is first-team for the fourth time (fifth overall), Gilgeous-Alexander has been first-team in all three of his All-NBA appearances, and Mitchell is All-NBA for the second time in his career.

Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Antetokounmpo and Tatum were all first-teamers last season as well.

Second team

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is an All-NBA player for the 21st time in 22 seasons. He made the second team.

Also on the second team: Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, Golden State’s Stephen Curry and New York’s Jalen Brunson.

Curry made All-NBA for the 11th time, something only 21 players in NBA history have done. Edwards and Brunson are two-time All-NBA players, and Mobley made a team for the first time.

Third team

Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, the Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden, New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams were named to the third team.

Harden is an eight-time selection, Towns is a three-time pick, Haliburton made a team for the second time and Cunningham and Williams both are All-NBA for the first time.

All 100 ballots

Eight players appeared on every ballot. Antetokounmpo, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic and Tatum all got 100 first-team votes.

Mitchell got 61 first-team votes, 35 second-team and four third-team. Edwards got 11 first-team, 87 second-team and two third-team. Curry got two first-team, 68 second-team and 30 third-team. And Brunson got two first-team, 62 second-team and 36 third-team.

James and Cunningham were on 99 of 100 ballots.

Giannis: The people’s choice, again

For the eighth consecutive year, Antetokounmpo was listed on every All-NBA ballot. That’s the longest active run in the NBA.

The last time an All-NBA ballot was sent to the league without Antetokounmpo’s name listed was 2017, when four of the 100 voters didn’t rank him among the league’s top players.

Since then: 799 ballots cast, 799 listing Antetokounmpo.

Jokic appeared on every All-NBA ballot for the fifth consecutive year; it would be six in a row if he hadn’t fallen one vote short of unanimous status in 2020. Jayson Tatum was on every All-NBA ballot for the fourth consecutive season.

LeBron: The first at 40

James is the first 40-year-old to make an All-NBA team — he turned 40 in December.

James has 13 first-team appearances, four second-team selections and four third-team nods.

No other player has more than 15 All-NBA selections. Kobe Bryant (11 first-team picks), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (10 first-team picks) and Tim Duncan (10 first-team picks) are the other members of the 15-time club.

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The release of the All-NBA teams wrapped up awards season in the league. A global panel of 100 writers and broadcasters sent their votes to the NBA before the playoffs started.

Those awards voted on by the panel included Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP, Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson winning coach of the year, Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels winning most improved player, San Antonio’s Stephon Castle winning rookie of the year, Mobley winning defensive player of the year, Brunson winning clutch player of the year, and Boston’s Payton Pritchard winning sixth man of the year.

Also chosen by that panel: the All-NBA team, along with the All-Defensive team and All-Rookie team.

There were other awards chosen through various other voting processes, including Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti winning executive of the year, Boston’s Jrue Holiday winning the social justice award and the sportsmanship award, Curry winning the Twyman-Stokes teammate of the year award, and Golden State’s Draymond Green winning the hustle award.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

White House conducting massive overhaul of National Security Council, officials say

BY MATTHEW LEE, AAMER MADHANI and SEUNG MIN KIM

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is ordering a massive overhaul of the National Security Council that will shrink its size and return many career appointees back to their home agencies, according to two U.S. officials and one person familiar with the reorganization.

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The move is expected to significantly reduce the number of staff at the NSC, according to the officials, who requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive personnel matter. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been serving as national security adviser since early this month following the ouster of Mike Waltz, who was nominated to serve as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations.

The NSC has been in a continual state of tumult for much of the early going of Trump’s second go-around in the White House.

Waltz was ousted weeks after Trump said that he’d fired several NSC officials, just a day after far-right activist Laura Loomer raised concerns directly to him about staff loyalty.

The White House days into the administration sidelined about 160 NSC aides, sending them home while the administration reviewed staffing and tried to align it with Trump’s agenda. The aides were career government employees, commonly referred to as detailees.

This latest shakeup amounts to a “liquidation” of NSC staffing with both career government detailees on assignment to the NSC being sent back to their home agencies and several political appointees being fired from their positions, according to the person familiar with the decision.

A White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed that the overhaul, first reported by Axios, was underway but declined further comment.

Pentagon lost contact with Army helicopter on flight that caused jets to nix landings at DC airport

By TARA COPP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Military air traffic controllers lost contact with an Army helicopter for about 20 seconds as it neared the Pentagon on the flight that caused two commercial jets to abort their landings this month at a Washington airport, the Army told The Associated Press on Friday.

