Hair loss is a common concern for many people, and factors like genetics, stress, and diet can play a significant role in thinning hair. However, one often overlooked culprit could be the shampoos and hair products we use. Some toxic ingredients in shampoos can damage the scalp, clog hair follicles, and even lead to increased hair fall. By choosing the right products, it’s possible to protect your hair, promote thicker growth, and avoid further damage.
We checked in with Dr. Christina Han, who is a board-certified dermatologist and an expert on hair care products, to discover the worst shampoo ingredients you should avoid for better hair and scalp health. According to her, sulfates, retinyl palmate, and parabens are the ones to steer clear of.
Dr. Han says the following ingredients could “lead to more dryness of the scalp and dry and brittle hair. This can lead to breakage of the hairs, contributing to thinner-looking hair, as well as itching of the scalp, which can also prematurely break hairs at the roots and result in inflammation of the scalp.” Scalp health is crucial because scalp inflammation “can indirectly affect hair follicles, resulting in poor or slowed hair growth.” Read on to learn more.
1. Sulfates
Sulfates, particularly sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are found in shampoos due to their ability to create a rich lather. However, they are harsh cleansing agents that can strip the scalp of its natural oils, which are essential for maintaining a healthy balance.
Dr. Han says, "These can be harsh and function as detergents to help remove oil and buildup on the hair and scalp. While these are also often added to give the shampoo a nice lather, this can lead to dry and brittle hair and therefore be more prone to breakage," adding that you should "limit the use if possible."
2. Retinyl palmitate
Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A commonly used in skincare and hair products for its potential to promote cell turnover and improve skin texture. The downside is that when applied to the scalp in high concentration, retinyl palmitate may lead to scalp irritation or sensitivity, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle and contribute to hair shedding.
"While retinols can be good for our skin, most people do not need this in their shampoo. This can lead to itching, flaking, and dryness in the hair and scalp," she adds.
3. Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives found in shampoos and other personal care products to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth. They’ve also been known to disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen in the body. This hormonal disruption can contribute to conditions like hair thinning and excessive shedding.
"These are preservatives that prolong the shelf life of shampoos and personal products, and there is increasing evidence that parabens can linger in our tissues and disrupt body processes, including hormones, with long-term use. Look for products that are labeled paraben-free," Dr. Han suggests.
Better alternatives
For better alternatives, Dr. Han advises looking for shampoos from reputable brands that use science-backed ingredients to prevent fallout. You should also look for formulations that are targeted to your specific concerns.
She also shared a list of key ingredients to look for in your shampoo that combat hair loss.
“These natural ingredients have been shown to optimize existing hairs by promoting increased strength and integrity of the hairs, with some even demonstrating the ability to inhibit or block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can be toxic to hair follicles. Examples of ingredients that can maximize your potential for less shedding and possibly even promote regrowth are as follows (it is mostly the latter two, rosemary and saw palmetto, that have the most evidence for some effect on blocking DHT)," she notes. "The others are more to improve the strength of hairs and repair damage to the hair shaft that can occur with heat, styling, and environmental exposures such as UV radiation and pollution.”
The ingredients are keratin, biotin, amino acids, silk peptides, lighter oils such as argan and jojoba, hyaluronic acid, omega, rosemary, and saw palmetto.
