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Shampoo is a product that everyone uses, but not very many people are familiar with the ingredients that are used to make their go-to formula. Inf act, experts say that certain ingredients can have an awful effect on your hair, leaving you with issues like dryness and irritation or thinning hair and hair loss.
Curious to know if your favorite shampoo is guilty of damaging your strands? Dermatologists say this is only the case if you’re using shampoos that contain sulfates. Here’s why:
“Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, break down proteins in the hair, slow down and potentially stop hair growth," New York dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah tells Bustle.
It turns out sulfates aren't the only things you have to worry about in your shampoo. Dr. Shah notes that chemicals like Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine are just as bad for your hair.
"Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine can cause scalp irritation and destroy the hair's keratin," she explains.
So, what should you be using? Dr. Shah recommends using strengthening shampoo formulas that are fortified with biotin and amino acids to ensure your hair is getting the proteins it needs to be strong and healthy.
"Biotin can help strengthen the hair [and] amino acids can also help strengthen and moisturize," Dr. Shah notes. Good to know!