You love that fancy bottle of shampoo you just bought from the store the other day. How fragrant and foamy the shampoo is! But hey, what’s happening? Every time you wash hair with this ‘adorable’ shampoo, your hair tend to become dry, wild-like, and unmanageable.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee.
According to dermatologists, your fancy shampoo is most likely to contain chemicals that cause hair loss and hair damage. And you must know what chemicals cause hair loss.
A few of these chemicals are discussed below. These are the commonest found chemicals and are known to cause the most damage, even hair loss, with prolonged use.
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Love that foamy wash in the shower? Say thanks to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). But not so soon.
This chemical is a harsh detergent meant to clean and de-grease hard surfaces like counter top, industrial machines, car bodies, steel and stone surfaces.
Are your hair made of steel or stone?
No!
Then what is this chemical doing in your shampoo?
Your hair don’t need it. They can do well without that heavy lather. Your hair are delicate structures that need to retain their natural oil. Alas, SLS removes all oil from hair, leaving them dry, brittle, and prone to damage.
This explains why your hair become drier after a ‘nice’ wash with your beloved shampoo.
2. Fragrance
Are you one of those people who naively believe that the sweet fragrance of your shampoo comes from real flowers?
Nah.
That sweet smell is nothing but a mix of strong chemicals or “parfum.”
According to studies, chemical fragrances may alter the levels of hormones like testosterone and estrogen. They can disrupt endocrine function. It is already established that imbalance in hormones causes hair loss.
The stronger the fragrance, the more the presence of chemicals, say experts. They can also irritate skin.
You might be happy to smell all that sweetness, but your hair are not.
3. Imidazolidinyl Urea
Ever wondered why your so-called “natural” shampoo seem to last fresh so long? If it is so natural, then it must get spoiled fast, right?
Well, darlings, your beloved shampoo is not all that natural. It contains potentially dangerous chemical Imiazolidinyl Urea. It is a commonly used antimicrobial preservative in hair products and cosmetics. It helps to increase the shelf-life of the product.
This preservative releases formaldehyde gas, which is a common industrial disinfectant and also used as preservative in funeral homes. Now it’s all over on your scalp digging your hair’s grave thanks to your shampoo!
Studies show that formaldehyde causes scalp irritation, allergic reactions, and raised blisters. Scalp skin issues can easily trigger hair loss, say experts.
So, now that you know what chemicals cause hair loss, you need to ditch that bottle of shampoo as fast as possible. There are more such chemicals, but the three discussed here are highly dangerous for overall health in the long run and can cause hair loss.
Why not switch to a mild, sulfate-free, less fragrant and foamy, gentle shampoo? Your hair will thank you for this small, yet important gesture.
Leanne Richardson
Leanne Richardson loves writing about hair because she believes that a head full of great-looking hair is a thing of joy and beauty. Her expert and practical advice come from her wide exposure to the field of hair care from an early age.
