No matter your hair type or texture, using a quality shampoo with nourishing ingredients is one of the most important foundations of a healthy hair routine. The right formula can keep your scalp balanced, your strands strong, and your hair looking vibrant and full of life. But if you’re dealing with thinning hair or scalp sensitivity, choosing your shampoo becomes even more crucial. The ingredients you use or avoid can make a real difference in how your hair grows and feels over time.
When shopping for shampoos, it’s tempting to focus on scent or lather, but some formulas can do more harm than good, especially if you’re prone to shedding or irritation. Certain types of shampoos can strip your scalp of its natural oils, weaken follicles, and even contribute to increased hair loss. To help your hair thrive, it’s worth avoiding this one specific type of shampoo, according to experts.
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Shampoos with Sulfates
The worst type of shampoo to use if you’re experiencing hair loss or excessive shedding is one that’s sulfate-heavy and overly harsh on the scalp. Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are detergents that are added to shampoos because they create that rich, satisfying lather that we associate with clean and remove oil and buildup from your scalp. Unfortunately, sulfates also strip away your scalp’s natural protective barrier. Over time, this can lead to dryness, inflammation, and increased hair breakage, especially for those with fine, thinning, or color-treated hair.
When your scalp is compromised, you can experience weakened hair follicles, slowed down growth, and scalp irritation that contributes to shedding. In addition to sulfates, be cautious of shampoos with harsh alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and parabens because these ingredients can further dehydrate your scalp and lead to brittle, dull hair.
What to Look for in a Shampoo
If your goal is to support healthy growth and stronger, fuller-looking hair, look for shampoos made with gentle, nourishing ingredients that balance cleansing with hydration. Ingredients like biotin, niacinamide, and caffeine help stimulate the scalp and promote stronger follicles, while saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil can help block DHT, a hormone linked to hair thinning. Other nourishing shampoo ingredients that can hydrate the scalp and strands include aloe vera, panthenol, and glycerin. A healthy scalp is truly the foundation of healthy hair growth — so the gentler and more nutrient-rich your shampoo, the better your hair will look and feel over time.
