A study is reported of the adsorption mechanism of two ionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) on wool in relation to the temperature or time of treatment, either in aqueous or in aqueous-ethanolic media. From the results obtained, the effects of these ionic surfactants on acid and alkaline treatments of wool were evaluated by the alkali-solubility test, determination of the cystine content of the fibers, and analysis of the new amino acids formed during the treatment of wool fibers with methylamine or dimethylamine. -- AATA