68 Responses to “Shampoo Ingredients To Avoid”

1. Susan Says:
   November 30th, 2007 at 6:43 pm

   SLS, from what I’ve read, is basically irritating *because* it’s a detergent. We need oils in our skin and removing too many is bad. But this is something that can happen with *any* detergent, so it’s not just SLS… I’ve actually cut way back from using shampoo in general, myself, and found that my normally-frazzled hair is doing a lot better because of it. But it all depends on your own hair, I think… if you have fine, easily-weighed-down hair, the same oils that I’m trying to preserve could leave your hair greasy and stringy, and then a detergent would be a good thing.

2. Left Brain Says:
   December 3rd, 2007 at 6:16 am

   Nice article but unfortunately Paula doesn’t completely understand the chemistry of the things she writes about. Don’t get me wrong, I love Paula and she has some great advice. However, sometimes she gets things just a little bit wrong. For example…

   There is practically no difference between ALES and SLES. These ingredients are salts and when they are put in water, the “Ammonium” part and the “Sodium” part separate from the “Laureth Sulfate” part. There is no noticeable difference between the two. So, if the advice is to avoid ALES then the same should apply to SLES.

   The advice also doesn’t consider formulating tricks that are done to reduce irritation of detergents and other ingredients in the formula. For example, Pantene includes glycol distearate and cocamidopropyl betaine in their formulas which has the benefit of significantly reducing irritation. In fact, some SLES formulas would score worse in irritation and harshness tests than Pantene. (Note I’m not endorsing Pantene, just pointing out some facts about formulating).

   Incidentally, the next time you have a tough time getting color out of your hair, soaking it in warm distilled water works better than any shampoo.

3. masood Says:
   December 18th, 2007 at 6:07 pm

   does pantene pro have any kind of pork,beef in the ingrediantes……
   thank you

4. lane Says:
   December 31st, 2007 at 2:31 am

   i actually use alberto vo5 kiwi lime squeeze clarifying conditioner to wash my hair. i know it’s not a shampoo, but luckily it doesnt have any of those ingredients. i have a question… it uses actindia chinensis (kiwi) fruit extract and lime peel extract. is that considered an additive that is harmful.

5. Jeni - Savvy Skin Says:
   January 2nd, 2008 at 5:39 pm

   Lane,
   I haven’t read about those ingredients being bad for hair, so you should be fine. I’ve never thought about using conditioner to wash hair, since I didn’t think it had any cleansing ingredients in it to clean hair.

6. Tonic Gifts Says:
   January 25th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

   Bits of Beauty – Part 20…

   Tis the season to be jolly but all in moderation otherwise you could end up looking like St Nicholas himself come mid January. Alex from Health Owner discusses the difference in saturated fat and unsaturated fat and the direct benefits…

7. judycooper Says:
   January 28th, 2008 at 10:48 pm

   want to know if a shampoo can be used as a body wash also. very good information

8. Jeni - Savvy Skin Says:
   January 31st, 2008 at 3:19 am

   judy,
   I wouldn’t use regular shampoo as a body wash because it usually has ingredients that are a bit more drying and harsh than body washes. However, there are some body washes that have basically the same ingredients as shampoo, so it just depends on the product.

   Also, Philosophy makes products that you can use as shampoo and body wash (and I think bubble bath).

9. lovy Says:
   January 31st, 2008 at 8:10 am

   Jeni, isnt garnier also have SLS in it?

10. Jeni - Savvy Skin Says:
    January 31st, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    Lovy,
    The Garnier I use doesn’t have Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in it.

    It has Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which is much less harsh, and what’s in most shampoos that are a bit more expensive.

11. lovy Says:
    February 1st, 2008 at 3:59 am

    oh yes Jeni, i just checked it out, and you are right. I just learned that hair care products sometimes also can be the cause or aggravating acne, especially when we wear our hair down and sometimes touches our face. Is there any ingredients in Garnier shampoo that is bad for acne prone skin or are they safe?

