Did you know that your shampoo can contain ingredients harmful to both you and the environment? Chief among them: Sulfates. But what exactly are sulfates, and what other problematic shampoo ingredients should you avoid? 

Instead of harmful shampoo brands to avoid, we’ve made a list of 15 common and not-so-nice shampoo ingredients to watch out for — and why. What are the main ingredients of shampoo to skip?

Read on to find out.

 1. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) 
What are sulfates? Sulfates are very strong detergents that work through a chemical reaction, in which they bind with the sebum on our scalp and with water. When you rinse out the shampoo, sulfates take all the oils and residue with them. But while cleansing, they can also damage the hair, make it brittle, and increase frizz.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) 
This sulfate creates a lathering foam some people love, but it can compromise follicles when left on the scalp and it has other toxic effects on the human body. Yikes! Anyone with color-treated hair or dry hair should definitely avoid SLS, as it can fade your color and strip your strands of natural oils.

3. Parabens
Parabens are also known to be harmful. They are used as a preservative to prevent bacteria from growing in cosmetics and shampoos. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells.

4. Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is another name for salt. Sodium chloride in shampoo and conditioner is mainly there to make the consistency thicker. Salt can make an already-sensitive scalp dry and itchy, which can eventually cause hair loss.

5. Polyethylene Glycols (PEG)
PEG is a thickening agent derived from petroleum that is often contaminated with byproducts. There has not been sufficient research done to conclude that PEGs themselves are as toxic as shampoo ingredients, but common byproducts in PEGs can be harmful.

6+7. Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
DEA and TEA are also emulsifiers and foam agents that reduce surface tension so water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients can blend together. In 1998, researchers found a link between the topical application of DEA and cancer in animals, but the effects on humans are unclear. The European Commission has banned DEA in cosmetics.

8. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and has been proven to be absorbed through the skin in animal testing. Manufacturers often add it to products directly as a preservative, but it can also be released over time through a chemical process from other types of preservatives. If you’re wondering what to look for, a common one in shampoos is quaternium-15. They can also be found in chemicals used for Brazilian blowouts at hair salons.

9. Alcohol
Most alcohols have a drying effect, and the higher up in the ingredients list they appear, the more alcohols the product contains. Some alcohols that are not as bad for dry hair begin with a “C” or an “S,” like Cetearyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol. They can actually help your hair retain moisture. The ones that are bad if you already have dry hair usually have a “prop” in their name, like Isopropyl alcohol or propanol.

10. Synthetic Fragrances
Products that have “fragrance” on their label can contain thousands of hidden chemicals. Some ingredients in fragranced cosmetic products can disrupt the reproductive system and cause cancer or asthma. They can also irritate the skin and scalp, which can lead to hair loss.

11. Synthetic Colors
Most shampoos and conditioners are dyed with a synthetic color to make them look nice. These colors come from petroleum or coal-tar sources, all of which come with harmful health effects. Synthetic colors will normally go by FD&C or D&C combined with a number.

12. Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a type of silicone that is used in a ton of hair products and contributes to product buildup that makes your hair feel greasy. Since it acts as a protecting cover on the surface of the hair, it stops moisture and nutrients from coming in and instead collects dirt and residue. It can clog the pores on the scalp and cause skin irritation.

13. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is another foam booster. Although it’s derived from coconut oil, it can have negative effects. This surfactant is used in hair products along  with dimethylaminopropylamine, which can cause skin irritation, allergies, rosacea, and eczema.

14. Triclosan
Triclosan was banned from being used in antibacterial soaps in 2016 but is still allowed in toothpaste, shampoos, and deodorants. It’s a chemical antibacterial agent known to cause hormone disruptions, which can lead to cancer and affect fetal development, among other things.

15. Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is the ester of retinol combined with palmitic acid. It’s a known skin irritant that can cause peeling, scaling, redness, and itching. Side effects of retinyl palmitate may include cancer, reproductive problems, and organ toxicity.

