Which Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoo

We all know that our hair is our crowning glory, and as such, we need to take good care of it. One of the most important things we can do is to use the right shampoo and conditioner. But with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to know which products are best for our hair type and which ingredients we should avoid. In this blog, we will discuss the ingredients to avoid in shampoo and conditioner, broken down by hair type, and explain the difference between good and bad sulfates. You may want to return some of your supermarket shampoos after this blog as some of these ingredients may be present. 

Ingredients to Avoid for All Hair Types

1. Sulfates (the bad ones): Sulfates are a common ingredient in many shampoos and conditioners, but not all sulfates are created equal. While some sulfates are safe and gentle, others can be harsh and damaging to your hair. Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are harsh detergents that can strip away natural oils from your hair and scalp, leading to dryness, irritation, and even hair loss. They can also cause color fading in color-treated hair.

2. Parabens: Parabens are a type of preservative that are commonly used in beauty products. While they help to extend the shelf life of your shampoo and conditioner, they have also been linked to health concerns, including hormone disruption.

   • Methylparaben
   • Ethylparaben
   • Propylparaben
   • Butylparaben
   • Isobutylpraben

These ingredients are often listed on the label with the prefix "para," such as "parahydroxybenzoate." Keep in mind that some products may contain multiple parabens, so it's important to check the ingredient list carefully. Look for alternative preservatives like phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, or sodium benzoate, which are considered safer for use in personal care products.

Silicones: Silicones are often added to shampoos and conditioners to help create a smooth, shiny finish. However, they can also cause buildup on your hair, making it look dull and lifeless over time.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems. It is commonly used in some beauty products, including shampoos and conditioners, as a preservative, but it's important to avoid products that contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Some examples of these preservatives are bronopol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bronidox), and methylene glycol.

Hair Type-Specific Ingredients to Avoid

Dry Hair 

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) can strip away natural oils and further dry out your hair.

• Alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, can be drying to the hair and scalp.

• Fragrances can also be drying or irritating to the scalp.

When looking at the label, be sure to check for any mention of SLS, SLES, alcohol, or fragrances. Additionally, look for shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, or panthenol.

Oily Hair 

• Heavy oils or butters, such as coconut oil or shea butter, can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.

• Silicones, such as dimethicone, can build up on your scalp and make your hair look greasier over time.

• Mineral oil or petroleum can clog hair follicles and lead to scalp irritation.

When looking at the label, avoid any shampoos that contain heavy oils, butters, or silicones. Instead, look for shampoos that contain ingredients like tea tree oil, witch hazel, lemon extract, aloe vera, or chamomile, or salicylic acid. 

Color Treated Hair 

• SLS and SLES sulfates can strip away color, causing it to fade faster.

• Alcohol can also strip away color and dry out your hair.

• Parabens can react with hair dye and cause it to fade faster.

• When looking at the label, avoid any shampoos that contain SLS, SLES, alcohol, or parabens.

Instead, look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for color-treated hair and contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or jojoba oil to help protect and nourish your hair.

 

Curly & Textured Hair 

• Sulfates can be drying to curly or textured hair, causing it to become frizzy.

• Silicones can build up on curly or textured hair, weighing it down and reducing curl definition.

• Alcohol can also be drying to curly or textured hair, causing it to become brittle and prone to breakage.

When looking at the label, avoid any shampoos that contain sulfates, silicones, or alcohol. Instead, look for shampoos that are specifically formulated for curly or textured hair and contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera to help hydrate and define your curls. Make sure your product does not contain an overload of butters and oils to avoid buildup. 

Good vs. Bad Sulfates

Not all sulfates are created equal. There are good sulfates and bad sulfates. Good sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and sodium cocoyl isethionate, are gentle and won't strip your hair of its natural oils. Bad sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate, can be harsh and damaging to your hair. When shopping for shampoos and conditioners, look for products that contain good sulfates and avoid those that contain bad sulfates.

 

In conclusion, it's important to read the ingredient labels on your shampoo and conditioner carefully. Avoiding harmful ingredients and choosing products that are specifically formulated for your hair type can help to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and beautiful.