12. Connie Says:
    February 12th, 2008 at 10:37 am

    I have the last 2 published books of Paulas regarding hair care products, and find some of the info from book to book differed. One said to avoid a shampoo I was researching and the next said it was good. That confused me. I have fine thin oily hair and still have not found a suitable shampoo or product to handle my hair. Any help would be appreciated.

13. Jeni - Savvy Skin Says:
    February 13th, 2008 at 8:06 pm

    Connie,
    I haven’t noticed any discrepancies in Paula’s books, but I guess it’s not surprising since she reviews thousands of products! I wonder if the product’s formula changed? I also have a lot of problems with my hair, and I’m by no means an expert when it comes to making hair look good. I would look in Paula’s book, and then look up every shampoo that sounds good in the Product Reviews on http://www.makeupalley.com to see what other people say. And I’m sure you are already using shampoos for oily hair, or a clarifying shampoo?

14. Jo Says:
    October 7th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    I’m not sure what your concern is limited to in saying that some products are “bad,” others are “okay,” and some are “good.” My real concern is in the brands that you list as “good.” There is nothing good about L’Oreal. They put lead in lipstick, test on animals, and pollute to boot! The cosmetic industry is overall a dirty one. There are, however, some that work to make less of an impact on our overall health and the environment. Perhaps you should give professional products another look, or maybe the shelves of your local organic market.
    love,
    an industry professional

15. Von Says:
    November 24th, 2008 at 2:51 am

    Since using Loreal Paris Elseve Nutri-Gloss Pro Protein Shampoo, i’ve been having burnt looking skin on my neck. After using my skin burns. Has anyone had a similar experience with this or any other shampoo?

16. SHAWNA Says:
    November 24th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

    I WAS TOLD BY MY HAIR DRESSER THAT PANTENE HAS ANIMAL URINE IN IT AND ALSO ANIMAL FAT! I WAS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY HAIR, HAIR LOSS FRIZZYNESS AND RYNESS I RECENTLY SWITCHED TO BIOLAGE AND ITS ONLY BEEN 2 WEEKS AND MY HAIR FEELS ALOT BETTER AND LOOKS A WHOLE LOT BETTER IT MAY BE A LITTLE PRICY BUT ITS A GOOD PRODUCT TO USE!!!!!

17. OhNo! Mobile Computer Repairs Says:
    November 29th, 2008 at 9:12 am

    Lo’real test on animails , that is not good!

18. OhNo! Mobile Computer Repairs Says:
    November 29th, 2008 at 9:13 am

    I use mostly natural products and have very sensitive scalp

    I wish fixing my hair was as easy as my day job fixing computers with OhNo!

19. Jan Says:
    December 8th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    Pantene contains the major ingredients that I avoid:
    Tthe Alcohol and perfume alone strip my brown hair color.
    Personally Use the mildest shampoo with the least ingredients.

20. h_s Says:
    December 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am

    FOR YEARS, I used Aussie shampoo and conditioner and was forced to stop when they changed their formula. When that happened ~ *POOF!* ~ Instant dandruff! To this day, if I see the words “New and Improved” on a hair care product, I refuse to buy it. Why fix it? It wasnt broken! I used to enjoy using Head and Shoulders just because I loved the way it made my hair feel. Well, I can tell you, those days are over. “New and Improved” strikes again. I am forced to use baby shampoo and leave-in conditioner. I’m afraid to use anything else anymore. HELP!! What are they doing to our shampoos, and can you suggest anything in particular to try?

21. CHristine Says:
    December 11th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

    ok, I am a shampoo junkie.. Can someone recommend a shampoo that work well, cleans nicely, doesn’t weight down hair (as mine isn’t thick).. and is healthy , if there is such a thing?.. Thanks

22. sarahlily Says:
    December 20th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

    umm, many of the natural ingredients you listed are things that are good for your hair. many of the herbs listed have been used as beauty products for thousands of years. for example, rose is one of the best ingredients to help your hair retain moisture. essential oil of the tea tree plant is an amazing cleaner with the power to cure dandruff and acne. i think you need to do a little more research, and make sure your sources aren’t trying to discredit the natural product industry for profit.

