Why Is My Hair Falling Out So Much, and What Shampoo Ingredients Should I Avoid

Key Takeaways

• Why is my hair falling out often relates to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress, and harsh hair products that damage follicles
  
• Shampoo ingredients to avoid include sulfates, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, drying alcohols, and sodium chloride
  
• Hair fall causes range from medical conditions and styling damage to using products with aggressive chemicals that strip natural oils
  
• Switching to sulfate-free, pH-balanced shampoos with nourishing ingredients like biotin and natural oils supports healthier hair growth
  
• Losing 50-100 strands daily is normal, but excessive shedding with thinning patches or scalp irritation requires attention
  
• Addressing both external product choices and internal nutritional support creates the best environment for reducing hair fall

Noticing more hair in the shower drain than usual can be alarming. Hair fall is a common concern that affects millions of people, and while losing 50 to 100 strands daily is normal, excessive shedding often points to underlying issues.

Many people don’t realize that the shampoo sitting in their bathroom could be making the problem worse. Certain harsh ingredients strip your scalp of natural oils, weaken hair follicles, and cause long-term damage.

Understanding what’s causing your hair to fall out and which shampoo ingredients to avoid can help you make better choices for healthier, stronger hair.

Why Is My Hair Falling Out: Common Causes

Hair fall happens for many reasons, and identifying the root cause is the first step to solving the problem.

Nutritional and Hormonal Factors

Low levels of iron, zinc, biotin, and protein weaken hair structure and slow growth. Hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause, thyroid imbalances, and PCOS disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger excessive shedding.

Lifestyle and Styling Habits

Physical or emotional stress pushes hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to temporary shedding. Frequent use of hot tools, tight hairstyles, and chemical treatments weakens hair strands over time.

Medical and Product-Related Issues

Alopecia, scalp infections, and autoimmune disorders directly impact hair health. Shampoos with aggressive chemicals damage the scalp barrier and strip natural moisture, contributing to hair fall causes.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair shedding increases when the body experiences stress or a nutritional imbalance. Choosing gentle, nourishing hair care products can reduce unnecessary damage and support healthier growth.

Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid for Hair Health

Not all shampoos are created equal. Some ingredients marketed as cleansing or smoothing agents actually do more harm than good.

Sulfates (SLS and SLES)

Sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) create that satisfying lather, but they strip your scalp of natural oils.

Over time, sulfates dry out your hair, irritate the scalp, and weaken hair follicles, leading to increased breakage and shedding.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used to extend shelf life, but they disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen. Hormonal imbalances are a known trigger for hair thinning, especially in women.

Look for paraben-free formulas to keep your hair care routine safe.

Silicones

Silicones like dimethicone coat hair strands to create a smooth, shiny appearance. While the results look good initially, silicones build up over time, blocking moisture and nutrients from penetrating the hair shaft.

The result is dull, brittle hair that breaks easily.

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Found in some smoothing and straightening shampoos, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that irritates the scalp and weakens hair.

Ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 release formaldehyde over time. And other ingredients like Synthetic Fragrances, Drying Alcohols, Sodium Chloride

How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Hair Fall

Switching to a gentler shampoo can make a noticeable difference in hair health. Understanding which shampoo ingredients to avoid helps you make smarter choices for your scalp and strands.

Key Features to Look For

Read the ingredient list carefully and avoid sulfates, parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances. Look for nourishing ingredients like biotin, keratin, peptides, and natural oils that help strengthen hair.

Choose sulfate-free formulas with gentle cleansers that clean without stripping natural oils. Pick products designed for your scalp type. Oily scalps benefit from balancing formulas, while dry scalps need extra hydration.

pH Balance Matters

Opt for pH-balanced shampoos around 4.5 to 5.5 to maintain scalp health and prevent irritation. Switching to a lightweight, non-greasy formula that’s gentle enough for daily use helps nourish and revive your scalp without causing buildup.

Natural Ingredients for Hair Growth

After understanding which shampoo ingredients to avoid, knowing what to look for becomes equally important. Natural ingredients work gently to nourish your scalp and strengthen hair from the roots.

Biotin and Keratin

Biotin strengthens hair structure and supports healthy growth by improving the protein infrastructure. Keratin fills in gaps in damaged hair strands, making them stronger and more resilient to breakage.

Natural Oils

Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that moisturize the scalp and reduce inflammation. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft to prevent protein loss and strengthen strands from within.

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid that improves blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.

Herbal Extracts

Rosemary extract stimulates blood flow to hair follicles and has been shown in studies to be as effective as some conventional treatments. Saw palmetto may help block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss.

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, reduces inflammation, and provides enzymes that promote healthy hair growth.

Essential Nutrients

Peptides signal hair follicles to enter the growth phase and strengthen the hair shaft. Caffeine stimulates hair follicles and extends the growth phase of hair.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) improves blood circulation to the scalp and supports the skin barrier, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.

Who Should Worry About Hair Fall

While some shedding is normal, certain signs indicate a bigger problem that needs attention.

Warning Signs to Watch For

You should pay attention if you’re losing more than 100 strands per day consistently, notice bald patches or thinning areas on your scalp, or find that your hair feels thinner or lacks volume compared to before.

Scalp irritation, redness, or flaking, along with hair loss, also signals an underlying issue worth investigating.

Who’s Most Affected

Hair fall affects people of all ages and hair types. Women often experience increased shedding during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause due to hormonal fluctuations.

Men may notice thinning related to genetics or lifestyle factors. No matter your hair type, choosing the right products and addressing nutritional gaps can help slow down excessive shedding.

Supporting Hair Health from Within

While choosing the right shampoo ingredients to avoid is crucial, supporting your hair from the inside matters too. Plix Life offers plant-based hair care designed to nourish your scalp and strengthen strands from within.

Each product targets specific hair concerns with natural ingredients like rosemary, hibiscus, and flaxseeds. keratin, which works well for your hair care.

Ready to give your hair complete care? Visit the Build Your Box page to create a personalized wellness routine that supports healthier, stronger hair growth.

FAQS

How much hair fall is normal per day?

Losing 50 to 100 strands per day is completely normal as hair goes through natural growth and shedding phases. Significantly more than this warrants investigating hair fall causes.

Can shampoo really cause hair fall?

Yes, shampoos with harsh shampoo ingredients to avoid, like sulfates and parabens, can weaken follicles, dry out your scalp, and lead to breakage over time.

What ingredients should I look for in a hair fall shampoo?

Look for biotin, keratin, peptides, and natural oils like argan or coconut. Gentle cleansers strengthen hair and nourish the scalp without irritation.

How long does it take to see results after switching shampoos?

Hair grows slowly, so expect 2 to 3 months to notice significant improvements. Consistency paired with proper nutrition yields the best results.

Should I avoid all sulfates in shampoo?

Most people benefit from avoiding sulfates, especially with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. Gentler alternatives clean effectively without harsh side effects.