Can Shampoo Cause Hair Loss? A Few Myths & Points To Remember

Ingredients You Should Avoid

Several ingredients in shampoos can contribute to hair loss. Some of them can be irritants and cause scalp inflammation, making your hair thin and brittle. High alcohol percentage in the shampoos can dehydrate your hair. Ingredients, such as mineral oil and petroleum, which are used as lubricants, might weigh the hair down. Hence, look for shampoos that are devoid of such ingredients.

Here’s what you need to avoid:

• Sulfates

Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are the two most common sulfates used in shampoos. They are strong detergents that have good cleansing and foaming properties that create a rich lather. But the downside is that they can make your hair dull, frizzy, rough, and prone to tangling (1). These sulfates are potential irritants, even at low concentrations, and cause hair damage.

• Sodium Chloride

Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is used as a thickener in shampoos. It might dry out your hair and scalp and cause eye irritation and itchy scalp. High concentrations of sodium chloride can also cause hair loss (2).

• Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is an antibioticⁱ  XA type of antimicrobial substance that inhibits or slows down the growth of bacteria in the human body. that helps keep your shampoo safe and shelf-stable. But high concentrations of formaldehyde can cause contact allergy and rashes (3). It is also considered a carcinogenⁱ  XAny substance, agent, or ingredient with the potential of causing cancer or increasing its risk. (4). Formaldehyde and other preservatives penetrate the hair and interfere with hair growth and cause damage, leading to hair loss.

Did You Know?

Sweden and Japan have banned the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics and toiletries as it is a possible carcinogen.

• Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol acts as a humectantⁱ  X A substance commonly found in shampoos and lotions that is used to preserve moisture in the skin. and helps nutrients penetrate your scalp. However, it can can irritate your scalp (5). If you cannot find shampoos without this ingredient, go for products with a low concentration of propylene glycol.

• Alcohol

Stearyl, cetearyl, and cetyl alcohols are found in many shampoos. These alcohols are very drying and might strip the natural oils of your hair. Thus, use shampoos with less concentration of alcohol.

• Fragrances

If you have sensitive skin or hair, avoid artificial fragrances and colors in your shampoos. They can cause scalp irritation. Switch to fragrance-free shampoos.

The following section has busted some myths related to shampoos and hair. Scroll down to know more.

Common Myths About Shampoo And Your Hair

Myth 1: If You Use Same Shampoo For Long Time, Your Hair Stops Responding.

You have probably heard that changing your shampoo every once in a while is necessary because your hair gets used to it and does not respond to the formula any longer. However, the truth is far from this.

If your shampoo is not as effective as it used to be, it might be due to changes in your lifestyle, food habits, or medications. It might also be due to a change in the formula or the wrong formula for your hair type. Too many surfactantsⁱ  XChemical compounds that reduce the surface tension between two liquids, allowing one to mix well with the other. in the shampoo can leave your hair dry, or too many ingredients can coat the hair and weigh it down. Hence, the solution is not to switch up shampoos but to choose one suitable for your hair type and issues.

Myth 2: Your Hair Will Clean Itself Without Using Any Shampoo.

If you do not wash your hair, it will gather dust, dirt, and be coated in the sebum and oils releases from the sebaceous glandsⁱ  XPresent in the skin and hair that release an oil called sebum, which keeps the skin and hair lubricated. . Shampooing once a week is a must. Heard of the no-poo method? This involves washing your hair with a gentler alternative to traditional shampoos – like vinegar, baking soda, or just water. The no-poo method helps prevent scalp irritation and dryness caused by harmful ingredients in your shampoo. It also helps reduce the overproduction of greasy oils on your scalp. By avoiding shampoos, you are limiting your hair’s exposure to irritants.

Myth 3: Frequent Shampooing Damages Your Hair.

A shampoo not meant for your hair type or with harmful ingredients can damage your hair. Frequent shampooing strips the natural oils of your scalp and causes dryness. Thus, use a shampoo as per your hair type, and follow up with a leave-in conditioner. Remember, overusing any hair care products might hamper your hair health.

Quick Tip

While shampooing, ensure you do not pile up long hair on top of the head. It may cause hair breakage and tangling.

How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?

It depends on your hair type and scalp health. If you have dry hair, shampoo not more than twice a week. On the other hand, oily hair types may require daily washing. If you have a normal hair type, shampoo your hair whenever you feel like you need it.

To reap maximum benefits from shampooing, remember these points.

A survey conducted on 5793 Americans found that 29% shampooed daily, 31% shampooed 3 to 4 times a week, 26% shampooed 1 to 2 times a week, and 11% shampooed less than once a week. Out of the 31% that shampooed 3 to 4 times a week, 27% were male and 35% were female.

Points To Remember

• Massage your scalp frequently to improve blood circulation and achieve healthy and shiny hair. Aaliyah, a hair blogger, frequently massages her scalp to grow strong and healthy hair. She recommends,”You can give your scalp a good massage when washing your hair like I do, or another great way is to massage an oil (like Jamaican Black Castor Oil) into your scalp whilst upside down before you wash (i).”
• Avoid 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner products as they cause product buildup.
• Use a leave-in conditioner for extra smoothening and moisturizing your hair.
• Rinse your hair with lukewarm water as cold water discourages blood flow to your scalp.

Infographic: Other Possible Causes Of Hair Loss

While the frequency of shampooing and type of ingredients in your shampoo can affect your hair health, there are a few other things you should rule out as well. Check out the infographic below to learn of all the possible reasons that could be causing hair thinning and hair loss for you.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of shampoo?

You can try co-washingⁱ  XThe act of washing the hair only with conditioner, especially intended to benefit coily, curly, or extremely dry hair. or use a dry shampoo to keep your hair less greasy and clean. You may use organic shampoos made with naturally cleansing ingredients like soapnuts.

Should I stop using shampoo?

If your hair is too dry, rough, and brittle, you should stop using shampoo too often. Likewise, if the shampoo you are using causes an adverse reaction, you should discontinue using it.

Which shampoo can I use every day?

You shouldn’t shampoo your hair daily. However, you can use mild shampoo daily if you have oily hair or scalp. You may also use shampoos made with natural ingredients like soapnuts.

Can we use baby shampoo?

Yes. Baby shampoo is made with gentle ingredients that can be good for sensitive scalp.

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Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.   Dr. Chavan is well-versed with dermatological and aesthetic procedures. Her special...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more