23. Sam Says:
    December 26th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    Hey
    I have really dry hair due to my hairdressing saying cutting my hair short was a good idea and then dying it from dark brown to blonde.
    I have just been to a (DIFFERENT!) salon and have had the majority of my split ends and dryness cut off.
    but i really need a good moisturising shampoo and conditioner
    i was using dove until my hairdresser told me that it is actually really bad for trying to put the moisture back in my hair
    helppppp!

24. sue nash Says:
    January 20th, 2009 at 4:44 am

    I have celiac and can not come in contect with any gluten or cross contamination. Do you know of any hair prouducts I can use? Speacialy conditoner and mousee Thank you for any help you may give Sue

25. Lee Says:
    February 10th, 2009 at 8:11 am

    I do not agree at all with this. This is completely a new age theory. Any detergent that does it’s job will be on the “bad list”. If it is not, it is not completely doing it’s job. I am not a professional on this matter but I am a senior chemistry student and plan to go to grad school> i am currently designing my own line. Another problem is that “natural” shampoo can not sell to the masses because of the awful smells that come a long with it. I have perfect long hair, and I use a variety of shampoos and my mom also owns a salon. I like the simple stuff found at wal-mart like pantene pro-v, aussie(personal fav), and tresemme. The real problem with some of these shampoos that are mentioned is not the detergent, but the ph levels they can temporaily turn your hair. If anyone does read please note, do not fall in love with only one shampoo, as this will no dount cause build up no matter what the “bottle or company” says.

26. mimi87 Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    Hi everyone,

    I have used almost every drug store shampoo you can think of and none of them had a WOW factor effect like they made it seem in their TV commercials. ugh.

    My hair is thick, coarse, mostly dry and quite long. I’ve tried TIGI bed head Moisture Maniac which left my hair with that annoying squeaky feeling. So i switched to Redken “All Soft” shampoo and conditioner in hopes to achieve the opposite and boy did I get that, maybe a little too much. After 4 weeks of use only once each week my hair felt extremely weighed down, dull and lifeless with quite a lot of what I believe to be product build up (dimethicone!)
    Now I’m trying Kerastase Bain Satin 2 accompanied by Lait Vital conditioner and so far the only downside is that my scalp feels a little itchy every now and then and I’m noticing some dandruff (may need clarifiying shampoo), but oddly enough my hair has never felt or looked so amazing. It is shiny, soft and feels oh-so hydrated. I love this so far! I think it may have something to do with all the protein and “Citric acid” which tames the hair follicle.
    Next I will be trying Matrix Biolage Hydrating range which I’ve read quite a lot of good reviews about!

27. paula quilts Says:
    April 13th, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    I accidently went to the Made from Earth skin care website when looking for something for my research paper, and it was one of the best accidents i ever had. I tried their Organic Tea & Protein Shampoo and loved it….It has a great scent and is gentle on my scalp. Compared to the $30-40i I used to spend on organic shampoo this is an even match at a cheaper price. Best for use to make your hair fuller and fresher….

28. Alka Says:
    April 16th, 2009 at 10:04 am

    I am a bit confused. The website says to not use shampoos with additive ingredients such as sage, orange etc… but it is mentioned that Paula uses Back to Basics Citrus Clarifying Sage Shampoo? Perhaps I am not understanding correctly. Thanks for clarifyin!

29. Cindy Selby Says:
    April 19th, 2009 at 10:10 am

    I always wanted to know what harmful ingredients are in shampoos and conditioners, I use basically an 1-Z brands of shampoo and conditioner,whatever catches my eye. I do have my hair breaking off and when I rinse the shampoo and conditioner out I di have some hair falling out,Not in a balding way mind you. I do have long hair that stops growing at about 8 inches past my shoulders. Plus I also dye my hair but now only from dark blonde to medium ash brown. I do use shampoos with the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate,Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate,Ammonium Laureth Sulfate ingredients and the flower or fruit scented ones like Sauve Naturals. Thanks for the eye opening info on this news, possibly the shampoos I use are more harmful to my hair than they appear? I watch the Dirty Jobs show on Discovery and the host Mike Rowe did a segment on organic hair wash -Not shampoo that has no harmful ingriedients called “Terressentials”
    and you can visit their website and purchase their products here at http://www.terressentials.com/haircare.html
    I may try this hair wash out and see how my hair does and feels.

