4 Popular Shampoos You Didn't Know Are Damaging Your Hair & Causing Shedding: Sulfates, More

Shampoos are the hair care product you can’t live without, but also one that has evolved so much in recent times that it can be difficult to navigate the marketing terms on their packaging so that you can figure out the best formula for your hair. There are shampoos for every hair issue and need under the sun — whether you have dry hair , an oily scalp, color-treated and overly processed hair, or hair that is thinning and shedding. But there are still plenty of shampoos on the market that contain ingredients that can dry out and damage your hair, and may even cause hair loss.

How can you be sure that you aren’t contributing to hair loss and are using shampoos that support your overall scalp and hair health?

It may take up some more time than you’d like while shopping online or perusing store shelves, but it’s important to read labels on shampoo bottles. Avoiding shampoos that contain these four ingredients can help protect your hair from damage.

1. Sulfates

Sulfates, which also go by the names Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, are cleansing agents that give your shampoo the desirable lather many of us crave (the one we associate with “clean”). But sulfates will also strip your scalp of much-needed moisture, dry out your strands, and can remove vibrancy from your hair, especially if you have color-treated hair. A sulfate-free shampoo is always recommended for processed hair, but it should be the rule, not the exception, especially if you’re caring for thinning, shedding, and damaged hair.

2. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents

Also called DMDM Hydantoin, these are a no-no for healthy hair. These preservatives are a well-known irritant that can dry out your scalp, but also cause allergic reactions and lead to hair shedding.

3. Alcohols

Not all alcohols in hair products are bad — some can actually add moisture to your hair (these are called fatty alcohols). But Isopropyl Alcohol and Ethanol in shampoos can be drying and strip the hair of needed hydration. As a result, your hair can be brittle and experience breakage. This is an ingredient to be avoided in shampoo.

4. Fragrances and Dyes

Synthetic fragrances and dyes in shampoos can be extremely irritating on the scalp and cause allergic reactions. When your scalp suffers with dryness and irritation, this can lead to breakage and shedding. Your best bet is to only choose shampoos that are free of fragrance and dyes.