Harmful Chemicals In Shampoos That Cause Hair Loss
Hair is precious and no one wants to lose them to harmful chemicals present in shampoos and hair products. Dermatologists across the globe believe that witnessing a lot of hair strands in the shower should – amongst other things – make us look critically at our hair product choices. If this warning is ignored, the hair fall can become so chronic that you will need a toupee wig for men or hair wigs for women to cover it!
It is quite normal to lose 50 to 100 hair strands a day but more than that means something is wrong. And a lot of times, its the chemicals in our shampoos and hair products that start hair fall. In this blog, Lordhair will help you identify chemicals present in shampoos leading to hair damage that can evolve to full-blown baldness.
Lets start!
Note: If your hair loss is pretty extreme already, we highly recommend you to check out our collection of hair systems
Is your shampoo causing hair loss?
However, as we will outline there are several chemicals in shampoo that cause hair loss that you should be wary of. When you learn what other types of products these chemicals are found in, you will understand why they can be so harmful to your hair.
Below are 7 harmful chemicals found in shampoo that cause hair loss.
Is Shampoo Bad For Your Hair
If you have the correct shampoo for your hair, and are washing your hair correctly, there is no reason why shampooing would be bad for your hair. It cleanses the scalp, removing excess oil and build up, allowing for the regrowth of healthy hair. For recommendations on how often you should be washing your hair, read our hair washing routine guide.
Hair Loss Reported With Wen Hair Products
Many people reported hair loss after using certain WEN hair products. Class action lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of WEN, and a settlement was reached. The FDA had previously launched an investigation into these products and issued a consumer information notice about them. Its not known what specific ingredients potentially caused these reactions.
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Health & Wellness’i Was Freaking Out’: Covid
Its also important to realize that you use many products throughout the day that may contain DMDM hydantoin, Burns said.
You may be using it in your shampoo and then also your body wash. It could be in your lotion after your shower, so you have to think about your overall exposure to these types of ingredients.
Hundreds of products are listed as containing DMDM hydantoin in EWGs Skin Deep database of potentially toxic chemicals in personal care and beauty products.
When choosing products, Burns said consumers should do their homework, read the label and not rely on marketing claims: There may be products that claim to be formaldehyde-free because companies are not directly adding formaldehyde to the product, but they can use formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.
Why Does Kendall Jenner Trip Over That Finesse
You will not be tripping on this Finesse, that is for sure! Though the name sounds super fancy schmancy, do not be fooled. Yes, we are talking about the shampoo that Kendall Jenner claimed was her beloved and go-to brand for hair care.
“Kim totally turned me onto Finesse shampoo. I’ve tried everything and this just works the best for me,” she gushed, as Allure reports.
We completely doubt it as the drugstore shampoo is really nothing special. It’s your regular run-of-the-mill product, but also has some bad effects. As a review on Makeup Alley states,
“I have the newer version that says “now with active proteins” or something like that. This was a disaster. The smell was so weird and chemical and it didn’t really lather that much at first. It smelled like putting a household cleanser on your head.”
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How To Use Hair Loss Shampoo
Washing your hair removes the buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt on your scalp. This is an important part of hair care routines. Removing these impurities allows the nourishment from shampoos and conditioner to reach the follicles and hair shaft. You should start using hair loss products once you notice its signs. Receding hairline, patches on the scalp, and thinning hair volume are red flags you need to address.
Regular hair loss shampoos can be applied just like normal shampoos. However, for medicated shampoos, you need to practice caution. They may be potent enough to cause side effects when not used properly. Make sure to read the label of hair products and follow the proper methods of application. Here are the general steps in applying regular hair loss shampoos:
Avoid Shampoo With Silicones
If you’re concerned about thinning hair or hair loss, check your shampoo for silicones, which will likely show up as dimethicone in the ingredients list. While the jury is still out, some experts believe that silicones can build up on the hair, clog hair follicles and cause hair loss. These experts recommend using a silicone-free shampoo.
Try a plant-based shampoo designed to combat thinning hair such as GRO Revitalizing Shampoo it is free of silicones and will help encourage thicker, fuller-looking hair while reducing shedding in as little as three months.
Of course, there are other issues that are more likely to cause thinning hair and hair loss, such as the following:
- Genetics
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of sleep
If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning that’s troubling, consult with a dermatologist to help uncover any underlying reasons that need to be addressed.
Shop: Hair Products for Thinning Hair
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Hair Loss Reported With Devacurl Hair Products
Several lawsuits alleged that certain DevaCurl products caused hair loss, scalp irritation, and hair breakage. These lawsuits have been combined and mediation has started.
Learning about other peoples experiences with specific products can be informative, but keep in mind that certain ingredients may affect people differently. And remember, a settlement doesnt mean that a company admitted their product was at fault.
Hair Loss And Baldness In Men
Becoming bald or suffering from hair loss is a big nightmare for men. Your hair determines your appearance and is often part of your identity. If you suffer from bald spots or extreme hair loss there are several factors that can be the cause.
In this blog you can read what types of hair loss are common among men and what treatments are effective against it.
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What Should I Look For In A Shampoo
When shopping for a shampoo, ask yourself: Does it improve moisture, strength, and volume? You also want to take a closer at the ingredients list. Look for key ingredients like biotin, keratin and ginseng, which can help stimulate growth. Peppermint, castor and grapeseed oilhave also been linked to combatting hair loss.
Thankfully, we dont have to accept a meager ponytail as the new norm anymore. Behold: The 20 best shampoos for thinning hair, all of which will work to keep your locks looking lush and thick.
Is It Good To Rinse Your Hair With Cold Water
Cold rinses may be invigorating, but they dont really do anything for your hair. They do not, as some people believe, make your hair shinier. Nor do they close the hair cuticle your conditioner does this. A cold rinse may in fact be bad for your hair cold water constricts the blood capillaries in your scalp, which carry vital hair-growth nutrients to each follicle.