30. lolly Says:
    April 23rd, 2009 at 11:25 am

    midollo di bamboo is ultra gentil if you have very over prosessed hair! i just got two sets of full head highlights and my hair was in bits! i felt like crying!the hair dressers warned me that this would happen and now my hair is so so so dry!but i love the coulour! i went darkish brown to sandy blond! so anyway the hairdresser told me about this shampoo and conditoner and its AMAZING!! its supossed to repair your hair 100 percent but i wouldnt beleve that i have used the mask twice and its about 20- 30% better! i would reccomend it if your hair is seriously over prossesed! the shampoo and mask is what i have!

31. LIsa Says:
    April 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    Does anyone have any recommendations for a shampoo to suit a young girl aged 3.5. I have tried Pears and VO5 but her scalp seems to react badly to one or other of these. I need a supermarket brand but preferably not one that costs a fortune. Her hair is growing thick and curly so needs something more than just the useless gentle baby shampoos and conditioners you get – they do nothing and leave her hair in flyaway knots.
    For my part I have think oily hair and I loved Pantene for several years. Then I discovered Bed Head through my hairdresser and its great – highly recommended.

32. Ava Says:
    June 14th, 2009 at 9:41 am

    What bad things are in Ookisa,I tried it (used it twice) and it ruined my hair.My hair started snapping off immediately and hasen’t stopped(3 months) I’ve lost aprox half my hair.How do I stop it?

33. Atchaya Says:
    June 29th, 2009 at 10:36 am

    Hey could anyone plz tell what shampoo should i use for dry and damaged hair???

34. Sally Says:
    July 5th, 2009 at 9:58 am

    You forgot the worst one! Dimethicone/silicon! It’s a sneaky little buggar that gives you the feel that your hair is moisturized, but actually blocks essential moisture.

35. Sarah Says:
    July 20th, 2009 at 8:25 am

    Being a Cosmetologist, I could tell you a lot about shampoo and conditioner. You are right on most of your facts, but I must warn you on a couple MAJOR things about store bought shampoo.. Pantene is on the bad list, and the reason why your hair may seem healthy, is because it contains A LOT of wax. Which can make it hard for color, perms, etc. Also it will weigh your hair down over time. I had a client that used nothing but Pantene, and I could literally scrape the wax off of her hair shaft.. Therefore she bought a salon brand shampoo, and continues to thank me to this day.

    Also, NEVER EVER buy “Paul Mitchell” (or any other salon brand) that is not sold in a salon. They are not real. They have just as much bacteria in them as raw sewage. People have got very sick by using the products.

    Salon brand products also have a MUCH longer shelf life than drug store shampoos. So not only could it be the ingredients that are irritating, but they also could be out dated and chalked full of bad bacteria.

    Never forget, that you can get salon brand products at a great price, you just need to shop around and check for sales. For example, Smart Style in Wal Mart, SuperCuts, J.C. Penney salons (awesome deals there..usually always a sale), Sallys Beauty Supply (Generic Salon brands- but they are just as good!).. Explore your options! =]

36. rosc Says:
    August 12th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

    I’ve tried alot of things, including the “not washing” theory and borax and such. Tried conditioner only too, but I’d be a greaser for sure if I did that all the time. What works for me is just regular old Suave “humectant” and conditioner. And, only washing every few days. I think my hair looks best the day after a wash, after it’s built up a little “dirt” and oil, but not too much. After 3-4 days, it gets the greaser look, which may not be so bad, at least it’s easy to comb. I have long thin hair and psoriasis, so I try to not dry out the ends. Always always always use conditioner! That’s a must. I don’t use leave-in types, again, greaser would be the result for me. People worry too much about their hair, that’s the problem. Stop washing it so much, you judge yourself worse than other people lookin at ya do :)

37. Kat Says:
    August 20th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    Has anyone tried Wen, and what do they think of it?

