Why Does Shampoo Damage My Hair?

According to NYU Langone Health, over 80% of people suffer from hair loss at some point in their life. While you can’t always blame it on the products you’ve used growing up, it’s true that frequent use of shampoos loaded with harsh chemicals and styling products, heat styling, lack of proper nutrition, water quality, and many more factors combined together may result in hair damage over the years.

How Regular Shampooing Damages Your Scalp

While the branding for most famous shampoos is that ‘our product will help you get rid of grease and oil from your scalp’, what they fail to tell you is that the complete absence of these oils is also just as unhealthy if not more.

Usually, when we’re younger, our bodies are better equipped to handle situations we put them through. As we grow older, the body’s response changes and becomes delayed, and that requires us to make certain lifestyle adjustments in order to stay healthy. The condition with our scalp is not so different either, but we don’t realize it until it’s too late.

Our scalp is naturally the healthiest and oiliest in our teenage years. This is exactly what gives oily, greasy hair a bad reputation. There’s grease buildup in the hair, combined with dirt, and therefore we are compelled to wash our hair. However, things do take a drastic turn without most of us knowing. Most of us use or have used shampoo regularly, normally once a day. This frequent washing of our hair with shampoo results in our scalp adjusting to it, and as a result, it begins to produce even more oil. Leaving us in a wake-up, wash your hair, and repeat the cycle.

Once we’re older, our scalp doesn’t produce as much oil but our shampooing routine remains the same, resulting in coarse, dried up, and damaged hair. Believe it or not, this is exactly the reason behind most bad hair days too!

While the points we’ve raised above may not resonate with every individual, it is normally the case with many. So if you’re suffering from hair damage or have dry scalp issues, give these thoughts a go and thank us later!

Mistakes That Damage Your Scalp and Hair

Overwashing or Underwashing Your Hair

Finding the right balance in how often you wash your hair is key. Overwashing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. On the other hand, underwashing can lead to a buildup of oil and product residue, which can clog hair follicles and lead to scalp issues like dandruff.

Why Overwashing is a Problem When you wash your hair too frequently, especially with harsh shampoos, you’re removing the natural sebum that keeps your hair moisturized. This can lead to dry, frizzy hair that is more susceptible to split ends and breakage. A study from the International Journal of Trichology found that frequent shampooing can exacerbate dryness and lead to scalp irritation.

Signs of Overwashing:

• Dry, brittle hair
• Flaky scalp
• Increased hair breakage

The Risks of Underwashing On the flip side, not washing your hair enough can also cause problems. The buildup of oil, dirt, and product can clog hair follicles, leading to issues like dandruff and even hair loss in severe cases. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology highlighted that inadequate washing could lead to scalp inflammation and exacerbate conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Signs of Underwashing:

• Greasy hair
• Itchy scalp
• Dandruff and flakiness

Using Harsh Products

We often don’t realize how damaging some of the ingredients in our hair products can be. Many shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the scalp and weaken the hair shaft.

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): While it’s great for creating a rich lather, SLS can be very drying and irritating. Studies have shown that SLS can strip away the natural oils from your scalp, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Parabens: These preservatives can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to skin irritation.
• Phthalates: Often used to make fragrances last longer, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and can have adverse effects on your scalp health.
• Dimethicone: This silicone-based ingredient can create a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the hair shaft, leading to dryness over time.

What to Look For Instead:

• Sulfate-Free Formulas: These are gentler on your scalp and hair.
• Natural Ingredients: Look for products with aloe vera, tea tree oil, or chamomile, which have soothing properties.
• pH-Balanced Products: These help maintain the natural pH of your scalp, preventing irritation.

Tight Hairstyles

Wearing your hair in tight styles, like ponytails, braids, or buns, can put a lot of strain on your hair follicles. Over time, this can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia, where the hair is pulled out from the root, causing permanent hair loss.

How Tight Hairstyles Damage Your Hair:

• Constant tension on the hair follicles can cause them to become inflamed and damaged.
• Prolonged pulling can weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage.
• Tight hairstyles can also restrict blood flow to the scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth.

Alternatives:

• Opt for looser styles that don’t pull on the scalp.
• Use soft hair ties that don’t snag or pull.
• Give your hair a break from tight styles to allow the follicles to recover.

Excessive Heat Styling

We all love a good blowout or the sleek look of straightened hair, but excessive heat styling can cause significant damage. High temperatures can weaken the hair’s protein structure, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends.

Why Heat is Harmful:

• High heat can strip the hair of its natural moisture, making it dry and brittle.
• Frequent use of heat styling tools can cause the hair cuticle to crack and peel away, leading to split ends and breakage.
• A study published in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists found that heat styling can reduce the strength and elasticity of the hair.

Tips for Safer Heat Styling:

• Always use a heat protectant spray before using any heat tools.
• Keep the temperature on your styling tools as low as possible.
• Try air-drying your hair whenever you can to minimize heat exposure.

Ignoring Scalp Health

Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, and neglecting it can lead to a host of problems. An unhealthy scalp can hinder hair growth and lead to conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Common Scalp Issues:

• Dandruff: Often caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, leading to flaking and itching.
• Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Characterized by red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

Maintaining a Healthy Scalp:

• Use shampoos that target your specific scalp condition, such as those containing ketoconazole or salicylic acid for dandruff.
• Keep your scalp clean and free from excess oil and product buildup.
• Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.

Using Incorrect Hair Products

It’s easy to be swayed by the latest hair care trends, but using products that aren’t suited to your hair type can do more harm than good. For instance, using a heavy, oil-based conditioner on fine hair can weigh it down and make it look greasy, while using a light conditioner on thick, curly hair may not provide enough moisture.

How to Choose the Right Products:

• Know Your Hair Type: Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, there are products specifically formulated for each type.
• Read Labels: Look for products that address your hair’s specific needs, whether it’s moisture, volume, or frizz control.
• Patch Test: If you’re trying a new product, do a patch test first to make sure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions.

Neglecting Regular Trims

Even if you’re growing out your hair, regular trims are essential to keep it healthy. Trimming the ends helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, which can lead to more significant damage over time.

Why Trimming is Important:

• It helps remove split ends, which can make your hair look frizzy and unhealthy.
• Regular trims promote healthy hair growth by preventing breakage.
• A study from the International Journal of Trichology suggests that trimming can help maintain the overall health and appearance of your hair.