Can Hair Products Cause Hair Loss?

by Brianna Thompson

Hey, fabulous readers! Let's have a heart-to-hair talk about a concern that's been buzzing in many beauty circles: Could your favorite hair products be silently causing your hair to bid adieu? While it's true that hair loss is a tangled web of factors, let's unravel the mystery around one particular strand—harsh chemicals in your hair care routine.

Now, before you start imagining a cosmetic apocalypse, here's the scoop: certain hair products might contribute to losing hair, but not in a form of hair loss. In fact, it is simply not "hair loss," Products with harsh chemicals can simply lead to severe brittleness and dryness, in which causes BREAKAGE. Breakage in a way can be a form of hair loss. This is because the severe damage of the hair is causing the hair to strip away due to chemical reactions, but it is avoidable!  

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Real Hair Loss Is Internal

This means what goes inside your body can cause "real hair loss," Meaning medications and internal health conditions can cause hair loss that comes directly from the scalp! An example of this is chemo therapy, or certain thyrooid medications. 
To learn more about this topic, check out my blog Causes of Hair Loss.
The real villains in severe hair breakage, or what some may think is hair loss, are those products labled with intense and potentially harmful chemicals, especially when used in high concentrations.
According to the FDA's article  as current as 11/29/2023:

"A study found that mice treated with either DevaCurl Low-Poo Delight Cleanser or WEN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner, over a prolonged period of time, displayed abnormal hair growth cycles. Also, five ingredients found in both the DevaCurl and WEN products: Rosemary extract, Calendula extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, and Polysorbate 60, were assessed." 

While this study was insightful, it was unable to draw a firm connection between the use of certain hair cleansing products and ingredients, and alopecia.  

Read the full article here.

This means that it is somewhat possible that certain ingredients disrupted hair growth cycles, but there is really no official studies that hair loss is directly linked to cosmetics. On the other hand, looking at those ingredients, these are not natural and I don't think products should have anything that you can't even read, you have no idea what it is! 

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Your Hair is An Extension of Your Skin. Treat It As Such! 

Think of it this way: just like you wouldn't want your skin to bathe in harsh chemicals, your hair deserves the same TLC. Products with extreme chemical formulations can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It's like a beauty buzzkill, right?

So, what's the key to maintaining a luscious mane without compromising your hair's health? It all circles back to avoiding those harsh chemicals. But, fear not—I'm not suggesting you embark on a crusade against your entire hair product stash. Instead, consider making informed choices:

Read Labels: Take a moment to read those tiny print labels on the back of your favorite products. If you spot unfamiliar chemical names or a laundry list of unpronounceable, it might be time to reconsider. You can also check out my blog called What to Avoid In Your Shampoo. 
Opt for Gentler Alternatives: Seek out products with milder, nourishing ingredients. Think natural oils, botanical extracts, and vitamins that pamper your hair rather than punish it. Some of my personal favorite lines are Truss, Sudzzfx, IGK, and Surface! These lines are low tox, vegan, and cruelty free. 

    Check Percentages: High concentrations of certain chemicals can be a red flag. If a product's ingredient list is dominated by a potentially harsh substance, consider exploring gentler alternatives.


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      • Consult a Pro: When in doubt, consult a hair care professional or a dermatologist. They can assess your hair health, identify potential culprits, and guide you toward a tailored solution. Doing a hair analysis will especially help break this down from what can also be wrong with your health on the inside causing hair loss! 

      • Limit Styling Stress: Ease up on the heat styling. Your hair will thank you for it. Embrace your natural texture or opt for heat-free styles to minimize damage.

      • Nourish from Within: A balanced diet rich in nutrients contributes to overall hair health. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to support your locks from the inside out.

      • Stress Less, Shine More: Managing stress isn't just good for your mind—it's a hair care essential. Find activities that help you unwind, whether it's a stroll in the park or a meditation session.

      Movie gif. Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson in Spiderman. Her eyes gleam and she smiles warmly. Text reads, "Go get em, tiger."

      Remember, your hair deserves to be treated with kindness. By steering clear of harsh chemicals and adopting a hair care routine tailored to your unique needs, you'll be on the path to a crowning glory that's as healthy as it is stunning!


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      About the Author

      Brianna Thompson

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