Harmless Shampoo Ingredients
​While there are many bad ingredients in shampoos and harmful shampoo brands, plenty of shampoos use only natural, non-toxic, and organic ingredients, and you can even make your own homemade hair treatments using ingredients from your kitchen. If you are suffering from hair loss or unhealthy hair growth and think chemicals such as the ones mentioned above may be to blame, try switching to a natural alternative. You can also try taking natural supplements that contain plant-derived ingredients that work synergistically to help your natural hair growth.

Hair care routine is something that one ought to diligently follow. It is normal to feel lazy from time to time, but it is also essential that one understands a pattern which suits their hair, and follows it.

While most people wash their hair at least once a week, not many know of the proper way of shampooing. Dr Noopur Jain, founder and consultant dermatologist at Skinzest, tells indianexpress.com that hair is delicate and it requires proper care and attention for maintenance. “Shampooing is one of the most important steps in a hair care routine, hence knowing some facts and knowing how to do it right is crucial,” she says.

The doctor lists five shampooing tips and tricks for effective hair care; 

1. Shampoo is only for cleansing the scalp, not for hair strands
A shampoo is exclusively for the scalp, it is supposed to be massaged into the scalp alone for 30 seconds or more depending upon the intensity of the product. Remember that for even distribution and better lathering, your hair needs to be wet.
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2. Shampoo should be used in little quantity; it should be diluted with water
If you do not do this, it can cause excessive dryness. Applying too much shampoo can damage your hair. No matter how long your hair is, a coin-size scoop is mostly perfect for everyone.

3. Shampoo frequency varies from person-to-person
Most of us apply shampoo once or twice a week. But depending on your hair texture and scalp nature, you must change your frequency. Some might require shampooing every day and in that case, using mild shampoos is a must. While some scalp might not require regular shampooing, hence slowing the frequency is important for texture and growth. Consulting a dermatologist if you’re facing any issues while shampooing can help you derive better results.

4. There’s no best shampoo
What suits someone else may not work for you. Everyone’s hair is different. You need to find a shampoo that suits your hair according to its nature. A dermatologist (or your hairstylist) can guide you regarding your scalp condition and hair texture. Some may have dry scalp and some oily, hence picking the correct shampoo will work wonders.
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5. Tying wet hair with a towel causes breakage
Once you’re done washing your hair, the drying part should also be considered. Carelessly tying up your hair with a tight towel can cause damage and breakage. One of the best ways to dry your hair is using a cotton towel or a cotton t-shirt; its soft texture won’t cause any damage.

​It's a little weird to say that my life has been vastly improved by a wad of absorbent fabric, but it's true. I recently invested in one of the best hair towels, and since then, my daily routine has gone a whole lot more smoothly. No longer do I have to bend my neck like an ostrich to keep the towel on top of my head. No longer do I feel beads of cold water dripping down my back, or end up damaging my hair by twisting too hard.

Most stylists would agree that, believe it or not, you should never dry your hair with a regular towel. That's because hair is especially delicate when it's wet, and the texture and material of a regular towel is often too coarse for fragile wet hair to handle. Your average bath towel might also not be the most absorbent, so if you do choose to blow dry your hair after towel drying it, you're not preventing as much heat damage as you could be.

Not only is a great hair towel made from a soft, special material that’s effective at absorbing water without damage, but it actually stays on your head while you move on with the rest of your routine. These top-rated hair-drying towels can help you dry your hair faster with less damage. Keep scrolling for the best hair towels that dry your hair fast.
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1. The Fan-Favorite Hair Towel

The DuraComfort Essentials Hair Towel is a top-seller in hair towels because it dries your hair quickly without getting in your way. It's lightweight, super absorbent, and one size fits all — though it comes in extra-wide, too. "This towel is a miracle worker!" one reviewer commented. "I have very long and thick hair, I use this towel and it absorbs almost all the water, it’s drying power is incredible! [...] It’s super soft and doesn’t damage my hair at all. Highly recommend this towel!"

According to one reviewer: “This the best head towel I have ever had. It is absorbent but dries fast. I no longer use a hair dryer since getting towel. All I got to do is wrap around my head and let it sit for a minute and hair i dry.”

