There’s no way around it: hair shedding is stressful. Even worse is shedding that seems to come out of nowhere and keeps going and going for what seems like months on end. Although hair fallout isn’t uncommon and happens to many people over the course of their lives, you may still feel like you’re the only one experiencing it. And not being able to identify the source of shedding is another stress because, well, how can you stop something that you can’t figure out?
There are several reasons why you may be losing hair. And your first solution should be to make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who can examine you, discuss what’s been going on in your life, and come up with a diagnosis and a solution. But if you’re curious about some of the biggest culprits behind shedding, Master Stylist Scott Williams, owner of Studio S in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Lakeland, Fla., and Lauren Udoh, professional hair stylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports, are here to provide some answers. With that in mind, here are the two main reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss: using sulfate-based shampoos and over-shampooing. Read on for more!
Sulfate-based shampoos
The hair products you use can also have an impact on thinning hair. One ingredient that Udoh says should be avoided at all cost in your shampoos are sodium lauryl sulfates (often abbreviated as SLS). "This harsh detergent, sodium lauryl sulfate, is a common ingredient in shampoos and conditioners and is known to strip away natural oils, leaving hair feeling dry, brittle, and damaged," she says.
This ingredient can "also cause scalp irritation and hair loss." Sulfates, Udoh adds, can be very damaging to dyed hair as well. Instead, she suggests looking for hair products that are labeled as "sulfate-free" or "no sulfates." These sulfate-free shampoos will be much gentler on your hair and, on top of that, they will help to protect your gorgeous dyed hair.
"Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip hair of its color and natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage," she continues. "They are often found in shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products, so it's important to read the labels carefully and avoid those that contain sulfates." Just as there are many sulfate-free shampoos, there are also a plethora of conditioners on the market without this damaging ingredient. So, Udoh says that there's "no need to sacrifice your hair's health in order to keep it clean and shiny." Noted!
Over shampooing
Another important factor to consider with hair loss is how you are using your hair care products. "Over shampooing—that is, more than 2 to 3 times a week—is one of the leading issues I have found that contributes to hair shedding," Williams explains. "Even the best-quality shampoo is meant to cleanse the hair, which strips it of the natural oils. This leaves the hair dry and brittle and more susceptible to breakage. I try to guide my clients to a routine of no more than twice a week and less for more coarse or curly-haired guests (like me!)."
Udoh says that shampooing too often can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to scalp dryness, which can cause hair loss. "If you have ultra-fine hair, then using a conditioner before shampooing can help to avoid weighing the hair down," Udoh adds. "Conditioners contain ingredients that can help to add volume and body to the hair, so this is definitely a trend worth trying," she suggests.
Remember: hair loss can be a completely normal occurrence. To fix this issue all you need is a little time and patience. In the meantime, try to figure out the source of your shedding, whether it is weight loss, styling mistakes, excessive stress, or another common culprit. And, if you're still not sure, visit a trusted dermatologist who can help guide you and try out some super flattering haircuts for thinning hair!