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The aborted landings on May 1 added to general unease about continued close calls between government helicopters and commercial airplanes near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following a deadly midair collision in January between a passenger jet and an Army helicopter that killed 67 people.

In March, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that helicopters would be permanently restricted from flying on the same route where the collision occurred. After the May 1 incident, the Army paused all flights into and out of the Pentagon as it works with the FAA to address safety issues.

Brig. Gen. Matthew Braman, the head of Army aviation, told the AP in an exclusive interview that the controllers lost contact with the Black Hawk because a temporary control tower antenna was not set up in a location where it would be able to maintain contact with the helicopter as it flew low and rounded the Pentagon to land. He said the antenna was set up during construction of a new control tower and has now been moved to the roof of the Pentagon.

Braman said federal air traffic controllers inside the Washington airport also didn’t have a good fix on the location of the helicopter. The Black Hawk was transmitting data that should have given controllers its precise location, but Braman said FAA officials told him in meetings last week that the data the controllers were getting from multiple feeds and sensors was inconclusive, with some of it deviating by as much as three-quarters of a mile.

“It certainly led to confusion of air traffic control of where they were,” Braman said.

Former FAA and NTSB crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti said he thinks the air traffic controller did the right thing by ordering the two planes to go around that day.

“The Army, to me, seems to be attempting to sidestep some of their responsibility here. And it just sounds like excuses to say ‘Hey, we had our ADS-B on and that should have been enough for them to see where we were.’ That sounds too simplistic to me,” Guzzetti said.

The FAA declined to comment on whether its controllers could not get a good fix on the Black Hawk’s location due to their own equipment issues, citing the ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is pushing to have the agency modernize its air traffic control systems and equipment, which has failed controllers responsible for Newark Liberty Internal Airport’s airspace at critical moments in recent weeks.

In the initial reporting on the aborted landings, an FAA official suggested the Army helicopter was on a “scenic route.”

But the ADS-B-Out data, which the Army shared with the AP on Friday, shows the crew hewed closely to its approved flight path — directly up the I-395 highway corridor, which is called Route 5, then rounding the Pentagon.

FAA air traffic controllers at the airport aborted the landing of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 during the Black Hawk’s initial flight toward the Pentagon because they realized both aircraft would be nearing the Pentagon around the same time, Braman said.

Because of the 20-second loss of contact, the Pentagon’s tower did not clear the Black Hawk to land, so the helicopter circled the Pentagon a second time. That’s when air traffic controllers at the airport decided to abort the landing of a second jet, a Republic Airways Embraer E170, because they did not have a confident fix on the Black Hawk’s location, Braman said.

Josh Funk contributed from Omaha, Nebraska.

Privacy and hunger groups sue over USDA attempt to collect personal data of SNAP recipients

By REBECCA BOONE

Privacy and hunger relief groups and a handful of people receiving food assistance benefits are suing the federal government over the Trump administration’s attempts to collect the personal information of millions of U.S. residents who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

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The lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C., on Thursday says the U.S. Department of Agriculture violated federal privacy laws when it ordered states and vendors to turn over five years of data about food assistance program applicants and enrollees, including their names, birth dates, personal addresses and social security numbers.

The lawsuit “seeks to ensure that the government is not exploiting our most vulnerable citizens by disregarding longstanding privacy protections,” National Student Legal Defense Network attorney Daniel Zibel wrote in the complaint. The Electronic Privacy Information Center and Mazon Inc.: A Jewish Response to Hunger joined the four food assistance recipients in bringing the lawsuit.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a social safety net that serves more than 42 million people nationwide. Under the program formerly known as food stamps, the federal government pays for 100% of the food benefits but the states help cover the administrative costs. States also are responsible for determining whether people are eligible for the benefits, and for issuing the benefits to enrollees.

As a result, states have lots of highly personal financial, medical, housing, tax and other information about SNAP applicants and their dependents, according to the lawsuit.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order March 20 directing agencies to ensure “unfettered access to comprehensive data from all state programs” as part of the administration’s effort to stop “waste, fraud and abuse by eliminating information silos.”

That order prompted Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and the USDA to ask states and electronic benefit vendors to turn over the info earlier this month. Failing to do so may “trigger noncompliance procedures,” the USDA warned in a letter to states.

Some states have already turned over the data, including Alaska, which shared the personal info of more than 70,000 residents, according to the lawsuit. Other states like Iowa plan to turn over the information, the plaintiffs say.

