If you’ve noticed an increase in hair fall recently (read: clogged drains), the likely culprit is your shampoo. Many shampoos on the market contain very harmful chemicals that damage and destroy your hair follicles, leading to hair loss and thinning.
Do you want to know which ingredients you must avoid to keep the hair on your head intact? Here, we delve into six common yet harmful ingredients in shampoos that contribute to hair loss.
6 Harmful Shampoo Ingredients That Cause Hair Loss
1. Sulfates
Sulfates are chemical compounds that act as surfactants or cleansing agents in shampoos. They are listed as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) on product ingredient lists.
These chemicals clean the hair and scalp and remove dirt and oil build-up. They also provide high foaming action that does not help so much with cleaning but psychologically assures people that they are doing something right.
Unfortunately, sulfates are incredibly harsh and strip away the natural protective oils from the scalp. This leaves hair strands dry, damaged, and brittle, contributing to hair loss and breakage.
2. Parabens
Shampoos are water-based cosmetic products that are prone to bacterial contamination and spoilage. So, manufacturers add preservatives like parabens to stabilize the formulations and help them last longer.
However, parabens like methylparaben and propylparaben harm humans as they negatively affect and disrupt hormones. They can cause hair loss and other potential medical conditions, like breast cancer and infertility, and lead to poor birth outcomes.
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is one of the most dangerous chemicals in shampoos—it is a human carcinogen that can cause cancer. It is also an irritant or allergen that triggers watery eyes, coughing, and nausea. It can also cause burning sensations in your eyes, nose, or throat, irritate your skin and scalp, and cause hair loss.
Studies have shown that formaldehyde can enter the body through the skin or scalp. So, regular use of shampoos containing this chemical can cause these adverse reactions.
When checking your shampoo’s ingredient label for the presence of formaldehyde, watch out for “methylene glycol.” This diluted form of the toxic chemical is present in many shampoos and other hair care products.
4. Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is another chemical used in shampoos to improve the liquid’s consistency. This ingredient helps the scalp absorb other chemicals, making your hair more prone to damage.
This chemical is also a skin irritant that dries out the scalp. It damages your hair follicles and causes hair loss and thinning.
5. Sodium Chloride
Ever thought good old table salt could be harmful to your hair? Sodium chloride is a popular thickening agent in shampoos and makes them rich, creamy, and luxurious.
But it also strips natural oils from the hair, leading to a dry, itchy, and inflamed scalp. As previously mentioned, a dry scalp leads to poor hair growth, excess hair fall, and thinning. So, avoid shampoos that contain sodium chloride to combat hair loss.
6. Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine
Two other toxic chemicals that you must steer clear of in shampoos are diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA). They irritate the scalp, degrade the keratin in hair, and affect overall hair health.
Keratin is a natural protein that protects hair follicles. When your hair does not have sufficient keratin, you will see hair loss and thinning.
Tips to Avoid Harmful Shampoos That Cause Hair Loss
Here are some tips to help you stay away from shampoos that contribute to hair loss and thinning:
- Carefully read the ingredient lists of shampoos. Choose a product that is gentle and free from harmful chemicals.
- Research about ingredient safety.
- Use shampoos and conditioners that contain natural and safe ingredients.
- Read product reviews from other customers, dermatologists, and hair experts.
- Avoid cheap shampoos whose prices seem too good to be true.
- If you see any signs of hair loss, immediately stop using your current shampoo and reconsider other aspects of your hair care routine.
Conclusion
It is best to check the ingredients list before you purchase shampoos and other hair care products. This will help you stay away from unwanted chemicals that do more harm than good to your hair, scalp, and overall health.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, professional-grade, safe, and effective shampoo for hair loss, DS Laboratories has a range of dermatologist-approved shampoos that will meet your needs. Revita Kit, Revita 925ML Kit, and Revita.CBD Kit are excellent options that cleanse and care for your hair and promote healthy hair growth.
You can also check out other shampoos for different haircare goals on the company’s website. Shop today and restore the health and luster of your crowning glory.
If your hair loss gets worse, consult a dermatologist for advice right away. They can suggest the right products and medication to treat hair fall and thinning.
