If you are wondering what kind of shampoo to buy, take a look at the ingredients on the label. The main ingredients should be sulfates and sodium laureth sulfate. If these are found in the shampoo, it is probably safe to use.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is often a byproduct of detergents and foams. It makes the product shine. It also removes soap scum, grease, and stains from carpets, glass, and mirrors. Soaps left on towels can build up and cause damage.

This chemical is used extensively in the shampoo industry. But there is some concern that this additive is harmful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has warned against this ingredient for over 25 years. People with eczema and asthma have even reported adverse reactions.

One study found that some shampoos used in some states contain three times the amount of sodium laureth sulfate as listed on the label. So the consumer would not know that the shampoo contained this chemical. Some reports claim that people are using shampoo with as little as one percent sodium laureth sulfate. The Environmental Working Group has found traces of this chemical in the hair, skin, and fingernails of teenagers using some shampoos.

Sulphate-free shampoos are available, but these products are a lot more expensive. They are also harder to find in grocery stores and pharmacies. People buying hair products may feel tempted to avoid buying these products, since they are so expensive.

Avoid shampoo with chlorinated substances. These chemicals are used to disinfect water supplies. These chemicals can also accumulate in the human body, where they are particularly dangerous.

Hair that is exposed to chlorine gas may develop thick, oily locks. These locks may turn yellow if the shampoo is not rinsed out correctly. Also, when the hair is washed in a shower, chlorine and odor build up may seep into the scalp. This can cause a buildup of oils, causing a scalp that is not manageable.

Avoid shampoo containing ingredients that may cause birth defects. Those ingredients include aluminum chlorohydrate, benzyl alcohol, ethoxydiglycol, and propylene glycol. Many commercial products are considered safe, but you should check the label carefully before buying. You can find out which ones are harmful and which ones are safe by contacting your local store or manufacturer.