It is important to know what to look for in your shampoos and conditioners.
New York City hair specialist and restoration surgeon Dr. Robert Dorin has identified a number of ingredients that may be at the root of the problem. Here are some to avoid:
Foamers and thickeners. Dr. Dorin says that sodium laurel sulfate- the chemical that produces all that nice, bubbly lather - "strips hair of essential oils, breaks down protein essential for hair health, and halts growth. Sodium chloride is used as a thickener, but it can cause dry, itchy scalp and encourage hair loss. Polyethylene glycol is another thickener that strips hair of moisture.
Preservatives: According to Dr. Dorin, "Formaldehyde and parabens such as methylparaben and propylparaben are often included to prolong shelf life. The latter can affect hormonal balance and encourage hair loss."
Irritants. Ingredients that cause scalp inflammation and allergic reactions can exacerbate hair loss and makes thin hair dry, brittle and lifeless. Dr. Dorin says, "Products containing diethanolamine and triethanolamine destroy hair's keratin and cause scalp irritation. Fragrances and artificial colors (they appear on the label as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color or number) are used for aesthetic reasons, but they may be irritants. And propylene glycol, most commonly used as antifreeze in cars (!!), is often added to keep shampoos and conditioners from freezing during shipping and storage."
Alcohol. Almost all hair-care products contain some form of alcohol. Used in high concentrations, it dehydrates your hair. Dr. Dorin's advice: "Avoid products listing alcohol as one of the first four ingredients. The closer to the top of the ingredient list, the higher the percentage in the product."
Greasers. Steer clear of " lanolin, petroleum and mineral oil," counsels Dr. Dorin. "They weigh down thin hair, preventing natural oils from being absorbed."
New York City hair specialist and restoration surgeon Dr. Robert Dorin has identified a number of ingredients that may be at the root of the problem. Here are some to avoid:
Foamers and thickeners. Dr. Dorin says that sodium laurel sulfate- the chemical that produces all that nice, bubbly lather - "strips hair of essential oils, breaks down protein essential for hair health, and halts growth. Sodium chloride is used as a thickener, but it can cause dry, itchy scalp and encourage hair loss. Polyethylene glycol is another thickener that strips hair of moisture.
Preservatives: According to Dr. Dorin, "Formaldehyde and parabens such as methylparaben and propylparaben are often included to prolong shelf life. The latter can affect hormonal balance and encourage hair loss."
Irritants. Ingredients that cause scalp inflammation and allergic reactions can exacerbate hair loss and makes thin hair dry, brittle and lifeless. Dr. Dorin says, "Products containing diethanolamine and triethanolamine destroy hair's keratin and cause scalp irritation. Fragrances and artificial colors (they appear on the label as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color or number) are used for aesthetic reasons, but they may be irritants. And propylene glycol, most commonly used as antifreeze in cars (!!), is often added to keep shampoos and conditioners from freezing during shipping and storage."
Alcohol. Almost all hair-care products contain some form of alcohol. Used in high concentrations, it dehydrates your hair. Dr. Dorin's advice: "Avoid products listing alcohol as one of the first four ingredients. The closer to the top of the ingredient list, the higher the percentage in the product."
Greasers. Steer clear of " lanolin, petroleum and mineral oil," counsels Dr. Dorin. "They weigh down thin hair, preventing natural oils from being absorbed."