What Chemicals Cause Hair Loss in women?

Do chemicals cause hair loss in women?

Although commonly hair loss s more associated with males, this also occurs in female as well. There’s nothing more disappointing for women than running your fingers through your strands and coming out with a fist full of hair.

You a forced to think all sorts of crazy things like am I sick, am I aging, what is happening to me and the  immediate reaction is probably panic, wondering what could be causing your hair to fall out more than usual. While increased hair loss can be the result of anything from scalp irritations to hormones, there’s one huge factor many people don’t consider: chemicals in hair products.

Some products are known to have high chemical contents for example;

• Chemical Hair perms
• Hair Relaxers
• Hair Dyes
• Chemical Hair Perms

A more common type of hair loss from perms is breakage. Women and men have been styling their hair for millennia now. It is not rare that a person with straight hair wishes to “go curly,” and a curly-haired person wishes to make her hair straight.

However, a hair strand is composed of multiple layers, with an outer layer that forms a protective sheath around the delicate inner strands. If this outer sheath is damaged it can led to hair loss. Perms and relaxers can damage that outer layer, causing hair to become dry and break off.Once the damage is done, it cannot be repaired.

Essential Oils

Hair Relaxers

Relaxers change the appearance of hair by altering its chemical makeup. During the relaxing process, the chemical bonds of the hair are broken then reformed into a straight, relaxed pattern.

According to skin specialists, some of the the chemicals found in hair relaxers contain pH factors of 10 to 14. These chamicals penetrate the hair shaft, changing its structure, it can simultaneously penetrate the scalp causing chemical burns and irritations. It is better you avoid relaxers if you have a sensitive skin.

Side effects of Hair Relaxers

• Mild scalp irritation on the scalp
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Burning sensation and hair damage.

Hair Dyes

Certain chemicals once exposed to our hair for a long period of time lead to hair thinning and hair loss for example; hair dyes which contain peroxide or ammonia. You can still use hair dyes that will not damage your hair for example; semi permanent dyes or products made from henna.

What should you avoid in your hair products to prevent hair loss?

Below we have listed some of the chemicals you should avoid when buying hair products, ıt should be noted that using these chemicals constantly on your hair can led to hair thinning and hair loss.

• Parabens

These are the reasons why the shampoo and conditioning products and stay for prolonged time.

• Triclosan
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
• Polyethylene Glycol aka PEGs
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) / Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES

It is a harsh chemical detergent and surfactant used in many commercial shampoos to strip away dirt, oils, and other impurities, while also creating the rich lather we’re all used to getting from shampoos.

• Phthalates
• Dimethicone
• Triethanolamine
• PVP/ VA Copolymer

For those of you who cant  avoid a week without a hair treatment, we have some natural alternatives that can be used for your hair regimen. Now that you know what ingredients to avoid in hair products to minimize hair loss.

Lets look at the alternative products

These are oils extracted from single plant species usually found in the plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers, or fruits. Getting rid of commerial hair produts does not mean that you are giving up on good smelling hair, you can also get this from essential oils. Using essential oils comes with many benefits some of which we have mentioned below.

• Thicken your hair
• Treat dandruff and dry scalp
• Hair strength and shine
• lighten your hair naturally
• They are also more cost effective

Apple Cider Vinegar and Clay

Instead of using shampoos that have abrasive chemicals that strip protective oils from your hair, look for healthy products that use natural cleansing ingredients like apple cider vinegar or bentonite clay. Both of these help remove dirt and buildup without stripping your hair or causing dangerous side effects.

Moisturizing Oils

Some of the natural oils like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil and hemp oil in your natural hair products have moisturing components. These oils help protect your scalp and hair from too much dryness, and work to restore moisture levels in your locks that might be suffering due to years of using chemical products.

Aloe vera and green tea products

Always use products containing vitamins and minerals that will help nourish your scalp, like algae and green tea. Pure aloe vera is another great natural product that contains lots of vitamin E that helps protect and help nourish the scalp.