You have probably come across ads for hair loss shampoos, but are they an effective way to treat hair loss? That depends on the shampoo and the type of hair loss. But the wrong type of shampoo can actually cause hair loss.
Is There an Ingredient in Shampoo That Causes Hair Loss?
How a shampoo affects your hair loss has a lot to do with how the shampoo is made, what chemicals it contains, and your personal skin type. In fact, several different shampoo manufacturers have been subject to class action lawsuits arguing that their shampoos cause hair loss.
GoodRx lists some of the big offenders as Unilever’s TRESemmé keratin shampoo and conditioner which left some users with “hair loss and serious scalp burns after using TRESemmé keratin products with DMDM hydantoin” and Johnson & Johnson’s OGX shampoos that contained the same chemical. Some shampoo and styling products have been linked to hair breakage and for contributing to more severe forms of hair loss like traction alopecia.
Does Hair Loss Shampoo Work?
There has lately been a lot of discussion of sulfate-free shampoos as some people with sensitive skin find that sulfates can be irritating. So, the first step in finding a hair loss shampoo that works is determining what your scalp skin type is and what causes it irritation. Then, any discussion of whether hair loss shampoos are effective must begin with a discussion of the type of hair loss.
For people with androgenic alopecia (hereditary or genetic hair loss), some shampoos are effective at curtailing or even reversing hair loss. These are primarily shampoos that contain a medical treatment such as minoxidil, which is FDA approved for treating pattern hair loss.
Other shampoos that are devoid of irritating ingredients – like sulfates and formaldehyde – may also help regrow hair lost to breakage and being brittle. But that won’t help hair loss due to conditions like an autoimmune condition or scarring alopecia.
Which Shampoo Is the Best for Hair Loss?
At Precision Hair, we primarily recommend HS Hair Smart brand. But, even within the brand, the key to helping stop hair loss or regrow your hair is knowing which shampoo meets your personal needs.
Remember that OGX brand that was subject to a class action lawsuit? ELLE magazine lists one of their shampoos as one of the top 12 shampoos for fighting hair loss. What works for some people simply does not work for others. And since what makes a good shampoo is also a matter of opinion, the Briogeo shampoo that People magazine said was the best didn’t even make Elle’s list.
Still, some ingredients can be helpful. Our keratin serum, for example, can help improve the hair cuticle by nourishing the keratin that your own body makes to produce hair and nails.
Healthline points out that keratin treatments can have both positive and negative effects and it’s important to understand if the keratin treatment you are using contains formaldehyde. Keratin treatments – often related to the “Brazilian blowout” styling method – strengthen the hair and help keep it from breaking, making your hair feel healthier and appear thicker.
Precision Hair Has Solutions for Your Hair Loss
Not all hair loss is created equal, and neither are all hair loss shampoos. The best way to find the proper treatment for your specific needs and type of hair loss is to consult with our team of professionals at Precision Hair. Contact us today to get started on your journey to a fuller, healthier head of hair!
