What the heck is Sodium lauryl sulfate?

 Have you ever read the back of a shampoo bottle and wondered what the heck you were reading? I know I have. It's easy to get caught up in the promises of fuller, thicker, glossier hair but have you ever taken the time to find out if the ingredients are good for your hair? 

Knowing what's in your hair care products is one of the first steps in improving the health of your hair, using a leave-in that is full of alcohol is like a double negative if you're using it for the purpose of adding moisture to your hair. I want to give you all a list of some of the more popular ingredients and hopefully you can become better educated on what is best for your hair :)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- Drying detergent cleanser. May strip hair color by causing hair shaft to swell, increasing the chances of pigment being released. “Rumors were circulating at one time that sulfates were causing cancer. According to snopes.com, SLS does not cause cancer. But it can be an irritant if left on the skin” This is the ingredient that produces the bubbles and suds that we all love, but this is also the active ingredient used in engine degreasers, scary huh? It's ok as an occasional clarifying treatment but when used regularly it can damage and dry out your hair, definitely one to avoid.

Isopropyl/ Isopropyl alcohol- A ingredient that is used to cut the oil in your hair but it also strips it of some of the needed natural oils, its basically rubbing alcohol, which is extremely drying and damaging for your hair. 

Diethanolamine- Another popular cleaner and lather producer, its also used to produce a creamy or sudsy product. In low doses it's deemed safe but when paired with formaldehyde it can create nitrosamines which is a known carcinogen. Scary. 


Triethanolamine- Used to keep oil and water from separating in products but it can irritate the scalp and aggravate allergies . It can also  deplete the natural keratin in your hair which in turn causes your hair to become hard  and brittle


Propylene Glycol- Another common ingredient found in shampoos and beauty products, its used to keep the products from freezing during shipping and handling. Fun/Gross fact- It's also the antifreeze that we use in our cars. Delightful. 


Stay tuned for a list of shampoos that are actually good for your hair. :)