Could Shampoo Cause Hair Loss?

Shampoos sold in the UK by recognised, trusted brands are subject to strict regulations on the ingredients they use. It is very unlikely that hair loss or thinning is due to your shampoo, unless, of course, you have undiagnosed allergies or sensitivities.

There are many misconceptions that circulate, often via social media, and we recognise that it might seem obvious that the product you put on your hair the most often is the cause of hair shedding, especially if you’re worrying about chemicals.

Let’s take a look at the real causes of hair loss, some of the potential inclusions within shampoo formulas you might want to avoid, and what to do if you’re concerned about your hair health.

Ingredients in Shampoo That Can Contribute to Hair Loss

There is a lot of noise about potential chemicals in shampoos and other hair products that could be harmful, including sulphates, panthenol, parabens, and alcohols.

The good news is that the industry is regulated by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which is responsible for ensuring products comply with the UK Cosmetic Regulation.

All those ingredients are approved for us and have been tested for safety. For example, some parabens are banned for use – this shouldn’t be misunderstood to imply that those parabens considered safe and regularly used in shampoos are in any way harmful!

In fact, some ingredients that attract speculation are clinically proven to be beneficial to hair and scalp health, including panthenol, which is safe even at high concentrations and is also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, potentially a far less disconcerting name.

The caveat is that some people have very sensitive scalps or underlying skin conditions, so a perfectly legal, gentle shampoo for one person could cause irritation and discomfort for another, even though it’s not likely to play an active role in hair loss.

More Common Reasons Shampoo and Washing Could Exacerbate Hair Loss

The main reason some people assume shampoo is causing hair loss is that they see more hair in the shower or on their brush after washing, but this is almost always attributed to something other than the shampoo. For example, it could be because of:

• Sensitivities to specific ingredients, with some people better suited to deeply moisturising shampoos that don’t dry the scalp.
• Over-washing, stripping essential oils from the skin, and making dull, broken, or brittle hair appear worse or fall away more easily.
• Dermatitis – a skin condition that causes irritation and can be exacerbated by some cosmetic ingredients.
• Brushing vigorously to remove tangles after washing, pulling hair out from the root.
• Genetic pattern hair loss, which occurs naturally and won’t be affected by your choice of shampoo, even though you’ll often see shed hairs after washing.

Some people also experience hair loss linked to the way they style their hair, with traction alopecia caused by very tight or heavy hairstyles like dreadlocks and extensions, and brittle hair caused by continued use of drying gels and sprays.

Finding the Right Shampoo to Slow or Improve Hair Loss

Countless shampoos promise to tackle hair loss, and while some are more effective than others, you could try a different brand. The following ingredients are those that have some evidence-based research that suggests they can help:

• Ketoconazole, in concentrations of up to 1% or up to 2% when purchased from a pharmacist or under prescription.
• Salicylic acid, at concentrations up to 2%, helps remove dandruff buildup on the scalp.

Note that it is always advisable to purchase only a sensitive scalp or hair growth shampoo from a recognised retailer, as products sold online may originate overseas and can contain ingredients banned in the UK.

Examples include shampoos advertised for hair growth that contain formaldehyde, a preservative. This is banned in both the UK and the EU because it can contain known carcinogens and chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation, yet it is still used in some hair-smoothing treatments and shampoos sold in the US.

What to Do if Topical Treatments and Shampoos Aren’t Helping With Hair Loss

Hair loss is incredibly common, and there are several approaches you can try, starting with topical treatments like and minoxidil, which can slow the speed of pattern hair loss.

You can also consider treatments such as PRP or laser therapy, both of which we offer across the KSL Clinic network and are great ways to activate hair growth or improve follicle health.

From there, and depending on how hair loss is affecting you and the extent of the condition, you might wish to schedule a hair transplant, which offers a permanent solution by transplanting healthy donor follicles from elsewhere on your scalp to the areas impacted.

While a surgical intervention may not be necessary, or you may be experiencing early-stage hair loss that can be slowed and managed effectively, the best advice is to book a free, no-obligation consultation at your preferred KSL Clinic location.

Our hair restoration professionals will examine your scalp and hair, listen to your concerns, and offer personalised advice, including recommendations around any signs of sensitivity or irritation that may indicate it’s best to switch your shampoo and other haircare products to ensure they aren’t aggravating your scalp.