2. The Best Value

They’re not the most durable, but if you have several people in your household or you always want to ensure that you have a clean hair towel on hand, AmazerBath hair wraps are one of the best values on Amazon. They come in a pack of three for $10, which breaks down to roughly $3 a towel. They’re also soft, absorbent, and thick, but still lightweight — and they have a plaited rope closure for security.

According to one reviewer: “These are really thick and good quality for a low price! I had a similar hair towel before that I spent 3x the price and it was much thinner. I also like the loop on this towel. It’s very thick and strong.”
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3. The Editor-Recommended Towel That’s Great For Thick Hair

“I have thick, coarse hair and this helps it dry much more quickly. It also stays in place and is lighter weight than other hair towels I've tried. I recently just bought a second one,” wrote BDG Commerce Editor Jen Fiegel. Consequently, if your hair is so thick that it drenches a regular towel in seconds, this Aquis hair towel might be the answer. It's made from Aquitex, a unique microfiber that can hold tons of moisture. It also comes in seven different colors, and it’s earned over 1,000 five-star ratings from past buyers.

According to one reviewer: “My hair is past shoulder length and quite thick, so it holds a lot of water when I wash it. I squeeze out the excess water, wrap it up in the AQUIS [...] and in a short time the towel soaks up more water than any other.”

4. The Writer-Beloved One Worth The Splurge

I blow dry my hair every single day, so it’s important that I minimize damage and save as much time as possible. The VOLO Hero hair towel is my daily go-to, and in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. It's large but lightweight, soft but absorbent, and plush but secure. Last but definitely not least, it absorbs 10 times its weight in water and uses a special fabric that reduces drying time by up to 50%, so you can be out the door much sooner.

According to one reviewer: “Machine washed and dried 3x so far, owned for 10 days, still just as absorbent (and soft) as the day I opened the box. No fraying, no pulled threads. [...] My hair has never looked better.”
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5. A Budget-Friendly Set Designed To Stay In Place

​If you like to check your e-mail, clean your room, and do your makeup right out of the shower, you need something that'll stay in place. These AuroTrends microfiber hair towels have a button, an elastic band, and a lightweight design to keep the towel on your head no matter what, and without pulling or pain. They also absorb water quickly and come in a pack of two, both with bright, multi-colored stripes. Amazon reviewers also love how much value you get for the price.

According to one reviewer: "This is a great little towel to use fresh out of the shower. Starts the drying process on my thick hair while I’m applying make up. It stays secure on my head so it’s not falling every time I move my head."

6. The Best Bamboo Hair Towels For Freshness

Bamboo is an extremely popular material right now, and that's because it's soft, lightweight, dries quickly, and prevents the growth of bacteria. These Laluztop Hair Towel Wraps (bamboo hair towels) absorb water so hair dries quickly and with minimal damage, but they also smell fresh and clean for a long time, according to reviewers. One user concisely listed its pros: "Very absorbent and soft. Dries quickly so it doesn't get a musty smell. Very comfortable to wear." You get two towels instead of one with this pack.

According to one reviewer: “My hair dries so much quicker than with a regular towel, and this keeps all of the loose postpartum hairs off of my body towel! I hate that "microfiber feel" and these are a great alternative.”
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7. The Best Hair Wrap Designed With Curly Hair In Mind

​The DevaCurl DevaTwist Anti-Frizz Microfiber Towel Wrap is specifically made for natural curls. It helps them to dry bouncy and healthy without frizz. One Amazon fan raved, "I have tried cheap "microfiber" hair towels that didn't work worth squat. This towel is incredible." This microfiber towel stays in place thanks to a button and loop, and comes in a fun, vibrant pattern.

According to one reviewer: “This is a super convenient head wrap towel. Works great for my curls and my hair is noticeably less frizzy. Love it because it keeps my hair out of my face while drying it enough that I don’t have drippy hair. Super absorbent too.”
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8. An Affordable Hair Towel That’s Great For Extra-Long Hair

This large Desired Body Microfiber Hair Towel is soft and absorbent, and it's much bigger than some others on the market. (It measures 45 by 25 inches.) It's also got a fine waffle-weave microfiber design that's lightweight despite its size.

