Hair loss is a common problem. It is quite normal for people to lose a hundred hairs per day, and it does not always mean hair thinning. There are many possible causes for hair thinning, including an aging hormone called DHT, hormonal changes, and stress. However, using harsh hair products can also lead to hair loss. We explore the myths and truths about shampoo that may cause you to lose your mane.
Does shampoo cause hair loss?
If you are using harsh hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and hair dye, it may be possible that your products are causing your hair to thin. These types of items can cause irritation on the scalp that leads to hair loss.
The Truth About The Sulfates In Your Shampoo
Sulfates are harsh detergents that are often used in beauty products. They are present in shampoo to clean away product residue and provide volume. Despite this, sulfates can cause hair loss because they dry out your scalp and hair follicles. Repeated use of sulfates may also lead to a buildup that clogs up your hair follicles.
The following reasons why the sulfates in your shampoo can cause hair loss.
Hair Dyes, Perms, And Relaxers
These items may be contaminated with sulfates and can cause your hair to become dry and brittle over time. Avoid these products if you want to prevent hair loss.
The Shampoo Is Too Strong
If you do not use enough shampoo then your hair may become too dry and damaged which will lead to breakage. The best way to prevent this is to use a weaker shampoo that does not contain as much sulfate.
The shampoo contains harsh ingredients which can dry out the scalp
Shampoos are often packed with harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). These ingredients can be irritating for certain people and cause their scalp to become too dry which leads to hair loss over time.
The shampoo contains detergents that strip the natural oils from your hair
Shampoos can contain detergents that strip the natural oils from your hair. This can cause it to become too dry and brittle which can result in hair loss.
The shampoo is not rinsed out properly
Shampoos are not rinsed out properly and left on the scalp which leads to overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands. This can lead to excess sebum being secreted onto the scalp which may lead to a greasy buildup of dead skin cells and dandruff. The best way to prevent this is to wash your hair with a conditioner after washing it with shampoo for a few minutes before rinsing it out completely.
Why you should switch to coconut oil for shampoo
- Coconut oil is a natural conditioner
Coconut oil is a great conditioner that is packed with vitamins and minerals that will leave your hair feeling soft and silky. Coconut oil also has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft which means it can moisturize and nourish the hair. The best thing about coconut oil for shampoo is that it can be used on both dry and oily hair types so everyone can benefit from this treatment.
- Coconut oil does not contain harsh detergents
Shampoos often contain harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). These ingredients are highly irritating to sensitive scalps which can lead to dandruff, dry skin, and hair loss over time. The best way to prevent this is to choose a shampoo that does not contain these ingredients.
- The shampoo contains no parabens
Parabens are chemicals used in many products as preservatives. They have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and hormonal imbalances. Coconut oil contains no parabens so it will not cause any problems for your body or scalp.
- Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer
Coconut oil is packed with vitamins and minerals that will moisturize your hair and scalp. Coconut oil also has the ability to penetrate the hair shaft which means it can moisturize the hair while nourishing it at the same time. The best thing about coconut oil for shampoo is that it can be used on both dry and oily hair types so everyone can benefit from this treatment.
- Coconut oil does not strip your natural oils from your hair
Shampoos often contain harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). These ingredients are highly irritating to sensitive scalps which can lead to dandruff, dry skin, and hair loss over time. The best way to prevent this is to choose a shampoo that does not contain these ingredients.
Other Possible Causes Of Hair Loss
Hair loss may be a sign of thyroid disease
Most people experience hair loss as they age and this is usually due to the gradual decline of the thyroid gland which controls hair growth. As the adrenal glands (which are located above the thyroid gland) also produce hormones that affect hair growth, this may be an additional reason for your hair loss. Therefore, it is important to have your hormone levels checked by a doctor who can advise you on how to protect yourself from further problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands.
Hormone imbalance in women can cause hair loss
Hormone balance has a significant impact on both men’s and women’s 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.
Hair loss may be a sign of an allergy or hypersensitivity to certain foods
Hair loss can be caused by many different things including stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins. Other causes of hair loss include an allergy or hypersensitivity to certain foods such as dairy products, gluten, alcohol, and wheat. If you suspect that you have an allergy or hypersensitivity to food then it is important that you speak with your doctor about testing for these specific allergies as there are many different types of allergies and each one will have a different treatment regime which will need to be followed.
Hair loss may be a sign of anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body properly. This can lead to many symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, weakness, pale skin color (especially in the face), and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms despite having adequate amounts of iron in your system then it is important to have a blood test done to check your iron levels.
Can Some Ingredients In My Shampoo Contribute To My Hair Loss?
Here are some tips to help you with hair loss.
Sunlight, DHT, and Shampoo
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone that is produced in the body that causes hair loss. This hormone is made in the adrenal glands and the scalp. When your scalp produces DHT, it causes hair to become weaker and thinner over time. This can lead to bald patches in your scalp, which may be caused by excessive use of harsh shampoo ingredients like sulfates or parabens (which are used as preservatives).
Shampoo Ingredients That Contribute to Hair Loss
Many people use sulfate-based shampoos which can cause irritation on the scalp. Sulfates are used as a cleansing agent but they have a drying effect on the skin if they are not carefully chosen for their type of application and dose levels. Sulfates can also irritate sensitive scalps causing them to become dry and irritated causing hair to fall out.
Conditioner After Shampoo
After you wash your hair, it is important to use a conditioner to help lock in moisture and keep the hair from becoming brittle and dry. If you are using harsh shampoos, your scalp may be irritated and this can lead to hair loss by causing dandruff or eczema on the scalp that leads to bald patches.
Hair Loss Treatment Options
If your hair loss is due to excessive shampoo usage, then you may want to try changing shampoo brands or finding a product that has less harsh ingredients like coconut oil which will help with hair growth. Also, if you are having a problem with dandruff then you may want to try using a dandruff treatment like selenium sulfide which can be found at most health food stores or online. You can also find supplements such as zinc and biotin that can help with hair growth as well as other nutrients such as the B5 vitamin complex (which is also known as pantethine).
Conclusion
We all want our hair to look its best, but given the number of different factors that can cause hair loss, it’s difficult to know if the shampoo is the culprit.
Some people think that the sulfates that are sometimes found in shampoo can cause hair to fall out, while others are quick to blame hormones. However, there are some easy ways to test this theory and figure out what’s really going on with your hair.
If you find that your shampoo is the likely culprit for your hair loss, it’s not time to panic! There are some things you can do to reduce the amount of hair you lose and help your hair grow back healthier than ever.