What do sulfates do in shampoo

This is both good and bad. Over the years, there have been persistent rumors that sulfates including sodium lauryl sulfate, the most common sulfate in hair products can potentially cause cancer. These rumors are not backed up by any scientific evidence. The sulfates used in shampoo and other hair care products are not known carcinogens, and there are currently no scientific studies that show any link between sulfates and cancer.

However, sulfates can potentially cause damage to your hair when overused, ranging from hair protein removal to irritated, itchy skin. Hair is made of protein — in fact, hair itself is a protein filament. About 91 percent of each of your hair fibers is protein, along with numerous other nutrients. When the protein that makes up each of your hairs is damaged, it can weaken the hair, affecting its strength and appearance.

Sulfates are closely linked with damage to hair protein. In fact, one study from shows that hair immersed in a sodium dodecyl sulfate solution loses two times as much protein as hair immersed in water. This can lead to split ends, breakage and hair that is difficult to manage. Sulfates not only strip hair protein — in some people, they can cause severe skin irritation and a painful allergic rash called contact dermatitis.

Scientific studies, including one from , suggest that people with low levels of ceramides -- a type of waxy lipid molecule found in your skin cells -- are more likely to experience skin irritation and contact dermatitis after being exposed to sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate. The downside is that they can also strip natural oils from the scalp and hair.

That can make hair dry and brittle. And if your scalp is sensitive , sulfates can cause irritation like redness, dryness, and itching. The three most commonly used sulfate compounds within the beauty industry are sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. Each type of sulfate is different in intensity, but all can be irritating to your skin or hair. I gave up sulfates years ago, and my color lasts much longer.

People with dry or frizzy hair should also consider sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free cleansers maintain the natural oils on the scalp and hair, which ultimately leaves your hair with more moisture. With a product that does not contain sulfates, you will need to do more of a rigorous massage on the scalp in order to get it clean. I recommend using moisturizers along with sulfate-containing products, given they can cause dryness.

Sulfates are so effective at removing the dirt from your hair that sometimes they strip the hair of its natural oils and the proteins that make it look shiny and healthy. In addition, if a sulfate-containing product gets in your eyes, it can sting, and Cleveland says sulfates can also cause premature fading of hair color and keratin services.

Chang suggests you ask your colorist if it's safe for your particular color to use a shampoo with or without sulfates. Plus, if you have super-sensitive skin, the combination of sulfates and synthetic fragrance may cause a rash.

In general, sulfates are prevalent in skin care products and are fine in those who do not have gentle skin as long as they are used properly. But I wouldn't get too attached to your natural oils, because they capture dirt, pollen, and pollution, which we definitely don't want in our hair.

Ultimately, washing your hair with a shampoo of any kind and following up with a conditioner will keep your hair clean and hydrated—that's why this has become the standard routine of most haircare consumers. Ultimately, Ewell says, sulfates "often get bad press and the natural crowd hates them, but they are perfectly fine ingredients. However, that doesn't mean sulfates are good for your hair either—the natural oils your hair has do serve the purpose of protecting your hair's shafts from everyday wear and tear.

Like with most things, if you use a shampoo with sulfates, you just need to do it in moderation. On that note, "synthetic" doesn't have to be a dirty word either. Not to mention, artificial fragrances which, again, are not dangerous to your health won't cause any irritation unless you have super-sensitive skin. There you have it: a no-frills, unbiased overview of shampoo with sulfates. Still want to go sulfate-free?

Shop a few of Byrdie editors' favorite shampoos, sans sulfates, below. Finding a purple shampoo that is also sulfate-free can be a nightmare for blondes, but Drybar has you covered with their Blonde Ale Brightening Shampoo. It's a popular favorite amongst the platinum set. Rahua are all about making products that are good for both you and the environment, and this lush shampoo scented with Palo Santo oil will make you appreciate just how well their ingredients are sourced.

It seems like natural haircare line Davines has a shampoo for every hair type, but this is their most universal. We love how it comes in a travel size, too, so you don't have to sacrifice quality of your haircare wherever you go. New Wash is the co-washing product that took sulfate-free washing mainstream, and it has definitely earned the reputation that precedes it.

Unfortunately, switching to a wash like this is difficult when you've been using a wash that has a sulfate in it. It is possible, but it requires alternating between the two.

One of Living Proof's more popular shampoos, this is the shampoo you want to buy if you've fried your hair from dye one too many times. Up next: Here are 14 sulfate-free shampoos that won't strip your hair. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Conditions by the Numbers. Environmental Working Group. EWG Skin Deep. D'souza P, Rathi SK.