According to one reviewer: "I am very happy with this towel. I have waist length hair and it is long enough to cover it all. The best hair towel I have every had. Super absorbent and soft. A must have with long hair."
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9. A Great Set For Short Hair

Turbie Twists have been around for a while, and while some brands have expanded on these designs to suit people with longer hair, those with short hair may prefer the thin fabric and buttonless design. The absorbent microfiber material is extremely lightweight and slip-resistant, while the no-excess tail slips right into an elastic loop at the nape of the neck. You can also opt for both fun patterns and solid colors. “My hair comes just below my shoulder blades and is pretty thick so when I wrap it in this towel it comes just to the end of the towel and it all fits,” one reviewer wrote.

According to one reviewer: “The microfiber Turbie Twist cuts that time down dramatically, even if I only wear it briefly before blow drying. (If I have a bit more time, I leave the towel on longer and can then let my hair air dry the rest of the way--but that's more a weekend thing than a mad rush, fall out the door, weekday thing.)”
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10. The Best Option If You’re Worried About Breakage

Some hairstylists claim that drying your hair with a T-shirt is the best thing you can do to prevent the damage, breakage, and split-ends that towels cause. This Ultimate T-Shirt Hair Towel is made from that same soft material, but designed to stay on your head. It's smooth, absorbent, and leaves your hair shiny and manageable. It also comes in three sizes.

According to one reviewer: “A curly hair essential, this towel is ideal for plopping curly hair for a few hours or even overnight. I usually wear it to bed when I wash my hair in the evening. Definitely cuts down on frizz and breakage when drying hair. I love this towel so much!”
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11. The Most Adorable Hair Towels

For kids or kids at heart, these pocova Original Magic Animal Hair Wraps are fun, whimsical, cheap, and actually effective. While they look like cute animals, they’re made from absorbent microfiber that soaks up excess water and gets softer with every wash. They also minimize both frizz and unwanted strain on your neck, thanks to their gentle, lightweight texture. (Note that they’re better for shorter hair.) A button keeps them in place.
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According to one reviewer: “These are very cute towels and they do a good job of drying hair. My girls love them!”

Just like brushing your teeth daily, it is important to comb your hair every day. Believe it or not, just this simple activity can do wonders for your hair — the only hair care routine that you must religiously follow on a daily basis.

Arthi Raguram, the founder of Deyga Organics, says people with dry hair or those susceptible to hair loss are reluctant to comb in order to avoid losing extra strands.

“But, combing hair is not just a self-care practice as it has obvious scientific benefits. Brushing hair twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening before bed — is a norm. The frequency can vary from person-to-person, depending on hair length and texture. For instance, people with long hair should comb at least thrice a day to prevent knots and breakage,” she advises.

Raguram lists the following benefits of combing hair every day;

* Promotes blood circulation in the scalp
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Combing acts upon the capillaries of the scalp, which helps in transporting oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles effectively, thus, promoting blood circulation in the scalp, nourishing hair roots, promoting growth, and helping reduce hair loss.

* Stimulates and distributes natural oils

Sebaceous glands in the scalp produce sebum that naturally conditions and protects hair. Combing stimulates the sebaceous glands and ensures natural oils are properly distributed from sebum to the root of the hair, all the way along the shaft. Thus, combing maintains a healthy scalp and creates the right pH balance.

* Exfoliates scalp

Regular combing helps to clean old hair, dead skin cells, hair product residues, grime, and other deposits that sit at the root of your hair and scalp. Unclogging the scalp’s pores, combing allows scalp and hair to breathe and rejuvenate dull and dandruff-ridden hair.

* Adds volume to the hair

Combing hair from time to time helps to keep the shine, enhance volume, and maintain bounce since the hair looks healthy and fresh. Also, combing prevents the accumulation of loose hair that leads to tangles or knots. People with oily scalp can benefit from regular combing as the comb distributes the natural oils and makes hair look less greasy.