They want a judge to declare the data collection unlawful, to order the USDA to destroy any personal information it already has, and to bar the agency from punishing states that fail to turn over the data.

Judge blocks another Trump executive order targeting a major law firm

By ERIC TUCKER

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Friday permanently blocked another of President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting a major law firm, calling it unconstitutional retaliation designed to punish lawyers for their legal work that the White House does not like.

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The ruling from U.S. District Judge John Bates marks the second time this month that a judge has struck down a Trump executive order against a prominent firm. The decision in favor of Jenner & Block follows a similar opinion that blocked the enforcement of a decree against a different firm, Perkins Coie.

“Like the others in the series, this order — which takes aim at the global law firm Jenner & Block — makes no bones about why it chose its target: it picked Jenner because of the causes Jenner champions, the clients Jenner represents, and a lawyer Jenner once employed,” Bates wrote.

The spate of executive orders announced by Trump sought to impose the same consequences against the targeted firms, including suspending security clearances of attorneys and barring employees from federal buildings. The orders have been part of a broader effort by the president to reshape American civil society by targeting perceived adversaries in hopes of extracting concessions from them and bending them to his will.

Several of the firms singled out for sanctions have either done legal work that Trump has opposed, or currently have or previously had associations with prosecutors who at one point investigated the president.

In the case of Jenner & Block, the firm previously employed Andrew Weissmann, who served as a prosecutor on special counsel Robert Mueller’s team that investigated ties between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia.

Bates had previously halted enforcement of multiple provisions of the executive order against Jenner & Block and appeared deeply skeptical of its legality during a hearing last month.

In his ruling Friday, he said he was troubled that the orders retaliated against the firms for the “views embodied in their legal work” and seek “to chill legal representation the administration doesn’t like, thereby insulating the Executive Branch from the judicial check fundamental to the separation of powers.”

Two other firms, WilmerHale and Susman Godfrey, have also asked judges to permanently halt orders against them.

Other major firms have sought to avert orders by preemptively reaching settlements that require them, among other things, to collectively dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars in free legal services in support of causes the Trump administration says it supports.

Trump approves FEMA disaster relief for 8 states

By SOPHIE BATES

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — President Donald Trump green-lit disaster relief for eight states on Friday, assistance that some of the communities rocked by natural disasters have been waiting on for months.

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The major disaster declaration approvals allow Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas access to financial support through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Several states requested the aid in response to damage from a massive storm system in mid-March.

“This support will go a long way in helping Mississippi to rebuild and recover. Our entire state is grateful for his approval,” said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, whose state experienced 18 tornados between March 14 and 15.

Mississippi residents in the hard-hit Walthall County expressed frustration earlier this month over how long they had been waiting for federal help. The county’s emergency manager said debris removal operations stalled in early May when the county ran out of money while awaiting federal assistance.

FILE – Severe storm damage is shown off 96th Street North between Garnett Road and Mingo Road Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Owasso, Okla. (Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP, File)

Earlier this week Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed to expedite Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s request for disaster assistance, after being pressed on the issue by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican.

“That is one of the failures that FEMA has had in the past is that people who incur this kind of damage and lose everything sit there for months and sometimes years and never get the promised critical response that they think or that they believe they should be getting from the federal government,” Noem said.

Trump has pointed to wait times as one reason he’s looking to make major changes to the agency. FEMA’s newly-appointed acting chief has said he plans to push more responsibility for disaster response and recovery onto states.

FEMA did not immediately respond to questions about what prompted the flurry of approvals.

Gonzales man sentenced to 38 years for deadly shooting, attempted murder and jail stabbing

A Gonzales man has been sentenced to 38 years and eight months in state prison for a series of violent crimes spanning three years. The crimes include a fatal shooting, an attempted murder with a cinderblock and a jailhouse stabbing involving gang members.

Jesus Tejeda, 37, was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter with the personal use of a firearm, attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in furtherance of a gang, according to a press release from the District Attorney’s office.

On Dec. 13, 2021, Christopher Conner was shot in the head while driving at the intersection of Nacional Court and Clark Street in Salinas. The car crashed into a nearby apartment complex. Witnesses said the shooter exited the passenger side, got into a second vehicle that had been following and fled. After a lengthy investigation, Tejeda was identified as the shooter. A motive was never established.

