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Shampoos are crucial for hair care and cleaning. However, it is very difficult to say that all shampoos have the expected positive effects. Some even contain substances that cause hair loss. So, which substances in the shampoos cause hair loss? Think twice before buying the shampoos with these chemicals on their labels.

Harmful Chemicals in Shampoos That Cause Hair Loss (Avoid These Substances)

It is very important to carefully examine the substances they contain when buying shampoos. These products, which seem innocent at first sight, can cause permanent hair loss. You should make sure that these chemicals are not in the product content. These chemicals and their effects are as follows:

[vc_toggle title=”Sodium Chloride” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Sodium chloride is a chemical you recall from science classes. Do you know that this substance, which is table salt used in cooking, is also included in some shampoos? Yes, it’s a bit surprising, but some products contain sodium chloride.

Used along with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) type components, sodium chloride makes products such as hair conditioners and shampoos have a thicker texture. This substance does not directly cause loss. However, over time, it causes the scalp to dry and become itchy. Depending on these effects, the loss can also be experienced.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”PEG (Propylene Glycol)” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]It is used in hair care products due to its thickening effect like sodium chloride. This substance, also known as polyethylene or polyoxyethylene, does not directly cause loss. It takes away the moisture of the hair strands and causes the hair to be more prone to splitting.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Parabens” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]When you look at their expiration dates while buying shampoos, you will see that these products have an exposure time of about 12-24 months. Preservatives such as parabens and formaldehyde are the basis of this long duration.

Although the parabens in the shampoos have a positive effect on the shelf life, it is a substance that can indirectly cause loss. Parabens can cause problems such as allergic contact dermatitis, irritation, itching, and scaling. These can trigger the loss.

Parabens are very dangerous substances not only in terms of hair health but also in terms of general health. Studies show that parabens cause hormonal imbalance that affects pregnancy and menstruation.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Triclosan” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Triclosan, initially introduced as a pesticide, was later used in products such as soap and toothpaste due to its antibacterial properties. However, this substance is not as innocent as it seems. It has an endocrine disruptor feature, that is, it affects the functions of hormones. It can inhibit the ability of the testosterone hormone to bind to receptor areas in hair follicles. This may adversely affect hair growth.

Triclosan in shampoos can cause exacerbations of psoriasis and eczema, itching, and irritation on the skin. It is also known to be associated with endocrine disruption and liver cancer.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Alcohols” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]It is known that some, but not all, shampoos contain alcohol. Also, there are different types of alcohol in themselves, and some of them are beneficial. Fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol help soften and moisturize the hair. Therefore, not all alcohols, but harmful ones should be avoided.

These are propanol and isopropyl alcohol, which cause splitting and dryness in hair. You should avoid shampoos that have these types of alcohol.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Cocamidopropyl Betaine” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Cocamidopropyl betaine is a substance that significantly increases the risk of inflammation in the human body. This substance, which is found in shampoos and some hair care products, poses a risk to human health.

Normally, this substance is produced by the human body when processing coconut oil. However, the quantity produced is small. On the other hand, this substance is found in very high amounts in shampoos and hair care products. It irritates the scalp and can cause loss.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) and Laureth Sulphate” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Producing intense foam is among the most important features that consumers look for. But do you know that the chemicals that cause this foam can lead to hair loss?

Chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Laureth Sulfate are foaming agents used in shampoos. The roles of these substances are to remove oil, dead skin, and dirt from the scalp to lower the surface tension between the hair and shampoo.

A low amount of sulfates is safe to use and allows shampoos to perform their cleansing task effectively. However, high amounts of SLS and other sulfate-containing substances can cause loss of natural fats and proteins.

In such a case, the hair will become weak. Ultimately, the tendency of your hair strands to split will increase. It will also negatively affect scalp health. Because of all these, it would be a better approach not to prefer shampoos containing SLS.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Retinyl Palmitate” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Retinyl palmitate, a potential cancerogenic, also causes skin irritation. Retinol is used in hair care products as it stimulates collagen production, which is good for thinning hair. However, when retinol is exposed to the sun or air, it breaks down and turns into retinoic acid. This substance, on the other hand, has the danger of producing reactive oxygen types that can damage cells and cause cancer.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Phthalates” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors, can cause diseases such as diabetes and cancer by blending with hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. It has been associated with increased breast size in women, pubertas praecox, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and abnormal thyroid function. In men, it is related to a decrease in sperm number.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”DEA (Diethanolamine) & TEA (Triethanolamine)” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]DEA and TEA act as foaming agents to reduce surface tension, as in sulfates. These substances do not directly cause hair loss. On the other hand, it can damage the natural keratin in the hair and irritate the scalp. These can cause loss over time.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Methylchloroisothiazolinone” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]This substance has been included in hair care products for many years. It is harmful to hair health and can cause loss and splitting, as in chemical processes. Besides, it can bring along problems such as irritation and dermatitis. Therefore, for your health, you should avoid products containing this substance.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Formaldehyde” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Formaldehyde is perhaps the most harmful substance in shampoos. Experiments on animals show that this substance is absorbed by the scalp. This cancerogenic substance also shows allergen and irritant properties for some people.

