Struggling With Hair Loss? Pros Say These Shampoos Are Probably Making It Worse

August 27, 2025 by Lisa Cupido

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Hair loss is far more common among women than many people realize, and it can happen for a wide variety of reasons—from hormonal changes and stress to aging and certain health conditions. Whether it’s gradual thinning or more noticeable shedding, experiencing hair loss can feel frustrating, stressful, and emotional. While hair loss is often talked about in hushed tones, the reality is that millions of women deal with it, but there are supportive steps you can take to help manage it.

One of the most important places to start is with the hair products you use every day. From shampoo and conditioner to scalp treatments and styling sprays, the ingredients in your routine can either support healthy hair growth or contribute to further damage. By learning which ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid, you can make more informed choices that work in your hair’s favor. If you’re struggling with hair loss, here are some shampoos to avoid.

1. Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

Sulfates are strong cleansing agents found in many shampoos, but they can be really harsh, especially for thinning hair. These ingredients strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased brittleness in the hair strands. For those already dealing with shedding or hair that feels fragile, sulfates can make the problem worse by weakening the hair over time and causing it to snap or fall out more easily.

2. Alcohols (like Isopropyl Alcohol)

While not all alcohols are harmful, short-chain alcohols like isopropyl alcohol are particularly drying. They evaporate quickly, which can leave hair feeling rough, brittle, and more prone to breakage. In shampoos, these alcohols can dehydrate both the hair and the scalp, worsening shedding issues and making it harder for hair to retain strength and moisture.

3. Synthetic Fragrances

Artificial fragrances might make a shampoo smell nice, but they often contain a mix of chemicals that can irritate the scalp and cause inflammation. For people with thinning hair, an irritated scalp can interfere with healthy hair growth and contribute to increased shedding. Since “fragrance” on a label can hide dozens of unknown compounds, it’s often best to choose fragrance-free or naturally scented formulas.

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