Types of Hair Conditioners that Can Cause Hair Loss

Benefits of hair conditioners

Can conditioners hurt your hair?

Does conditioner cause hair loss?

There is no denying the fact that hair conditioners can make your tresses look smooth and shiny, instantly eliminating all the frizz. However, most individuals are of the opinion that regular use of conditioner on their hair can weigh them down. But is that so?

You’ve probably noticed a certain amount of hair in the shower drain whenever you shower your hair. But does the conditioner cause hair loss? Or is there some other factor at play? If you’ve been wondering whether hair conditioners can cause hair loss, keep reading further.

Each hair strand is covered in overlapping keratin layers. Together, these layers are called the hair cuticle. When these cuticles lie flat, hair feels soft and silky and features a healthy sheen. When the layers are raised, hair looks dull and becomes more susceptible to tangling. Excessive styling, environmental factors, and even shampooing can raise the layers of the cuticle. Conditioners are formulated to smooth the cuticle, leaving hair shiny and lustrous. That’s why most hair professionals recommend using a conditioner after shampooing!

Benefits of hair conditioners

• Detangles hair 
• Seals the cuticle
• Decreases split ends
• Protects hair from heating tools
• Minimises frizz and friction
• Enhances shine and smoothness

Conditioners may also include several other ingredients like biotin, keratin, and zinc that have additional benefits for the hair and leave the hair looking naturally thicker and fuller.

Can conditioners hurt your hair?

Using a conditioner after shampooing can enhance the appearance of your hair. Unfortunately, some hair myths are the idea that conditioner results in hair fall. They claim that conditioners clog hair follicles, leading to hair loss or that the emollient ingredients in conditioners can soften the hair follicles to the point where they release the hair shaft, resulting in hair thinning. However, no research suggests using hair conditioners causes hair loss.

It can often be the case that the rumour that conditioner causes hair loss is linked to normal hair shedding, which is more apparent following a hair wash. But hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Human hair tends to grow in a cycle with four phases: the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, the telogen (resting) phase, and the exogen (shedding) phase. As a result, it’s normal to shed somewhere between 50 and 100 strands of hair on any given day.

While those hairs can fall out at any point during the day, we usually tend to notice them in the shower drain immediately after a hair wash. That’s because hair washing rinses away any loose hair strands. So, while it makes sense that one may assume that conditioner causes hair fall when you see hair clogging the shower drain, the conditioner itself is not the actual cause of the hair shedding.

Does conditioner cause hair loss?

There are some cases where using a conditioner can hurt your skin:

Contact Dermatitis 

If you’re sensitive to any particular ingredient in your conditioner, you may experience this allergic reaction. Contact dermatitis is rare, but it is always good to talk to your dermatologist if you suspect having it.

Acne Breakouts 

If you don’t wash off your conditioner thoroughly, it could eventually show up as breakouts for those with acne-prone skin. Make sure to rinse all the conditioner out of your hair and wash your face and body with soap after this to avoid acne breakouts.

Limp Hair 

There are certain conditioner formulations that can leave your hair looking stringy, especially if you have fine hair. Instead, you can opt for a lightweight conditioner that moisturises and smooths hair without weighing it down.

Overall, the pros of conditioners outweigh the cons. There is no scientific research yet that suggests that hair conditioner causes hair loss. In fact, a hair conditioner smoothens the hair’s cuticle, making it shiny, smooth, and manageable. It curtails hair weakness and hair fall due to breakage. Make it an important part of your healthy hair routine!

For hair product usage queries, book a consultation with the expert hair specialists at HairMD Clinics, Pune, today and let us help you achieve healthy, beautiful hair! Say goodbye to hair loss caused by conditioners!