Shampoos with a high amount of formaldehyde cause burning in the eyes. Sometimes it can also cause a runny nose. Experts state that products containing this substance can cause hair loss and vomiting. Therefore, you should make sure that the products you prefer do not contain this substance.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Potassium Sorbate” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]If it stays on the scalp for a long time, it causes thinning of the hair. This chemical may cause the hair follicles to separate from their proteins and weaken the root. It is important to wash the hair quickly so that potassium sorbate does not cause skin sensitivity and chemical burns to the scalp.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Synthetic Fragrances and Colors” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Fragrances are used in hair care products to impress users. However, synthetic fragrances can be toxic and damage the roots. They can trigger thinning and similar problems.

There is a similar situation with colors. Fragrances and colors are created by chemical products. Synthetic colors can cause allergic reactions and similar problems. To avoid such a problem, you should prefer products that do not contain synthetic colors and fragrances.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Silicones” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Silicones, which have been used as fillers in beauty products for many years, are included in product content descriptions as dimethicone or cyclomethicone.

Silicones can negatively affect the ability of testosterone to bind to receptors in hair follicles and can trigger the loss. Besides, it completely covers the hair fiber, preventing the sebum which is the natural oil from reaching and it disrupts the moisture balance of the hair.

Strands coated with silicone will become heavier. As a result, the tendency to splitting increases. This situation can also cause splitting in the tips and hair to become elastic. This substance, which can be cancerogenic, can also irritate the skin.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Polysorbate 20″ custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%23dd3333″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]It is used to make shampoos more stable and for the dissolution of the substances in them. It also helps to create foam. Besides these positive features, polysorbate 20 can cause decreased blood flow, which can result in the death of hair follicles. In such a case, the hair strands will become thinner and fall out over time.

This chemical inhibits the production of a substance called squalene, which protects the sebum layer against bacterial reproduction. Thus, the scalp remains unprotected against bacterial infections.

Read Also: Do I Have A Big Forehead? | What’s the Normal Size?

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Other Possible Causes of Hair Loss

The only reason for hair loss is not the ingredients in the shampoos used. There are also different reasons. Other possible causes of hair loss are generally as follows:

[vc_single_image image=”18720″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_toggle title=”Hormonal Causes” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%238224e3″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]The change in hormone level affects the hair as well as the whole body. Changes in the levels of estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones due to different reasons can harm the hair.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Iron Deficiency” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%238224e3″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Iron deficiency prevents the body from producing sufficient hemoglobin. A low level of hemoglobin means that enough oxygen for the cells cannot be carried by the blood. In such a case, the hair follicles cannot be nourished well and as a result, the loss may occur.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Hereditary Causes” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%238224e3″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Male pattern baldness, which is one of the most important causes of hair loss, is inherited. If your mother’s father has this problem, you might as well. Therefore, hereditary reasons also have an important place among the factors that can cause hair loss.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Preferred Hairstyles” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%238224e3″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Preferred tight hairstyles cause a continuous pulling force to the hair follicles. Ponytail, different braids, and similar models can damage the roots and cause traction alopecia type hair loss. Using these styles once does not pose a serious risk, but preferring them continuously will harm the roots.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Heat Featured Hair Appliances” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%238224e3″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]The heat-featured appliances used for hair care seriously damage the hair. Yes, they are pretty good at styling quickly. However, applying them to the hair for a long time will cause burns and deterioration of the hair structure.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Side Effects of Medicines” custom_font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:25|text_align:left|color:%238224e3″ custom_google_fonts=”font_family:Anton%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” custom_css_animation=”fadeInDown” use_custom_heading=”true”]Medicines used for the treatment of different diseases can have a negative effect on the hair. Side effects of medicines are one of the most important causes of hair loss. For example, all hair can be lost due to the chemotherapy drugs given to cancer patients. Although this effect is temporary, it is important to know the side effects of the medicines used.[/vc_toggle]

How Can This Problem Be Avoided with the Right Methods?

You should apply shampoo to your hair only when needed, not every day. Oily hair should indeed be washed more often, but if you have dry hair, washing it twice a week will be sufficient. When choosing a shampoo;

  • Focus on the scalp, not the length of your hair.
  • Use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp.
  • Rinse your hair with warm water and dry it gently.

If your hair is falling more than normal despite doing these, consult a specialist dermatologist.

Read Also: Is Hair Transplantation Painful? Learn Pain Level Before You Decide!

CONCLUSION

Hair may fall out due to different reasons. Loss can be experienced due to harmful chemicals in shampoos, hormonal changes, or hereditary reasons. There is no need for any treatment for some loss, after a while, the hair grows back (for example, loss after chemotherapy). However, sometimes it may be necessary to apply treatment for the loss.

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At COSMETICIUM, we apply the most advanced treatment methods to detect and prevent the main cause of your hair loss. If you have completely lost your hair follicles and become permanently bald, we provide you with the most modern hair transplantation techniques to regain your old look. You can contact us immediately for detailed information about the most effective solution to your problem.

 

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