2, Do you pay attention to shampoo ingredients, seeking or avoiding certain components for your hair health?
I TRY to pay attention as to which ingredients I want to avoid; however, when shopping I often can't remember the names of the chemicals to avoid, and the lists of ingredients on the product are often toooo numerous and in very small print.
I like a shampoo that leaves my hair smelling nice & looking clean & shiny.
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What ingredients are generally best avoided?
Skin care experts generally recommend avoiding certain shampoo and conditioner ingredients, no matter your hair type or styling preferences.
If you see any of the following on the label, you may want to keep shopping.
Sulfates
Sulfates, most commonly sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), work as cleansing agents. They offer a deep clean and the sudsy lather many people expect from a shampoo.
Still, these harsh cleansers can strip your hair of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness.
They also have a few other drawbacks:
skin irritation
dryness
inflammation
increased skin sensitivity
worsened symptoms of skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and contact dermatitis
Sulfates don’t just affect your hair and skin. When you wash them down the drain, they flow into sewage systems and eventually to local rivers or the ocean, where they can wreak havoc on fragile ecosystems.
Formaldehyde
You’ll find this chemical compound in a number of household products — not to mention building materials, furniture, and paints.
In shampoos, it serves as a preservative, but it’s probably best to put any shampoos containing formaldehyde back on the shelf — it’s a known human carcinogen.
It can also lead to contact allergies or dermatitis and worsen skin conditions like allergic dermatitis and eczema.
Parabens
These chemical preservatives have been used in beauty products for years to extend shelf life.
They do have antibacterial and antifungal properties, true. But they’re also rapidly absorbed through the skin and into bodily tissues, where they may:
-affect breast cell tissue growth and possibly increase breast cancer risk
-affect estrogen in the body, with potential consequences for menstruation and pregnancy
-trigger allergic contact dermatitis
-lead to skin issues like irritation, redness, flaking, and hives
Parabens can also cause ecological harm. Even low levels of butylparaben can kill coral.
Hexachlorophene
This antiseptic agent is common in cosmetic products because of its antibacterial properties.
Still, it can cause eye and skin irritation, including:
-redness and swelling
-dryness
-sensitivity to light
-scaling
It’s also harmful if swallowed. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Phthalates
These man-made chemical compounds add flexibility to many plastics.
In shampoo, phthalates serve as a binding agent. They’re easily absorbed into the human body.
Experts have linked them to:
-changes in hormone levels and function
-low sperm count and infertility
-Increased risk of pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes
They may also harm the:
-kidneys
-thyroid
-liver
-immune system
Phthalates are also environmental pollutants. They can affect reproduction in animals, just as they do in humans.
Triclosan
You’ll find this antibacterial chemical in plenty of products, including toothpaste and mouthwash.
In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned its use in antibacterial soaps, but it’s still used in other personal care products, like shampoo.
Triclosan helps reduce bacterial contamination — but it’s easily absorbed into the skin and tissue, where exposure can affect reproductive health. It also makes its way into the sewage system, where it can harm any number of plant and animal species.
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1. Which shampoo do you use, and what specific features have caught your attention?
Right now I'm using
"Super Nature" with aloe brand. Nice fragrance & I like the "natural" claim.
Elite Member
There isn't much more to add, you've covered everything.
In any case, I use multiple products, and while I won't list them all here, one that I use is 
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