38. Sophie Says:
    October 8th, 2009 at 11:57 am

    The oils are actually good. You need your hair stripped of the stuff that gets acught up in it, no matter what. Oils are better than the chemicals… I use giovanni since it’s residue free.

39. Pats Says:
    October 25th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    I’ve been using WEN Cucumber Aloe for about a year now.

    I used to have a real problem with dry hair & my bright red haircolour fading terribly after just a few washings, courtesy of the dreaded SLS in shampoo. I tried all sorts of brands of “colour maintaining” shampoos, with pretty much the same result.

    However, the WEN, together with using only lukewarm water to wash my hair, has been simply amazing! My red hair stays nice & vibrant, and silky soft. I did have to get used to the different method for WEN, since it requires more work and time than your standard shampoo that you essentially dump on your head, move around a bit, then quickly rinse out.

    With WEN, you need to brush your hair before you wet it, then run water through it & scrub to loosen the dirt from your hair & scalp. Add the required pumps of WEN (more than you’d use for shampoo), work it through your hair for a couple of minutes, then pile your hair on top of your head & finish your shower or bath. After about 10 minutes or so, add water, & thoroughly rinse for at least 2 minutes. If necessary, you can add another pump of WEN as a leave-in conditioner, but I’ve never had to.

    There are different formulas, depending on your hair & scalp condition, though Sweet Almond Mint is the generic one. Some formulas contain menthol or tea tree oil, so if you’re especially sensitive to these ingredients, you may want to avoid them.

    I buy my WEN from QVC. Their website sells all formulas, in various sizes & combinations, and I feel safer ordering from them than from the company that does the infomercials.

    The ingredients in the generic Sweet Almond Mint cleansing conditioner are: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Wheat, Protein, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Polysorbate 60, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Amodimethicone, Citric Acid, Menthol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum, Limonene)

40. LYN Says:
    October 28th, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    Can someone recomend a good shampoo for fine hair I have been told that silicone free is best please tell me

41. W DANCER Says:
    December 13th, 2009 at 9:46 pm

    I never really thought about that companies were using bad products in shampoo till I purchased Suave shampoo and it burned the holy ghost out of me. I just was naive as to the ingredients in these shampoos. I went back to basics and used my home products which are chemical free and natural.

42. Anna Says:
    December 23rd, 2009 at 9:36 am

    Why are those natural ingredients bad for your hair? Are they irritants or do they strip the hair too much? Just wondering…

43. rita Says:
    January 5th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    IT WORKS PROMISE
    i put high lights in my hiar then wanted a purm right after my hair stylist siad NO WAY I WONT TOUCH IT TO DO THAT IT WILL FRIY YOUR HAIR so i went to a nother solon and got a purm it F.%$#ed my hair up it was dry and kinda course lol …i tred almost every thing in the stores but no deep condutioner worked so i thought im going to resarch about how to get healthy hair ….
    IT STARTS AT THE SCALPE i bought this product called WEN by chass dean it was $29.99 for a one month supples of it i really recomed this product it really works my hair was so soft the next day. my hair still had a little frizzy but nothing like befor i love it and the key is to massage your scalp as u use it ..CONS TO THE PRODUCT you only get a 16oz. bottle of it and with 16-24 pumps it so by fast iv had mine for about 4 days now and its haulf gone i use only 8 pumps for my scalp and 8 for the middle ,then 8 for my ends..ANOTHER KEY IS THAT THE ONLY WAY TO GET REALLY HEALTHY HIR IS TO KEEP CUTTING IT AS IT GROSS….ASLO try just using conditioners and shampoo like two times a week..if any thing use tressamee they got the best stor shampoo out there …

