1. Silicones
Silicones, commonly found in shampoos, are often portrayed as beneficial due to their ability to enhance shine and gloss.
However, Factor stresses, their detrimental impact on scalp health should not be ignored as they can stifle its ability to receive necessary nourishment. “Silicones in shampoo can cause hair loss by coating the scalp so that nutrients cannot be absorbed,” she warns.
2. Parabens
The presence of parabens in shampoos may lead to a host of hair-related issues, Factor tells us. These include “dryness and scalp irritation” as well as “fading hair color and hair loss.”
Since they are “generally unsafe,” she says “it is best to avoid parabens until proven otherwise.”
3. Sodium Chloride
According to Harth, sodium chloride, a frequent component of mass-produced shampoos, is not recommended for women who are experiencing hair loss or thinning.
Commonly used to thicken shampoos and conditioners, it can “dry the scalp, causing redness and itching,” Harth notes, and this scalp irritation can “damage hair follicles and cause more hair loss.”