A lot of people lose their hair as a sign of aging, certain diseases, internal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies, among others.
Because of the many possible causes of hair loss, a lot of products keep sprouting today, particularly hair growth shampoos.
These shampoos are usually designed as everyday shampoos to prevent further hair loss and regrow hair. However, they do have certain ingredients in common. Read on to find out what these are.
1. Panthenol
Panthenol or vitamin B5 is a naturally occurring vitamin in human hair that prevents hair from breaking, thinning, and drying out.
It leaves hair feeling smooth, shiny, and light without making it greasy or sticky as it works its way into the cuticle and cortex.
2. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
A potentially harmful ingredient in most shampoos and soaps, SLS is a cheap washing surfactant or a foaming agent to remove excess oils. Then again, prolonged exposure to SLS can cause irritation, hair loss, or worse, cancer.
3. Glycerin
With its hygroscopic, emollient, and lubricating properties, glycerin works to attract moisture from outside sources. Hence, it can moisturize your hair and scalp.
4. Cocamidopropyl betaine
Also known as coco-betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine is a thickening agent, promoting lathering and foaming. It is also found in soaps, bubble baths, and many cleaning products.
On the downside, coco-betaine is also potentially harmful. Studies have linked it to eye, skin, and lung irritation.
5. Herbal essences
Most products do contain herbal essences that play major roles in fighting hair loss and promoting hair growth. These shampoos are often classified as mild or gentle.
The following are herbal essences found in ideal hair care products:
- Rosemary Extract
Of all aromatic herbs used to promote hair growth, rosemary is the most popular. Rosemary has excellent properties in stimulating dormant hair follicles and getting rid of impurities (e.g., dandruff) that may worsen or hasten hair loss.
- Biotin
Biotin or vitamin H is very essential in the hair growth process as it helps in producing amino acids, the building block of protein.
- Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto has anti-androgenic properties that can prevent the excessive build-up of DHT in the hair follicles. DHT is the hormone that causes pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. Therefore, saw palmetto can prevent further balding.
