Shampoo Ingredients That Can Cause Hair Loss

Are you experiencing hair loss? If so, you're not alone. Millions of people around the world experience hair loss at some point in their lives.

Most of the time, genetics or hormones cause hair loss. But did you know that shampoo ingredients can also contribute to hair loss? If you’re like most people, not much thought I’d put into the ingredients that we coat our hair in every day. In this blog post, we'll discuss common shampoo ingredients that might lead to hair loss. If you want to protect your hair, keep reading!

Before you continue with this blog post, if you think you're losing hair, always consult a medical professional and explore cosmetic treatments or surgeries that can address hair loss!

Shampoo Ingredients That Can Cause Hair Loss Summary Table

Shampoo Ingredients That Can Cause Hair Loss Listed

• Formaldehydes
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Artificial Fragrances
• Sodium Chloride
• Laureth Sulfate
• Alcohol

Formaldehydes

Many shampoos use formaldehyde as a preservative, and many beauty products also contain traces of it.

Unfortunately, formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen. The Expert Institute published an article titled "TRESemmé Faces Class Action Over Hair Loss Claims." It explains that a popular brand faces a lawsuit because of formaldehyde in their products. Studies prove that formaldehyde exposure can cause skin irritation and inflame the scalp and hair follicles, leading to hair loss - something we want to avoid!

To avoid formaldehyde in your shampoo, choose a natural shampoo with gentler ingredients that doesn't contain formaldehyde.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Many beauty products, including some shampoos, use SLS as a detergent and cleansing agent. Though SLS effectively removes tough product buildup, it can also irritate the scalp, potentially causing hair loss.

SLS removes the scalp's natural oils. While this might benefit oily hair, it can cause inflammation and dry out hair follicles for those with drier scalps, hindering hair growth. If you’re wanting to be more gentle with your hair and scalp, try Solid Shampoo Bar, Made With Natural & Organic Ingredients and conditioner products on your sensitive scalp area for healthy hair.

Artificial Fragrances

It's hard to avoid this ingredient nowadays. Most shampoos today have fragrances, which can irritate the scalp.

Synthetic fragrances contain chemicals that can irritate your skin and hair, causing inflammation and hair loss. If you’re concerned about the ingredients, such as artificial fragrances, in your shampoo causing hair to fall out, look for products that contain natural fragrances made from plant extracts!

For the most sensitive scalps, there are also a few fragrance-free shampoos on the market! They are hard to come by but there are ones out there!

Pro-tip: Choose shampoos labeled as unscented cautiously. "Unscented" doesn't always mean fragrance-free, as companies might still add masking fragrances to their products. Instead, look for a fragrance-free label and always check the ingredient list.

Sodium Chloride

Also known as salt, this ingredient appears in most shampoos. Manufacturers often use it as an affordable thickening agent to adjust the consistency of their hair products.

While sodium chloride isn’t harmful in small doses, some people can be sensitive to it which can lead to scalp irritation, dryness, and hair loss. While it might not be the most harmful ingredient in your shampoo, if you want a product suitable for all hair types, choose a shampoo without Sodium Chloride.

Laureth Sulfate

Manufacturers add the sulfate group of chemicals to shampoos to create the rich lather we love and expect.

This is great as we should be able to enjoy the sensory experience of washing our hair. But, Laureth Sulfate can be harsh on the scalp, causing irritation and dryness which may lead to hair loss. Some manufacturers now use gentler, sulfate-free cleansing agents that provide the same cleaning power and can support hair growth.

Alcohol

Many cosmetics contain alcohol as a preservative. While alcohol excels at dissolving oil and removing product buildup, it's one of the most drying ingredients in shampoos for all hair types. Alcohol can remove the natural oils from your sebaceous glands that moisturize and protect your hair, causing dryness, breakage, and hair loss.

If your shampoo contains alcohol, make sure to follow up with a very moisturizing conditioner or hair mask to improve the quality of your hair, no matter what hair type you have. You could also avoid alcohol in hair products completely as this will cut the need for extra hair care products that replenish the hair.

Hair loss is a scary but very prevalent phenomenon in the world of beauty and cosmetics. If you're experiencing thinning hair, shedding, or general hair loss, know that you're not alone; many people face hair health issues. Instead of using more hair care products to boost growth, consider addressing the root cause, which might be the shampoo you use every day.

There you go, folks! Here's our list of ingredients in shampoos and hair products that might cause hair fall and damage. We hope this post helps you! Share your thoughts on your go-to shampoo and conditioner, and tell us which ones you avoid in the comments below. Thanks for joining us!

Questions and Answers

⚠️Disclaimer: The information provided on this health blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.