First up: sulfates. The “clean” beauty movement hasn’t done them any favors — though their bad reputation is mostly undeserved. Dr. Sharon Wong, a dermatologist, hair specialist, and cofounder of DOSE, explains that sulfates are highly effective at lifting away product build-up, oil, and dirt. When that build-up lingers, it can lead to scalp inflammation and irritation. The shampoo I was using previously didn’t list any sulfates — specifically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a very common surfactant that helps shampoo lather — and I suspect skipping it contributed to my aggravated scalp. More importantly, a clean scalp supports healthier hair growth, as build-up can clog hair follicles.
