Some shampoos contain ingredients that can cause hair loss. Here are some of the ingredients to look out for:
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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. Sulfates are the most damaging of all chemicals found in hair products and can strip natural oils from the hair, leading to a dry, itchy, and inflamed scalp. A dry scalp leads to poor hair growth, excess hair fall, and thinning.
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Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in shampoos. They can mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt the endocrine system, which can lead to hair loss.
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Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a chemical that is used as a preservative in some shampoos. It can cause scalp irritation, which can lead to hair loss.
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Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is a humectant that is used to keep shampoos from drying out. It can cause scalp irritation, which can lead to hair loss.
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Sodium Chloride: Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is used in shampoo and conditioner as a thickening agent. It can cause dryness and irritation of the scalp, which can lead to hair loss.
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Diethanolamine and Triethanolamine: These are toxic chemicals that can 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.
It is important to note that the research on the effects of these ingredients on hair loss is not completely clear. However, if you are experiencing hair loss and suspect that your shampoo may be the culprit, it is best to switch to a gentle shampoo that is free from harmful chemicals. When choosing a shampoo, carefully read the ingredient list and avoid products that contain these harmful ingredients.
