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Experts Say Certain Dry Shampoos And Dirty Hair May Cause Thinning Hair

If you’re experiencing hair fallout, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at the way you wash your hair. Although everyone’s hair is different (and, likewise, requires different treatments), there are a few common shampoo mistakes that can harm your scalp and hair health across the board. Keep reading to find out more!

Too much dry shampoo

Dry shampoo is one way to prevent grease buildup without having to wash your hair constantly. However, it could contribute to product buildup, which is another problem that might contribute to scalp irritation and hair weakness.

"You don't want to overdo it with dry shampoo because the buildup of [the] product combined with trapped dirt, oil, and bacteria can clog the pores on your scalp, dulling hair's vibrance and potentially causing irritation," Lauren Thompson, stylist at Nunzio Saviano Salon in Manhattan, tells Prevention.

Not checking the ingredient label

It's a good rule of thumb to stay away from shampoos that contain sulfates, which can wreak havoc on the health of your hair. According to Nutrafol, "When you rinse out the shampoo, sulfates take all the oils and residue with them. But while cleansing, they can also damage the hair, make it brittle, and increase frizz."

Not washing your hair enough

Many people are worried about shampooing their hair too often. However, not washing your hair enough could be similarly harmful to the health of your strands. Although your exact hair-washing schedule depends on your individual hair needs, it's probably a good idea to shampoo your hair every other day.

Melissa Piliang, MD, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, explained to The Healthy, "That varies a bit from person to person, based on how oily your scalp is. But most people should wash their hair at least every other day. If you don’t, things like oils and pollutants can build up on the scalp, leading to inflammation and dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)."

Forgetting to rinse

If you're in a rush, you may forget to spend enough time under the water after shampooing. However, it's important to actually rinse all of the product out of your hair. Amy Abramite, stylist and creative director of Maxine Salon in Chicago, explains to Shape, "If your hair is falling flat or you have irritation on your scalp, it's highly likely that you didn’t wash out all the product in the shower."

Not using a clarifying shampoo

Using a clarifying shampoo once a week is a good idea to keep your scalp and hair healthy. Ipsy explains, "Just like a detox smoothie, clarifying shampoo deep-cleanses your hair from any chemicals, waxes, and residue left behind by your hair products and the environmental stressors of daily life. Clarifying shampoos are different from regular shampoos because they’re designed to remove surface-level gunk and grime, rather than condition and smooth." By prioritizing the health of your scalp, you can make sure that it surface irritation will not contribute to hair fallout.