Less than a month later, on Jan. 5, 2022, before being connected to the homicide, Tejeda was seen driving a stolen vehicle near a farm in Gonzales. According to witnesses, he assaulted another person who was riding with him, knocking the victim to the ground before throwing a 55-pound cinderblock at his head, leaving him unconscious. Tejeda fled and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase before being caught. The victim survived but refused to cooperate with investigators to provide any statement on what happened or why it
happened.

While in custody in the Monterey County Jail on March 9, 2023, Tejeda and other Norteño gang members coordinated a group attack on another inmate. Investigators say the group stabbed the victim multiple times, causing significant injuries.

Horoscopes May 23, 2025: Drew Carey, put yourself first

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kelly Monaco, 49; Jewel, 51; Drew Carey, 67; Joan Collins, 92.

Happy Birthday: Put yourself first; you’ll be better equipped to help those you love. Being in a happy frame of mind will set the stage for success. Stand tall and look your best; it will make the difference between getting through this year and turning it into one to remember. By denying yourself life’s little pleasures, you will hold yourself back. Get out, socialize and enjoy life; your happiness will be infectious. Your numbers are 9, 16, 24, 28, 31, 36, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put more time and effort into presenting yourself to others personally and professionally. Leave nothing to the imagination; when dealing with others, an honest portrayal of yourself and what you offer will help cut to the chase, making life choices easier and certainly more successful. Love who you are, and showcase your attributes. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Set goals and take steps to encourage your peace of mind. When uncertainty prevails, say no. Your goals are to ease stress, lower debt and take back the life that allows you the freedom to enjoy more. Decide what gives you purpose and meaning, and plan your routine and upcoming schedule accordingly. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Reconnect with people from your past. Attend a reunion, frequent familiar places or search social media to find out what old friends are up to. Reviving memories will also bring back dreams that may not feel unattainable anymore. Reach for the stars, and let your wisdom and experience work their magic. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Refrain from sharing your secrets, and you’ll avoid uncomfortable situations. Avoid discussing the changes you want to make until you have everything in place. Refuse to let hollow compliments and emotionally manipulative people stand between you and your goals. Protect your reputation by keeping your feelings to yourself and your gestures appropriate. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Gather information and formulate a plan to help you advance. Refuse to let the choices others make influence you. Do what’s best for you and put your energy into achieving something that pushes you closer to your goal. A partnership will require understanding and courtesy when supporting one another’s interests. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Ask questions, attend talks and stay informed. Knowledge is the fastest way to get ahead. Whether starting something new or investing in yourself, staying on top of trends will help you make better choices. Don’t be afraid to change your mind and walk away when in doubt. Avoid paying for someone else’s mistake. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put your energy to good use and tidy up unfinished business. Fixing up your surroundings or preparing for something you want to pursue or an event you wish to host will lift your spirits. Partnerships with unique individuals will offer mental stimulation. Personal growth and romance are in the stars. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take care of your responsibilities before you move into party mode. Mixing business with pleasure will encourage better work relationships and help you push your agenda forward. Your connection with someone will change your perspective regarding your lifestyle and your next move. Focus on dialogue that will bring about positive change. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Put some thought into creative endeavors and physical work into maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Share your feelings regarding shared expenses and responsibilities with those close to you. The opportunity to bring about change is apparent, but uncertainty will hold you back if you aren’t willing to make the first move. Romance is favored. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It’s best to observe, listen and analyze situations from a distance. There is a hidden agenda that may not be that simple. Gather information, consider the possibilities and initiate changes that suit your needs. Refuse to get trapped in someone else’s dream when you have your own goals to conquer. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Refuse to let the decisions others make influence you. Your efforts will bring the highest return if you concentrate on your earning ability and self-improvement. Keeping an open mind, networking and trying something new will encourage you to move onward and upward. Challenge yourself to be and look your best. Romance is mounting. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Lift barriers and speak your mind. You cannot make headway if you aren’t upfront regarding your intentions. Talk to those most affected by your choices, and you’ll receive the input you require to help you reach your goal. Take care of any required permits or documentation to achieve your goals and push forward. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are smart, influential and proactive. You are understanding and lovable.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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College baseball: CSUMB blanked in opener of DII Super Regionals

NAMPA, Idaho — That elusive 40th win. It coincides with Cal State Monterey Bay chasing a spot in college baseball’s NCAA Division II World Series.

If the Otters are going to achieve both, they will need short memories after Thursday’s 14-0 loss to top seed Northwest Nazarene in the NCAA Division II Super Regionals best-of-three series.

