How many times have you tried a new haircare product such as shampoo or conditioner and found it initially works well, but then leaves your strands and scalp dryer than before? The problem isn’t your hair — it’s that the new product likely contains ingredients that are clogging your hair follicles, which can lead to shedding and thinning over time. And some ingredients are known for drying out your scalp and causing it to be scaly and itchy. An accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp can create white and yellowish flakes known as dandruff — and these stubborn flakes can be difficult to banish.
The best solution is to read ingredient lists and avoid those products that cause dry scalp in the first place. These four ingredients found in many haircare products are known for contributing to weakened hair follicles, hair loss, and dandruff.
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1. Sulfates
Sulfates are surfactants that cleanse hair and the scalp and are responsible for creating a rich lather. They are very effective at removing oils, but they also often strip the scalp of hydration, and a dry scalp is more vulnerable to clogged hair follicles and dandruff. Sulfates can also fade color-treated hair faster and make strands dryer and more prone to frizz. Choose sulfate-free shampoos to maintain moisture in your hair and on your scalp.
2. Parabens
The parabens found in many haircare products are synthetic chemicals that are put in to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in products. Sounds like a great idea, but parabens can contribute to scalp irritation, especially if you are prone to eczema and psoriasis. They can make the hair more dry and prone to breakage, as well as clog pores on your scalp, which contributes to hair shedding and thinning.
3. Formaldehyde
Many keratin hair straightening treatments are found to contain formaldehyde, a chemical that breaks down your hair’s natural structure to give you straight, sleek hair. The problem is that, while they help you achieve less frizz and more manageability, these products can also make your hair more weak and prone to dryness and a loss of elasticity. Repeated treatments can be damaging to your scalp and hair.
4. Synthetic Fragrances
A shampoo can smell like paradise, but that doesn’t mean you should use it. Synthetic fragrances are made from a mixture of chemicals that that can cause scalp sensitivity and dryness, especially if you have a sensitive scalp that is prone to psoriasis, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis. These chemicals can also strip your hair of moisture and increase the porosity of your hair, which means it loses moisture more rapidly. Fragrances can even clog your pores and contribute to hair shedding. Choose fragrance-free haircare products for healthier hair.
