I’ve been noticing my hair thinning lately and came across some advice saying to switch to fragrance-free shampoo. Is there actually a reason for this, or is it just another marketing gimmick?
Not a gimmick at all! Hair follicles become more sensitive when your hair is thinning, and artificial fragrances in shampoos can cause irritation and inflammation, which makes things worse.
Yep, especially if you’re already dealing with scalp issues like dryness or itchiness. Synthetic fragrances are basically a mix of chemicals that can disrupt the scalp’s natural barrier, making hair loss even worse over time.
Okay, but wouldn’t shampoo only be on the scalp for a minute or two? How much damage can fragrance actually do in that time?
It’s not just about the exposure time. Fragrance chemicals can strip natural oils and cause low-grade inflammation over time, making the scalp less hospitable for hair growth. Also, some people develop allergies to certain fragrance compounds without realizing it.
Exactly! And when hair follicles are already weak, even minor irritation can make them shed faster. If you’re serious about slowing hair loss, minimizing all scalp irritants (fragrance, sulfates, alcohols) is a good move.
Wow, I had no idea fragrance could be a hidden culprit. Does this mean all scented shampoos are bad, or just certain ones?
yes most fragrances will cause irritation, even essential oils or natural fragrances. only exception is if it is designed in a formala which counteracts the fragrance, but this is rare to find.