11 Unexpected Products You Should Stop Using Because They Cause Thinning Hair: Bad Brushes, Oils & More

Strong, healthy hair isn’t an accident. It takes genetics, that’s true, but how you maintain your hair and the products you use and avoid can make a big difference. Some products contain ingredients like alcohol and sulfates that strip hair of moisture , can leave hair dry and dull, and contribute to fallout and thinning . Other products may be just fine, but are not suited to your hair type.

Avoiding these 11 products for your hair can help your strands maintain their strength and shine while promoting healthy hair follicles at your roots.

Harsh Hair Dyes

If your scalp is sensitive to certain hair dye ingredients, they can cause irritation on your scalp that could lead to hair dryness and fallout. Example of these ingredients include Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause allergies reactions like dermatitis, ammonia, and lead acetate which is sometimes found in dark hair dyes.

Using Cheap Shampoos

You don’t have to use the most expensive shampoo on the market, but it’s a good idea to use the best shampoo you can afford within your budget — and, more importantly, to check the ingredient label. If shampoo contains parabens or sulfates, which dry and damage your hair, just say no — look for shampoos that are filled with more nourishing natural ingredients.

Flat Irons

Heated flat irons singe your hair each time they pass over strands. Of course, that’s the way to get your hair silky straight, but in return, they may be burning the hair’s cuticle and could be causing damage like split ends. If you are interested in keeping your hair looking as thick as possible, flat ironing it reduces volume and can makes it look thinner than it is. Make sure you always apply a heat-protectant spray prior to using a flat iron or any styling tool with high heat and take breaks from these to give your hair a rest.

Strong Hair Sprays

Very strong-hold hairsprays can contain drying alcohol, which can make your hair feel brittle, parabens, phthalates (endocrine disruptors that are used to help make a product last longer), and even formaldehyde and silicones, which coat the hair and make it shiny in the short-term, but can lead to buildup over the long term. Always wash these sprays out of your hair and scalp thoroughly and try not to use them daily if possible.

Too Many Hair Masks

An occasional hair mask can offer deep conditioning, shine, and manageability. But overusing them can cause over-conditioning, which can disrupt your scalp’s own natural oil production and create product buildup on your scalp. Limit hair masks to once a week and use a lightweight conditioner for your daily shower routine.

Excessive Use of Hair Oils

Similar to hair masks, using hair oils on your scalp too frequently can disrupt the balance of oil production and lead to product buildup, which can cause scalp issues like dermatitis. An occasional hair oil treatment, which is then washed out thoroughly, is your best best if you want to incorporate oils like rosemary or argan into your hair routine.

Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments are adored by many for the way their can reduce frizz, tame flyaways, and give hair a more straight and silky look and feel. But frequent keratin treatments can expose you to chemical build-up on the hair and scalp, scalp irritation from its chemicals, over-processing from the high heat required to seal the hair’s cuticle, and possibly even formaldehyde, which is used in some keratin treatments and can cause health issues.

Using the Wrong Brush

Using the wrong brush to detangle or brush your hair can lead to split ends — something that is especially true if you’re using a brush with stiff bristles to detangle wet hair and it’s not designed for that job. Try to pair your brush type to your hair type and the needs of your hair.

Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoo is a stronger shampoo than most and is designed to strip the scalp and hair of product buildup. It’s a great product to have in your arsenal when you need it, but it’s not meant to be used daily or even weekly, in some cases. It should be used sparingly and when needed to avoid drying out the scalp and possibly causing issues like dermatitis.

Dry Shampoo

Applying dry shampoo to your scalp can remove excess oils and keep second or third-day hair looking fresh, clean, and full of body. But be aware that these sprays build up on the scalp and need to be washed off to keep them from clogging hair follicles, which can disrupt hair growth.

Hot Rollers

Similar to flat irons and curling irons, any product that requires high amounts of heat to set your hair in a style can damage your strands and cause split ends. Always apply a heat-protectant spray before using hot rollers and take breaks from them to give your hair a rest.