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Hair breakage can be a real problem for your self esteem, thinning out your hair and emphasizing any hair loss. In order to prevent this problem, carefully choosing a shampoo is crucial. Specifically, avoiding some shampoo ingredients can save your hair from unnecessary breakage.
According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, the one shampoo ingredient you should avoid to stop breakage is sulfate.
Sulfate
Zeichner explains, "While sulfate-based surfactants can effectively clean the hair, they can cause significant dryness and irritation of the scalp and lead to hair brittleness."
If your hair is too brittle, it becomes increasingly easy to break.
If you have processed hair, this is especially important. Zeichner continues "If you have permed or color treated hair, make sure to avoid sulfates."
Another reason to avoid sulfates in shampoo? "They can also alter your hair color," Zeichner tells SheFinds.
Instead, sticking to a sulfate-free shampoo can save your hair from unnecessary damage and keep it looking full.
Zeichner says, "Sulfate free shampoos are just as effective up washing the hair, but associated with fewer potential side effects."
Ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and ammonium lauryl sulfate are important to stay away from in order to keep your hair looking its best.
With that in mind, sticking to natural and sulfate-free shampoos can be the perfect way to keep your hair looking its best.