44. jod9 Says:
    January 27th, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    hey, i am a stylist and very much recommend products ONLY sold in salons…buying elsewhere is DIVERSION and blackmarket and NOT quality guaranteed! as for using drugstore baby shampoos on adult hair…the pH of a baby shampoo is the same as tears at a 7 pH…which is why it is balanced to your that pH, however the pH of your hair is between 4.5 & 5.5 so a baby shampoo is actually TOO HARSH and will STRIP COLOR $$$. also when a child reaches about the age of 7, their hair is fully keratinized and they should be using an adult shampoo to prevent tangles and maintain health!! ask a stylist to recommend a shampoo catered to your hair type ie, dry damaged, colored/ fine or limp…maybe even let them get a hands on approach and TOUCH your hair…i find it really helps. it is usually only about $20 to go into a salon for a professional BLOWOUT which usually includes 2 shampoo treatments…the first shampoo (preferably a clarifier) cleanses your hair and the second (depepending on condition and texture/density) cleans your scalp! followed by a conditioner with a nice scalp massage and a wonderful shiny blowout for the weekend with styling tips along the way and recommendation for at home maintenance…youre worth it, put your trust into the hands of a professional and ENJOY!!! i recommend redken hair cleansing cream once a week for at home and always do two shampoos back to back! thermal protectants when heat styling are uber important as well to avoid further damage! good luck!!

45. nathan Says:
    February 14th, 2010 at 6:38 am

    What are the good products? if i use silk elements will that be ok?

46. Irish Says:
    February 21st, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    Would like to know your thoughts on Ojon hair products. They claim to use a special oil that only they have rights to from a tribe in Central America called Tawira – “The People of Beautiful Hair.” I know we are to stay away from ALS and SLS but what about Magnesium Laureth Sulfate?

47. anna Says:
    March 22nd, 2010 at 9:21 am

    Hi jeni
    first of all great website! really good and informative.
    Since i read your website i’m trying to be careful what shampoos to buy and conditioners. My hair is been falling a lot and i’m quite worried. I purchase today a palmolive shampoo and the ingredients are: aqua,sodium c12-13, pareth sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium chloride, sodium benzoate, parfum, glycol distearate, sodium salicylate, polyquaternium-7, citric acid, styrene/acrylate, copolymer, tetrasodium edta, laureth-4, lactose, methylisothizolinone, lactis proteinum, mel, benzyl,benzoate, benzyl salicylate,butylphenyl methylpropional, citronellol, hexyl cinnamal, linalool. Do you think it makes ok to use it?, or it is any bad ingredient in it?
    thank you very much

48. Lee Says:
    March 31st, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    You reference Paula Begoun quite a bit in this blog, so I would like to point out for the benefit of your readers that Paula highly recommends quite a few drug store brands that you place on your so-called “bad” list.

    The following drugstore brands are given a “VERY GOOD” rating (the highest rating she gives for shampoos) on Paula’s Beautypedia site: DOVE, PANTENE, and GARNIER. She also gives Suave’s Clarifying shampoo an excellent rating. Here’s the link to download in teh article: http://www.cosmeticscop.com/bulletin/DrugstoreDoubles.doc , in which she states that, “Whether you wash with the practically-free Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo, for Normal to Oily Hair ($1.29 for 15 ounces) or use White Rain Extra Body Shampoo ($1.32 for 15 ounces), your hair won’t know you didn’t spend several more dollars for Frederic Fekkai Technician Shampoo for Normal Hair ($18.50 for 8 ounces). All of these shampoos will cleanse hair and scalp beautifully and do not cause buildup. They’re also great for removing excess buildup from conditioning shampoos and styling products.”

49. laura Says:
    April 3rd, 2010 at 7:44 am

    Why are these ingredients meant to be avoided? the last time I checked all natural ingredients are better.

50. Lorraine Says:
    April 10th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    I am allergic to Balsam of Peru. Horrible! Gotto read ingredients of every item I buy or suffer the consequences.
    Most Doctors and Specialists have never heard of this allergy. Can you believe it? I must admit, neither have I, untill I was diagnosed by a Dermatologist (after seeing 3 other Dermatologists in a span of 7 years). She did a patch test on my back.
    Google Balsam of Peru allergy and you will see what I mean.
    The key ingredients that I have to watch out for: Benzoate, Benzoil, Citric Acid, Cinnamon, Citrus Peel.
    You will not believe how many products have BENZOATE in it. The WORST ingredient EVER!!! It should be banned!
    Currently, I am trying the latest Aveeno shampoo and conditioner. Still getting big sores on my scalp, but now I have to figure out if it is the Shampoo or the Calia Organice Hairspray that I’m using.
    ANYBODY got a comment of TRESemme?

