Is Your Shampoo Secretly Harming Your Hair?

Here’s how to choose the right one.

Jan 24, 2025

When it comes to hair care, most people stick to the basics: grab, lather, rinse, and go. But what if the shampoo you use is doing more harm than good? If you’ve been noticing dryness, thinning and hair fall, or even dandruff, your shampoo might be the culprit. Here’s how to decode the labels and choose a product that works for your hair—not against it.

The Hidden Villains in Your Shampoo

Not all shampoos are created equal. Many products contain ingredients that can strip your hair of its natural oils, irritate your scalp, and even contribute to hair thinning over time. Here are the top offenders:

Sulfates: These cleansing agents create that satisfying lather, but they can strip your scalp of essential oils, leaving your hair dry and brittle.
Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens can disrupt hormones, which may indirectly affect hair growth and health.
Alcohol: Short-chain alcohols (like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol) can dry out your hair and scalp, leading to irritation and breakage.
Silicones: While they make hair feel smooth, they can build up on your scalp, clogging hair follicles and potentially stunting hair growth.
Artificial fragrances and dyes: These can irritate sensitive scalps and may trigger allergies or dryness.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Found in some shampoos to extend shelf life, these chemicals can irritate the scalp and have been linked to hair thinning.
Allergens: Common allergens usually present in shampoos include cocamidopropyl betaine (a surfactant), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (preservatives), propylene glycol (a humectant), and vitamin E, to name a few.

Find the Right Match

Your hair and scalp have unique needs, so a one-size-fits-all shampoo won’t cut it. Whether you’re battling dandruff, thinning hair, or dryness, the right product can make all the difference. (If you’re dealing with menopause, your hair has hyper-specific needs, too!) Here’s how to choose the best shampoo for your hair’s current state:

For Thinning Hair

If you’re noticing less volume or hair loss, opt for a fortifying shampoo that nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair strands:

Iraltone Fortifying Shampoo, P1,500 : Strengthens hair fibers to reduce breakage and promote healthier growth.
Bosley BOSRevive Nourishing Shampoo, P2,200 : A sulfate-free formula designed to revitalize the scalp and support normal-to-thinning hair.
Bosley Professional Strength Follicle Energizer, P2,500 : This leave-in treatment energizes hair follicles for improved growth and density.
Bosley BOSRevive Volumizing Conditioner, P2,200 : Complements the BOSRevive shampoo by providing hydration and strengthening benefits without weighing hair down.

Iraltone Fortifying Shampoo, P1,500	Bosley BOSRevive Nourishing Shampoo, P2,200
Bosley Professional Strength Follicle Energizer, P2,500	Bosley BOSRevive Volumizing Conditioner, P2,200

For Dandruff-Prone Scalps

Flaky, itchy scalp? Anti-dandruff shampoos with active ingredients like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole can help:

Kamedis Sebo Dandruff Shampoo, P1,800 : A botanical-based formula that effectively purifies the scalp and treats dandruff.
Iraltone SD Shampoo, P1,800 : Targets stubborn dandruff and soothes irritated scalps.
Bioderma Node DS+ Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, P1,550 : Gentle and sulfate-free, it effectively calms sensitive, dandruff-prone scalps.

Kamedis Sebo Dandruff Shampoo, P1,800

Iraltone SD Shampoo, P1,800

Bioderma Node DS+ Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, P1,550

For Sensitive Scalps

If your scalp feels tight, itchy, or easily irritated, go for a fragrance-free formula with soothing ingredients:

Vanicream Shampoo, P1,850 : Free from dyes, fragrances, and harsh cleansers, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Vanicream Conditioner, P2,100 : A lightweight, non-irritating formula that hydrates the scalp and hair without any unnecessary additives.

Vanicream Shampoo, P1,850

Vanicream Conditioner, P2,100

Healthy Hair Habits

Beyond choosing the right shampoo, here are a few habits to maintain healthier hair:

Don’t overwash: Many of us tend to wash our hair more than once a day due to our hot weather, but overwashing can strip hair of natural oils. Stick to just once-a-day washing if you can, and make sure you use a moisturizing shampoo.
Use lukewarm water: Hot water can dry out your scalp and weaken hair strands.
Condition, too: A lightweight conditioner can lock in moisture and protect your hair from daily damage. You may opt to condition two to three times a week or more frequently if you have dry hair.
Limit heat styling: Minimize the use of hot tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers to prevent heat damage. When styling, always use a heat protectant spray to safeguard your strands.
Dye safely: If you color your hair, opt for dyes free from harsh chemicals like paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a known irritant and allergen that can cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions.

Your shampoo shouldn’t just clean your hair—it should support its health. By understanding your hair type and avoiding harmful ingredients, you can transform your hair care routine and prevent long-term damage.

For customized hair care, body care, and skincare recommendations, you can book a face-to-face or virtual consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions, here . You may also contact the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions clinic at (+63) 999-887-1933. For a full list of facial services and other treatments, click here . Hair treatments offered include: Meso Hair and AnteAge MD Hair Growth Factor Solutions .

Bella Pelle Skin Solutions is located 2/F L Building, #142 Katipunan, Brgy. Saint Ignatius, Quezon City. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:

Bosley BOSRevive Starter Kit, P3,700	Iraltone AGA Capsules, P2,900
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