Hair loss is an extremely common issue in males and females these days. On average, most people lose 80 to 100 hairs daily as part of healthy hair shedding, but those hairs are not gone. Our hair is constantly being regenerated in a cycle of growth, rest, and eventually, fall out. You may have noticed that most shedding happens when brushing your hair or combing after washing your hair. This is because when hair releases from the scalp, it is usually held in place by other hairs as well as any styling product in the hair, almost like Velcro.
Cleansing our hair and scalp regularly is extremely important to remove dirt, oils, and product build-up. It also helps create a healthy environment for hair to continue to grow. There are so many different shampoos available to choose from that it's hard to know which one to use. Not all shampoos are created equal. It all boils down to choosing a shampoo suited for daily use, as well as your hair and scalps' individual needs.
How To Choose The Right Shampoo
Dryness occurring in the hair is oftentimes a sign that the shampoo being used contains a cleanser or detergent that is too harsh for the scalp. Continuing to use strong chemicals in shampoo that can strip the scalp and hair of its natural oils can create a drying effect on hair and scalp, eventually leading to hair fall.
Alternatively, shampoos that contain very little to no cleansing ingredients do not effectively cleanse the scalp and hair of oils, dirt, and product buildup. Over time, not properly cleansing oil from the scalp and hair can cause excessive hair shedding, hair loss and dandruff. A balanced level of oil on the scalp is necessary to help lock in moisture, add shine and protect against the build up of bacteria.
Common Harmful Ingredients In Your Shampoo
Even after reading the labels at the back of the bottle or jar religiously, most of us will give up trying to understand all the scientific terms by the second line. As a result, we allow other factors like fragrance, colour, brand, and reviews to guide us in making our purchase decision. Below is a list of the most common harmful shampoo ingredients that you should pay attention to.
1. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Sulfates are one of the most common chemicals in shampoos. These cleaning agents are harsh and they can damage the hair, make it brittle and increase frizz. They can also result in allergic reactions in people who report to have sensitive skin.
2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
One of the most harmful chemicals in shampoos, SLS, can have mutagenic properties and other toxic effects on the human body. The sulfate creates a lathering foam some people love, but it can compromise follicles when left on the scalp, and it has other toxic effects on the human body. Anyone with colour-treated hair or dry hair should avoid SLS, as it can fade your colour and strip your hair strands of natural oils.
3. Parabens
Parabens are most commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics and shampoos to prevent bacteria from growing, and our skin can likely absorb them during topical use. Parabens can cause scalp irritation, drying of hair, flakes and even hair loss.
4. Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is simply salt. It plays the role of maintaining thicker consistency of shampoos and conditioners. If you have a sensitive scalp, salt can probably make it more dry and itchy, which can eventually be a cause of hair loss.
It is of equal, if not of greater importance, to take care of your scalp and hair by shampooing with the proper product. Maintain a right balance of oil and hydration to create a healthy environment for hair to prosper!
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