“It was probably our worst game of the year,” CSUMB coach Walt White said. “We didn’t play. We probably gave them seven outs in one inning. We didn’t read the ball well in the outfield. The ball was carrying out to left field. But we didn’t hit it to left.”

The Otters didn’t hit the ball period, managing just two hits through seven innings before White began substituting with his attention already turning towards Friday.

“We have not lost two games in a row since February,” said White, who has 445 wins in his 15-year career at CSUMB. “We seem to win two after we lose one, and that’s what we need to do.”

Having tied the school record for wins in each of the last three years, the Otters will look to keep their season alive Friday when they face the host Nighthawks in a potential elimination game.

The reigning four-time California Collegiate Athletic Association champions are no strangers to facing adversity, having had to win their final regular season game to become the first program in 52 years to win four straight conference titles.

Last weekend the Otters recovered from an 8-1 loss to West Regional top seed Westmont to win two straight games and earn a trip to Nampa, Idaho to face the Great Northwest Athletic Conference champions.

“On one of my visits to the mound in the later innings, I reminded the players to have some pride,” White said. “It’s not the end of this thing. I like the way we walked off the field. We’re a pretty determined team. We’ll show up tomorrow.”

Absorbing its worst of the season, CSUMB was shut out for just the second time this year, having fallen 6-0 to Cal Poly Pomona on Feb. 22.

“It doesn’t matter if you lose 14-0 or 1-0, it feels the same,” White said. “The only real difference is you start to feel it in the seventh inning.”

The Nighthawks came into the game 42-12 and ranked No. 8 in the nation in Division II, one spot ahead of CSUMB in the latest Top 25 poll.

The two teams were no strangers to each other, having faced off in last year’s NCAA West Regionals, with the Otters knocking them out of the postseason with a 6-3 win.

CSUMB, who is making its third straight Super Regional appearance, brought a lineup that had seven starters hitting over .300, with a school record 77 homers.

Yet, the potent bats were tamed by Northwest Nazarene ace Ernesto Lugo Canchola, who improved to 12-0 after seven shutout innings, lowering his earned run average to 1.94.

The former University of Utah hurler and Division II All-American handcuffed the Otters to two hits over seven innings, striking out five, mixing a fastball with an off-speed pitch that seemed to have hitters diving at pitches.

“He (Canchola) had a late run to his pitches,” White said. “He hid the ball well and it was hard to pick up. If you look at his numbers, that’s what he’s done all year. He’s a good pitcher.”

Having produced a school record 437 runs coming into the game, Northwest Nazarene has created scoring opportunities on the base paths all spring, having stolen a school record 122 bases — two more on Thursday.

Erupting for four runs in the second inning, the Nighthawks blew the game open in the fifth with a six-run uprising, two coming off the bat of right fielder Nin Burns, who homered and finished with three hits, while throwing out a runner at the plate in the first inning.

While CSUMB sports one of the top road records in the nation at 17-10, including three games last weekend in Santa Barbara, the Nighthawks are 19-6 at home and 13-2 in their last 14 games.

Best sulfate-free shampoo

Which sulfate-free shampoos are best?

Shampoo should leave your hair clean and manageable without being harsh on delicate locks. However, many shampoos contain surfactants called sulfates that can overly dry the hair and irritate the scalp. Fortunately, sulfate-free shampoo is a gentler option.

In addition to cleansing without laureth sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate, sulfate-free formulas like OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo do a good job of hydrating hair. Regardless of your hair type or concerns, chances are there’s a sulfate-free formula that will work for you.

What to know before you buy sulfate-free shampoo

If you like the idea of shampooing your hair without sulfates, there are a few points to consider before you buy sulfate-free shampoo.

Why should I be concerned about sulfates in shampoo?

Sulfates are chemical-based cleansers made to remove oil, dirt and buildup. These agents are highly effective at cleaning and are used in household cleaners, body soaps and shampoos.

Sulfates in shampoo produce lather and cut down on the time and effort to cleanse the hair and scalp. However, they can cause hair to become dry and damaged over time due to over-stripping oils. Sulfates can also irritate the scalp, especially in individuals prone to sensitive skin or who have various skin conditions. Additionally, although there is no clear study linking sulfates to cancer, some consumers are concerned that they may be carcinogenic.

Benefits of sulfate-free shampoo

There are several key benefits to cleansing your hair with sulfate-free shampoo. Because it doesn’t strip oil like its sulfate-containing counterparts, sulfate-free shampoo is more moisturizing and protective of the hair. In turn, it doesn’t have a drying effect like some shampoos, which is a common cause of brittle hair.