Brushing hair the right way

1. Select the right tools
Use a wooden comb (preferably made from rosewood) as it is anti-static, unlike plastic combs that make hair frizzy, brittle, and prone to damage. Besides, wooden combs don’t pull on your hair or scratch the scalp while detangling hair.

2. Never start brushing hair from roots
To ensure a damage-free experience, brush your hair in sections and start mid-hair. Going all the way from top to bottom will lead to breakage, so continue moving up your hair until you reach your scalp, and then brush the entire length.

3. Do not comb wet hair
Wet hair is highly susceptible to breakage. Always make sure to air-dry or blow-dry hair before using a comb.

The passing of time brings about many physical changes, and hair isn’t exempt from its effects. As we mature, tress texture, color, volume and shine tend to shift and fade—but those transformations needn’t be traumatic. Hair color, quantity and quality can be preserved by taking certain styling steps while following basic healthy-living tips. Our experts weigh in on the biology of hair aging.

Cause and Effect

“There are three main reasons for why hair aging occurs,” says Kenneth Vigue, Redavid director of marketing and education. The first and most common encompasses internal factors, including genes, diet and medication. Menopause is a contributor to women’s hair transformation starting in their forties, as the sex hormones that stimulate follicle-fiber growth tend to dwindle. Over time, fibers become thinner, often falling out and no longer regenerating. “Family history can’t be altered, and genetics also play a role when it comes to pigment,” says Cherry Petenbrink, CLICS creative director and Olivia Garden artistic director. “If one or both parents turned gray early in life, chances are you’ll follow that same pattern.” The second cause consists of environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals, pollution, salt and sun. “People with active lifestyles often find themselves in environments that promote hair aging, particularly come summer,” says Vigue. “That ranges from the photoaging effects and molecular breakdown caused by excessive UV damage to salt and chlorine buildup.” Finally, mechanical factors play their part in the tress-aging process. “Years of wear and tear caused by thermal tools like blowdryers and styling irons, in addition to the overuse of chemicals found in straightening treatments or perms, can lead to less youthful-looking hair,” says Petenbrink.

Signs of Aging Strands

Graying

Whether you were in your twenties or forties when you spotted your first gray strand, loss of saturation is an inevitable fact of life. Melanocyte cells that infuse hair with color eventually stop producing pigment. Stress on the sympathetic nervous system, poor nutrition and a deficit of essential vitamins and minerals can all hasten this process, but the bottom line is melanin doesn’t generate forever. Most studies agree on the rule of fifties: Half the population will have fifty percent gray hair by age fifty.

Thinning/Texture

“Hair gets thinner as you get older, and its texture can also change,” says Sonya Dove, Wella Professionals global artist. That’s because shorter follicle life cycles stop replacing old strands with new ones as people hit their forties and fifties. Thinning patterns vary, with men experiencing more male-pattern baldness around hairlines and crowns, and women tending to see uniform loss around the scalp. Fiber diameters also alter, growing larger for the first few decades before steadily decreasing in size, which can lead to loss of volume or even a change in existing curl patterns.

Dryness

Excessive oil production may be a marker of puberty, but when most of us hit middle age, both skin and hair begin to tend toward dryness. This is due to shifting hormones that slow down sebum production. Natural oils keep strands looking smooth, which means loss of moisture may result in the unwanted appearance of flyaways and frizz.

Combating Hair Aging

Luckily, there are solutions to the hair-aging problem. “I like to start my graying clients with a demipermanent hair color,” says Petenbrink. “That covers fifty percent or less and blends fifty percent and higher without changing hair’s structure.” Scalp health is an essential prerequisite to shiny, voluminous-looking tresses, so opt for products containing ingredients that increase blood flow while nixing impurities. “Cedarwood oil boasts those qualities naturally, and is phenomenal for cleansing scalps and hair so they can thrive and breathe,” says Vigue. “Certain oils, including orchid oil, can also smooth down cuticles to infuse luster and tame flyaways.” And while it may be easier said than done, making healthy lifestyle choices can help hair—and bodies—look and feel their best. “Attempt to keep stress to a minimum and eat a good diet rich in protein, iron, vitamins and minerals,” says Dove. Cheers to many years of youthful-looking strands.