Don’t blame yourself if your hair is shedding and you are absolutely inconsolable about it. Hair loss is stressful and scary, not to mention, it can make you feel out of control and unsure of how to proceed. You want to care for your scalp and strands, but at the same time, every hair product becomes something suspicious because you never know how your hair will react to various shampoos, conditioners, and serums. Don’t swear off haircare forever. Instead, let hair experts who deal with hair loss day in and day out guide your path.
Picking and choosing among many shampoos on the market is your first step toward healthier hair. This is the worst type of shampoo to use if you’re prone to hair loss, according to dermatologists and hair loss experts.
Avoid Any Shampoo That Contains Harmful Chemicals
Shampoo marketers are a savvy lot. They’ll create shampoo labels that boast a number of beautiful-sounding ingredients that promise thicker, silkier strands. But if those same products also contain some of the worst chemicals for hair health, you aren’t doing your scalp any favors.
“Parabens and sulfates can make shedding worse, along with alcohols because they’re drying and chemical fragrances as these can be disrupting the scalp,” says Dr. John Kahen, chief hair surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration. “Specifically, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Laureth Sulfate Sodium Chloride, Diethanolamine, Formaldehyde, Propylene Glycol, and silicones are ingredients I recommend avoiding in your shampoos to avoid shedding.”
Dr. Anna Chacon, a dermatologist and writer at MyPsoriasisTeam, agrees that sulfates are extremely harmful for the hair, especially if you’re experiencing shedding. “It turns out that sulfates might be overly successful at removing oil, leaving hair or skin feeling a little dried,” Dr. Chacon says. “Moreover, sulfates might irritate delicate skin or scalp, resulting as redness or itching.”
Another ingredients Dr. Chacon recommends avoiding? Alcohol. “Most shampoos contain alcohol, which works as a harsh, drying chemical that can strip your hair of its lubricating scalp oil and cause dandruff and dry scalp,” Dr. Chacon says. “The natural water/lipid balance is compromised, which can also result in dry skin problems.”
What Else Should You Avoid?
Avoiding shampoos that contain the harsh ingredients Drs. Kahen and Chacon outline are an important way to nourish hair that is prone to breakage. Be sure to keep a few more hair maintenance tips in mind, as well. “Coloring hair too much can lead to hair shedding because of the chemicals, and heat styling can damage the hair shaft and lead to hair shedding as well,” Dr. Kahen says. “Tight hairstyles can also damage hair and lead to shedding.”
Which Shampoo Ingredients Should You Use Instead?
To tackle shedding, Dr. Kahen recommends shampoos that have ingredients specifically formulated for hair growth like Minoxidil and Redensyl. “Ingredients like zinc, biotin, caffeine, keratin and natural oils like caster and rosemary are all ingredients I recommend looking for in shampoos to promote hair growth,” he adds. “Also, ingredients like aloe vera and peppermint oil are good for hydrating and clarifying the scalp, which ultimately helps to avoid hair shedding.”
While you’re swapping old shampoos for new ones with ingredients that can help with your hair loss, don’t forget to make an appointment with a dermatologist or hair loss expert who can create a personalized plan that works for you and your needs.