Just as sulfates can negatively affect the hair, they can also cause scalp issues such as drying, flaking and irritation. These chemicals can also aggravate scalp psoriasis and eczema. Shampoos made without sulfates are less likely to cause scalp problems or worsen those that already exist.

Although sulfate-free shampoo typically doesn’t produce as much lather as shampoo with sulfates, the benefits outweigh this minor concern for most fans.

Sulfate-free shampoo for different hair types

When it comes to shopping for sulfate-free shampoo, it’s crucial to think about your hair type. Like standard shampoos, sulfate-free options are available in different formulas to fit different hair types, including dry, oily and combination.

Sulfate-free shampoo is versatile too. Because it’s moisturizing and doesn’t over-strip hair, it’s an excellent choice for hair that’s coarse, curly, thin, prone to developing frizz or color-treated.

What to look for in a quality sulfate-free shampoo

Choosing the best sulfate-free shampoo for your needs is easy once you know the key features to consider when you shop.

Brands

When you look for shampoo without sulfates, you’ll find a mixture of recognizable and not-so-well-known brands. Trusted brands are great, but keep in mind that some lesser-known companies that specialize in natural or gentle products also make quality sulfate-free shampoo.

Other ingredients

The lack of sulfates isn’t the only feature to consider in a sulfate-free shampoo. Different brands and formulas include ingredients that serve various purposes. Some of the ingredients you’ll find include keratin that strengthens hair and plant-based oils like argan and coconut that are highly moisturizing. What a sulfate-free shampoo doesn’t include is also key, as some options are made without parabens, phthalates and other artificial additives.

Packaging

Sulfate-free shampoo is available in bottles and tubes. Some bottles feature a pump for easy use. Additionally, large bulk-sized bottles are available. Many retailers also offer sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner sold together for added value.

How much you can expect to spend on sulfate-free shampoo

Sulfate-free shampoo is available in a wide range of prices to fit all budgets. You’ll pay as low as $3 for some inexpensive drugstore brands and up to $30 for salon-quality formulas, bulk-sized options and shampoo and conditioner combos.

TipsScrub your hair gently yet thoroughly when using sulfate-free shampoo to work up the best lather possible.Be sure to scrub your scalp for the best results.Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove shampoo residue.Use a sulfate-free conditioner for added moisture.If one sulfate-free shampoo doesn’t give you the results you were hoping for, try other formulas until you find one that works.Sulfate free-shampoo FAQHow well does sulfate-free shampoo clean?

A. Many sulfate-free shampoos don’t produce a lot of suds and may require a bit more effort to clean hair and scalp thoroughly. While you may have to use a little more shampoo to compensate, you can still achieve a thorough clean with a sulfate-free formula.

How do I get the best results from sulfate-free shampoo?

A. When you wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo, be sure to use plenty of warm water. Apply an ample amount of shampoo and work it in thoroughly. Rinse well and follow up with a sulfate-free conditioner for an added moisturizing boost.

Who shouldn’t use sulfate-free shampoo?

A. While sulfate-free shampoo works well for most hair types, the exception is extremely oily hair. Sulfate-free formulas may not clean as well and may even weigh oily hair down, giving it a greasy appearance.

What are the best sulfate-free shampoos to buy?Top sulfate-free shampoo

OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo

What you need to know: A highly moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo that’s also nourishing and works well for different hair types.

What you’ll love: This sulfate-free shampoo boasts a moisturizing formula that contains egg whites and coconut, which are good for the hair. It also has a pleasant scent and doesn’t contain parabens.

What you should consider: Although rare, a few customers have reported shedding hair after use.

Top sulfate-free shampoo for the money

L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

What you need to know: This affordable shampoo by L’Oreal is perfect for anyone on a budget who prefers a sulfate-free option.

What you’ll love: In addition to cleaning well and producing nice lather, this shampoo earns high marks for the fresh rosemary scent. It’s made by a top brand and is available at a reasonable price.

What you should consider: While we wish it were a bit more moisturizing, this isn’t a deal-breaker for most consumers.

Worth checking out

Cantu Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

What you need to know: Cantu’s sulfate-free shampoo is an extremely moisturizing option that’s perfect for coarse, curly and dry hair.

What you’ll love: This is a rich, creamy shampoo that’s gentle and hydrating. It contains shea butter that reduces frizz and strengthens hair while it moisturizes.

What you should consider: The downside of this shampoo is that it doesn’t do the best job removing major oil or product buildup.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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