51. Sara Says:
    April 26th, 2010 at 9:31 am

    Using Sulfate ingredients on your hair will damage your hair ..Why do you think MOST people have split ends? obviously its because we are 90% of shampoos and conditioners carry sulfate and other chemicals your hair doesn’t need. I just start using Hair One, from Salley’s Hair supply store. I think it’s awesome.. It makes your scalp feel amazing and all those products are SULFATE FREE which is good.. Nature is not out to hurt you so why use all these man-made products that can? My hair use to be down my back when I was growing up until I used all those chemical shampoos will sulfate and other harmful products that stripped away my hair. I still have long hair and growing it back but I’ve learned my lesson to stick to organic shampoo and moisturizers that won’t make your hair oily, dirty , and flaky..Also look for products that carry cartoene..very very good for your hair…

52. Shelley Says:
    May 4th, 2010 at 6:13 am

    I have been using Pantene Hair shampoo and conditioner for nearly 20 years. And I will keep using it. They work great for me! I’ve also tried the more expensive salon brand, however, my hair likes Pantene better. It really makes my hair shinny and manageable. I have thick hair and long hair. I often receive compliments on my hair. I really don’t think there is wrong in those Pantene products!

53. sra Says:
    May 22nd, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    what about dandruff shampoos? do you know of any that avoid these items on your list?

54. Amy Says:
    May 24th, 2010 at 11:54 am

    I don’t know what all the fuss is about, with being scared of detergents in shampoo. All they do is clean. I tried some of the “natural” shampoos and never felt like my hair was totally clean. I’ve also tried a lot of salon brands, and still end up going back to Walmart for my beloved Prell, which I’m sure any stylist would say is highly damaging. It works fine for me. My skin also likes it. I let the suds fall over me, and there you go: instant body wash. I do like Nature’s Gate Rainwater Tea Tree Oil Conditioner and a Vitamin C one from a salon that I don’t even use every day.
    That’s just my two cents. I’m not a chemist or stylist, only a consumer. I don’t feel like I’m being hurt by the sulfates in shampoo.

55. safsd Says:
    June 5th, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    Sarah my mother went to beauty school for hair, nails, and whatever elseand they said the exact same thing about PANTENE Products and they went to scrap off her hair from the wax and they could find any wax what so ever, maybe she was using the pantene products incorrectly or she had a naturally greassy head and needed something that would clean her hair more intensely.

56. Rosetta Says:
    June 8th, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    I have a question about Sodium Methosulfate in shampoos. If someone is allergic to sulfur/sulfa…does Sodium Methosulfate fall in the “allergic to sulfur” catagory?
    Thank you…

57. Patty Says:
    June 12th, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    Okay ladies, I have some news!… I have wavy, long hair and non- acne prone skin. I say non- acne prone because my face is very sensitive but I don’t have acne. I am vanishing natural hair products altogether. Apparently, there are a lot of oils and extracts in natural shampoos and conditioners. After washing and conditioning my hair the oils would seep into my skin around my fore head and neck causing the most horrid cysts. I would let my hair air dry and go the worst break outs on my chest, neck and shoulders. Again, I have sensitive skin, but not acne prone skin. The ends of my hair had gotten very dry and my scalp remained oily no matter what natural stuff I used. I now use joico body luxe shampoo and conditioner just because there are no oils in them. I have always used purpose face cleanser which is mild and can use it on my eyes because it doesn’t sting and washes waterproof mascara of in a flash. My skin is FINALLY back to normal. All people are different. For me, it was not the sulfates in the shampoos and conditioners, it was the oils and extracts. I believe as an individual you must pinpoint which extracts you can use. For me I have to only stick with nothing other than tea tree oil, keratin, silk amino acids, and oat. Seems like everything else will destroy my precious skin.

