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A solid lineup of styling products is vital for achieving a good hair day everyday, but if you suffer from fall out and thinning, your shower routine could actually be to blame. If you aren’t careful, certain ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner can spark hair loss and catalyze harsh and uncomfortable reactions on your scalp and locks. If you’ve been suffering from thinning hair and aren’t yet sure of the cause, this is the one ingredient found in conditioners which could be working against your thick, healthy locks.
Preservatives are often used by manufacturers to ensure the longevity of a product’s shelf life, but if your conditioner contains parabens, it may be time to toss it. “[Parabens] prevent bacteria from growing and keep products lasting longer on the shelf. As these are known to have a similar makeup as hormones in the human body, they are cause for concern as they can disrupt hormonal balances, ultimately leading to possible hair loss and shedding,” explains Bill Edwards, Scalp Specialist and Founder/CEO of Regenix.
While you naturally want to opt for a product that will not expire quickly, parabens can cause uncomfortable reactions on your scalp which may expedite hair fallout and lead to thinning strands. “Parabens are shown to disrupt our natural hormone balance and can lead to hair loss among other unsavory side effects such as mood swings and tumor development. Parabens can also trigger allergic reactions in some individuals,” says Nick Stenson, celebrity stylist for L’oreal/Matrix and Ulta Beauty’s Senior Vice President for Store & Service Operations.
Your hair is incredibly sensitive and just as it can be bolstered by volumizing shampoos and products that aim to improve its quality and texture, it can also be negatively impacted by ingredients that may not interact well with your scalp. Instead, always check your conditioner labels before you purchase, opting for a paraben free choice which will be more natural and lighter on your strands.
Every product in your repertoire should help to move you towards your ultimate beauty goals. While you may be swayed by cute packaging or a nice scent, at the end of the day you should be checking the ingredients list on your hair products to ensure that no preservatives are included that could potentially damage your locks and cause fallout. Protecting your locks is important for allowing it to appear healthy and well cared for, so a paraben free conditioner will provide you with the best results and better hair days to come.
