Ammonium lauryl sulfate

[agentivy]

I know that its bad for your hair. I also know that if you have to to use laureth sulfate instead. But I have had a constant struggle with buildup/dandruff for many many years. The kind from greasy scalp, but in some spots I have the dry kind, just not as much at all. So I am wondering, if I really should be using the more harsh stuff for my scalp

Comments

[bellazirka]

I use this shampoo from the Body Shop and it doesn't have ammonium lauryl sulfate, but it does have Sodium Laureth Sulfate, but that's the only one. I don't know if others would be displeased with the ingredients, but I also have an oily scalp and this shampoo makes my head feel clean and get more scalp circulation going :)

[agentivy]

hmm, that looks pretty good, maybe ill try it

[goat]

I think SLS is the worst of the sulfates.

Arguably, your scalp might be producing more oil to protect itself from damaging sulfates, in which case laying off might be the best route for you. One way to find out: try it for a few months, using various clarifying treatments to see if any combination hits the spot for you. I like the brown sugar scrub when my scalp is feeling greasy.

[agentivy]

yeah. its like a weird greasy yet flaky combo. I havent been using shampoo with anything other than sodium laureth sulfate in it, and I have one thats all natural. I just cant seem to get rid of the dandruff.

[ne_jyam]

I've heard that Apple Cider Vinegar rinses work well to get rid of build-up, iirc people going 'poo-less use it. Never tried it myself though.

[agentivy]

I tried that mixed with olive oil and I didnt notice it working

[gargoyle575]

I second the apple cider vinegar, and I also use tea tree oil, just straight on the worst spots. The vinegar smell washes out pretty quickly, but if you use TTO, make sure your hair is dry before you rest it on anything, like your pillow. Otherwise everything will smell like it. Tea tree oil, for me, worked where even a prescription shampoo didn't.

[agentivy]

can I buy tea tree oil at say walmart, or do I have to go to a health store?

[gargoyle575]

Walmart, I'm not sure, though I've never seen it at Target. I've found mine at stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. A health store would definitely carry it, and any natural food store would be likely to carry it.

Though I'm going to Walmart shortly, so now I'll have to check...

[thats___amore]

occasionally, i mix baking soda with my shampoo, and it exfoliates and get rid of all the nasty stuff.

try to avoid using conditioner in the top inch or two. that makes a difference in my hair...

mine is slightly different... like my skin, it gets oily because it's sooooo dry. staying hydrated makes it less nasty.