58. Margie Says:
    June 28th, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    I need help! A friend of mine told me to stop using Pantene because I told her that my scalp hurts when I touch it. She said that I need to switch. The problem is that I don’t know what brand to buy. I have been using Pantene for the last 9 years. Please give me some advice. Thanks. Margie

59. Amy Says:
    July 6th, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Hey Margie,

    I’ve heard bad things about Pantene in general, but of course, I like to try on my own. I did, a few times, and each time I tossed the bottle. Pantene, in my small opinion, blows. This is what I have in my shower: a tea tree shampoo from the salon, a purple one for highlites, Suave for off-days (I don’t love it) and Prell, like I said before in an earlier post. I use Prell as a shampoo and body wash, and shaver. It rocks. It has no conditioners in it, so you shouldn’t worry about oils with this little goldmine. I don’t use it every day but on clarifying days, it works wonders. I also notice my scalp and skin feel really clean. Like I also said before, I’m not a chemist, so I can’t tell you if you have any specific allergies. But this shampoo is a bare-bones, no-frills cleansing agent. Maybe your skin needs to be cleared of impurities. Tea tree oil conditioners and shampoos help this too. Prell costs about $2 or $3 so if you don’t like it, you can toss the bottle like I did Pantene. I think, though, you might find that with a few washes, your scalp will feel reasonably normal again!
    cheers

60. ifrah Says:
    July 15th, 2010 at 9:54 pm

    well i am agree with MARGIE and AMY…. but i personally use DOVE BALANCE THERAPY….. its rocks

61. ifrah Says:
    July 15th, 2010 at 9:57 pm

    Are split ends due to sulfate and other chemicals that hair does;nt need?????

62. Joanna Says:
    July 21st, 2010 at 9:27 am

    This website has given me so many ideas on how to treat my hair. As well, I am using this as a source for a project in my chemistry class. I was going to do somehitng totally different but saw this and how much information there was I could use and I knew this was the paper I had to write
    thank you so much!
    you saved my life/grade!

63. Curly Sue Says:
    July 24th, 2010 at 8:16 am

    Thank you very much for the information!!!

64. Varun Says:
    July 27th, 2010 at 5:54 am

    hey, ive been experiencing first instances of hairfall and have advised Dove ZPTO but finding it rather hard to find, firstly is it new as such, secondly ive been advised this by a tricologist…so would it be safe enough to go ahead. Thirdly how safe is it and is it easily available in the neighbourhood pharma. Also i have been advised to use Candid tv for itching..now i am not sue about the ingredients on these but are they safe from harsh ingredients.??? Do feel free to advise

65. Rabi Isah Says:
    July 30th, 2010 at 7:59 am

    Hello, friend, please I need your advice to know the good indredients that is good for making sahmpoo without any side effect and also conditional, all for sell.

    I look forward to here from you soon.
    Do that to save me from contributing harm to the masses in the name of making money.

66. Linja Says:
    August 5th, 2010 at 5:57 am

    Interesting post and discussion. I can’t find my old favorite shampoo any more so am looking for a new one that doesn’t leave my hair frizzy or too heavy. I am allergic to aloe and wheat which rules out some of the natural brands. Also I have had reactions to tea tree and some other essential oils.

67. clare Says:
    August 21st, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    my hair is falling out and I’ve been facing this problem for a long time. I have change my shampoo twice a year or three times a year… now i am using pantene hair fall control but the result is ‘zero’. how could i be free from this problem?

68. LALA Says:
    September 1st, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    hey guys, can anyone help me decide what shampoo/conditioner i should use?
    my hair has been dyed many time, and recently ive just dyed it black to grow back my natural hair. (after showers) if i was to leave it dry by itself, it’ll usually go kinda frizzy/dry.
    i’m currently using herbal essences, and usually when its out i use fruitis and pantene for backup until i have time to buy herbal essences again.
    firstly, is it bad to use other shampoo for back up? should i be only using one?
    secondly, can you guys help figure out a shampoo that could make my hair healthy looking again without the bad ingredients.
    that is all, thankyou.

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