Is it true that excessive/daily hair product usage can cause hair loss?

Janelle asks…My mom and sister are big supporters of the theory that excessive use of hair products (E.g: Hairsprays, shampoos, gels, etc) are the reason why my hair is falling out/isn’t so thick. In general, can usage of these gels and hairsprays every day cause hair loss? I don’t shampoo more than twice a week, but I do use hairspray and gel on my hair every day. Are they correct, or is this an old wives tale? The Beauty Brains respond: Ah, Janelle. You are wise to ask us rather than just blindly believing what you’re told by “old wives.” (No offense to your mother and sister.) Damage causes breakage causes hair loss Hair care products can be involved in certain types of hair loss but that doesn’t mean they cause it. For example, shampoos and conditioners almost always involve the use of water which causes a swelling/contracting cycle that damages hair. This damage can eventually cause the hair to break. Also, if you use a hard holding hairspray or gel AND if you roughly drag a brush through your hair, then yes, you’ll experience some hair loss. (Because the hair is locked in place by the styling products and you’re yanking it out by the roots!) And of course, the use of towels or heat styling tools to dry your hair is also damaging. In other words, the ingredients used in hairsprays, shampoos, gels, etc do not inherently cause hair loss even though the process of using these products may cause damage that could lead to...
Source: thebeautybrains.com - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Questions Source Type: blogs