You may have realized that you've been scratching your head more often than normal lately. Or maybe every time you comb your hair, more strands come loose.
Whatever it is, you know for sure that you have a hair problem. And you badly need to kill these two problems with one shampoo.
In this article, we will learn:
- The causes of dry scalp and falling hair
- How to choose the best shampoo
- Ingredients that can harm your scalp and hair
Let’s get started!
Causes of Dry Scalp and Falling Hair
Let’s go back to the basics.
What really is the culprit behind dry scalp and falling hair?
Here are a few factors that might contribute to dry scalp and excessive falling hair:
Weather conditions
The weather might also have an impact on the moisture levels of your scalp.
People typically believe that they lose more hair in the winter because of the lower weather, but this isn't always the case.
According to a six-year research conducted by the University Hospital of Zurich, individuals lose the least number of hair in the winter.
The problem comes when you don't think about the environmental changes and don't treat your hair and scalp properly to combat them.
With the chilly weather and excessive inside heat, the scalp is more prone to dehydration, resulting in a dry scalp and brittle hair.
During the winter, low humidity and indoor heating may leave your scalp dehydrated.
When these effects combine with the stress and friction that headgear (bonnets or caps) may impose on hair strands, you may find yourself pulling out clumps of hair every time you put on or take them off.
In the summer, on the other hand, blasting the air conditioning may have the same effect!
Wrong choice of shampoo
The hair products you use may be producing a dry, itchy scalp, which will eventually lead to hair loss.
Many people are allergic to synthetic perfumes and other unpleasant chemicals, such as sulfates. That's why it's essential to use shampoo specially designed for a dry scalp (more on that later).
Not only does the choice of shampoo cause dry scalp, but also how you wash your hair.
If you don't thoroughly rinse your shampoo or conditioner, the residue may accumulate, creating dandruff, and may eventually cause a dry scalp.
Now that you've determined what's causing your dry, itchy scalp and hair fall, let's look at how to pick a shampoo to address these problems.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo
How do you know which is which?
When it comes to selecting a shampoo for a dry, itchy scalp, ingredient selection and fragrance levels are critical. Going with an organic brand that has natural components that will nourish your hair and scalp is a good start.
Natural scents in little amounts are better than synthetic fragrances, which may irritate and dry up the scalp.
So, how can you determine how much fragrance is in a shampoo for a dry, itchy scalp?
The scent should always be listed last on the label.
Remember that the higher a component is on the ingredients list, the more effective it is in the composition.
So, try to scan the back label of your shampoo. The fragrance ingredient (for example, linalool) should not make up the bulk of the whole product. Otherwise, your shampoo is too aromatic.
When looking for a shampoo for a dry, itchy scalp, look for the following moisturizing and calming ingredients:
Oats
Oats are a hydrating component. It includes vitamin B and enters the hair, allowing moisture to be retained. It also includes polysaccharides, which soften the hair.
Shampoos containing oats might be beneficial for people with curly hair. This is because people with curly hair require a hydrating treatment that would keep their curls intact and healthy.
Aloe Vera
Anyone who has used aloe gel to a sunburn knows how effective this cooling component is!
Historically, hair loss has been treated with aloe vera. It also has a calming effect on the scalp and helps to condition the hair. It may help to alleviate dandruff and unclog hair follicles that have been blocked by excess oil.
Arrowroot
When used as a dry shampoo, arrowroot may leave hair silky and clean while also removing extra moisture.
The absorbent quality of arrowroot is the primary reason it is employed in the manufacture of powders and shampoos. The powder's moisture-absorbing properties make it effective in hair care, since using it helps lessen greasiness in your hair.
Ingredients to Avoid
We already know the “to consider” ingredients when choosing a shampoo that will work best for your condition. Now, let’s take a look of what “to avoid”.
Several shampoo chemicals may lead to hair loss. Some of them are irritants and may induce scalp irritation, causing your hair to become thin and brittle.
Some shampoo ingredients to avoid include:
Mineral Oil and Petroleum
Mineral oil and petroleum, both of which are used as lubricants, may weigh down your hair.
It works in this way: the scalp is the starting point for healthy hair development. The hair development cycle takes place in hair follicles, which are microscopic hollow structures in the skin.
Excessive mineral oil and petroleum on these hair follicles may prevent hair from growing normally.
Mineral oil isn't likely to stop hair growth completely. But, some research suggests that its effect on the skin may have an effect on healthy hair growth.
Sulfates
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) are the two most common sulfates found in shampoos.
They are powerful detergents with excellent cleaning and foaming qualities, resulting in a thick lather. However, they have the potential to leave your hair lifeless, frizzy, harsh, and prone to tangling.
Alcohol
Shampoos with a high alcohol content might dry your hair. Alcohols are very drying and may rob your hair of its natural oils.
The harmful alcohols (SD alcohol 40, propyl alcohol) peel skin and strands and eliminate or diminish moisture from the hair and scalp. Hair may become brittle, dehydrated, and dry after using a product containing poor alcohol, and it may begin to thin or break.
Which Shampoo Is Best For Dry, Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss?
With all of these factors, which shampoo is best for dry, itchy scalp and hair loss?
There are actually a lot of shampoos available in the market. You have to pick one that is safe for all hair types and is also containing safe ingredients.
Swagger’s Hair Defender Scalp Shampoo does the job. It has a mix of salicylic acid, dexpanthenol, and niacinamide to help you get fuller, healthier hair.
It also contains HP-DCC Complex, Anti Sebum P (Primrose, Arrowroot, Pine Needles Extract), which aid in the recovery of scalp health and moisture balance.
When you use this to treat your scalp and hair loss, it also improves the moisture balance so that it doesn't happen again.
In addition, Hair Defender Scalp Shampoo is also rich in Vitamins A, B, C, and E, Biotin, Biotin, and Ginger extract, Bio-silk formula, and ginger root extract that help strengthen, create volume and shine on damaged hair.
It is not only safe for your hair but also for the environment.
Hair Defender Scalp Shampoo from Swagger:
- have been made using all-natural ingredients that have been hand-picked by experts;
- are vegan and 100% cruelty-free; and
- use only natural ingredients and have no artificial preservatives like sulfates, silicone, and parabens, which may cause allergic reactions and hair loss.
A dermatology research group has shown and confirmed that Hair Defender Scalp Shampoo reduces sebum on the scalp by 91% and improves sebum management by 86%!
And in only seven days, you'll see reliable results.