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Bath & Body Works Only Delivers For Its Smell
Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Moisturizing Shampoo looks and smells amazing, but it’ll give you more trouble than the tantalizing locks you were after. It’s not expensive – just $7.50 – but not worth it. A reviewer on Total Beauty says,
“This smells lovely in the bottle, but I find the scent does not last on my hair.
I also find that it makes my hair more unmanageable than my usual shampoo but it costs more.”
Does Dry Shampoo Cause Hair Loss
Dry shampoo is all the rage these days and rightfully so. Who doesnt love a quick fix? The problem is, there is a tendency to overuse this handy product. We become accustomed to simplicity and before we know it, we are using it daily.
Dry shampoo isnt actually shampoo at all. It gives the appearance of having clean hair by absorbing the oils with alcohol or starch. This leaves hair looking cleaner. Dry shampoo actually disguises the dirt. Overuse can lead to product buildup and dry scalp. This can cause breakage and may potentially block new hair growth.
Dont give up dry shampoo entirely, just dont depend on it daily. Only use it during a super busy day or in a pinch.
In conclusion, avoiding harmful chemicals, replacing 2-in-1 products, and cutting back on dry shampoo use can help you achieve healthy hair growth and reduce unwanted hair loss.
Understanding these top 3 reasons why your shampoo may be causing hair loss, can help you correct these simple mistakes and reverse the hair loss that you are experiencing.
Lets talk about conditioner and look at the best conditioners for gray hair.
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Hormone Imbalance In Women Can Cause Hair Loss
Hormone balance has a significant impact on both menâs and womenâs health and well-being. In women, hormonal imbalances can cause excessive or underproduction of certain female hormones which can affect both the amount and quality of their hair over time. The best way to balance your hormone levels is by having regular blood tests done by a doctor who has specialized knowledge in these matters.
If I Dont Wash My Hair Will It Clean Itself
Is shampoo really necessary or will your hair naturally clean itself? Unfortunately not! If you do not wash your hair, it will simply become coated in dust, dirt, and the oils from the sebaceous glands attached to each hair follicle. This build up can actually damage your hair, potentially limiting regrowth.
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Formaldehyde In Shampoo Is Now A Public Concern
A hot topic right now is formaldehyde in shampoo. Well, itâs not formaldehyde itself, but a âformaldehyde releaser.â
DMDM hydantoin is a preservative commonly used in hair products. Over time, DMDM hydantoin breaks down within the product and releases a small amount of formaldehyde. So, no, you wonât see the word âformaldehydeâ on the ingredient list, but it could still be in there.
Many people have reported hair loss and scalp irritation while using products with DMDM hydantoin. Claims have not been confirmed however, some companies have settled out of court.
There are no studies that suggest formaldehyde releasers can directly cause hair loss, but it has been linked to a higher risk of allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and immunotoxicity.
But people are taking notice of a potential problem. The FDA has issued an update about formaldehyde in beauty products and California and the European Union have recently banned cosmetic products that include some form of formaldehyde.
Is It Bad To Wash Your Hair Every Day
Shampoos are meant to clean the extra sebum, dirt, and product buildup on your scalp. Frequently washing your hair with harsh cleansers can strip off natural oils from your scalp, making it dry.
Most people shampoo twice or thrice a week which is ideal. But not everyone would be comfortable with the same schedule. People who work out, practice dance or indulge in regular physical activities like cycling, sports may need to wash their hair daily. They tend to sweat a lot which makes their hair greasy.
Thats why many brands have introduced mild shampoos that can be used daily. Such shampoos dont contain harsh chemicals. If you are one of those people who needs to wash their hair regularly, choose a shampoo that does not contain any harmful chemicals and more importantly matches your hair type. You may also switch to naturally-formulated alternatives to shampoo to serve your purpose.
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Hot Tools And Chemical Treatments
Heated styling tools, such as blow dryers, flat irons, hot rollers, and heated combs, can damage your hair. Regular coloring, bleaching, relaxing, and perming can also singe your hair.
This doesnt usually affect growth from the hair follicle, but it can cause breakage, Forman Taub says.
That can contribute to the appearance of hair loss. Over time, it could even lead to true hair loss by weakening the hair shaft.
What isnt likely to cause hair loss? Shampooing itself.
Most of the stray hairs you notice after lathering up were slated to fall out anyway. You just help them along when you massage your scalp during a shampoo.
So if youve recently spaced out your shampoos by an extra day or two, you might get the impression more hair is falling out when you do wash it.
If youre concerned about recent hair loss, a few simple changes to your usual hair care and styling routine can be a good first step.
It may help to:
- take care not to rub, pull, or twist your hair
- switch to a gentler shampoo
You might also consider using shampoo on an as-needed basis instead of every day. Oily hair may need more frequent washing. But if your hair is on the drier side, you might not need to wash it more than twice per week.
As you shampoo:
- Remember to focus on your scalp, not the length of your hair.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp.
- Rinse well with warm water.
- Gently pat your hair dry.
The above changes could make a difference, but they might not always help.
What You Can Do For Healthier Hair
How you wash your hair and the products you use can affect the health of your hair. Here are some tips to get healthy hair:
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How often you wash your hair depends on how much oil your scalp makes. An oily scalp may need to be washed every day, but with less oil, less washing may be needed.
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When washing your hair, focus on cleaning mainly your scalp, not the length of your hair which can make it dull and coarse.
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Choose products specific for your hair type . Using a sulfate-free shampoo may also help if you have sensitive skin or are getting scalp irritation.
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Protect your hair when swimming.
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Minimize things that can damage your hair, like coloring, blow-drying, and curling.
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