With styling products, flat irons, hair dyes, and pollution, you’ve probably noticed, like me, that your hair is often brittle and dull. Your hair strands become prone to breakage especially when dry and weak.
This is where the right conditioner saves the day. This product is used after you shampoo your hair and is rinsed off to leave your locks feeling supple and hydrated.
But what if you see more strands of your hair making their way to the shower drain? Does conditioner cause hair loss? Could you be harming your hair by using it in your hair care routine?
I know that hair falling is a serious issue and can take its toll on your emotional and mental well-being. But rest assured because I’m about to tell you if your conditioner is the culprit and what to do about it.
So, let’s dive in.
Does Conditioner Cause Hair Loss?
The short answer is: No.
Unless you’re not using it properly. But first, let’s start with clarifying what conditioner actually is.
A conditioner is a moisturizing treatment that helps restore hydration and moisture to your hair.
After using the shampoo to clean your scalp of oils, any product buildup, and debris, your strands can feel quite dry.
The conditioner is applied to damp hair and it’s made of humectants and emollients that prevent further moisture loss and make your hair more manageable.
This is why it’s not applied to the roots or the scalp, as it helps your strands retain moisture.
This means that the conditioner doesn’t affect hair loss in any way. As a matter of fact, some types can strengthen your strands, making your hair less prone to breakage.
The Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Conditioner, for example, strengthens your hair strands with biotin while removing tangles that cause breakage.
Nevertheless, when not used properly, using conditioner can harm your hair in the long run.
So, how does this happen?
Conditioner and other product buildup can clog your pores, suffocating your follicles. This can make your hair prone to breakage.
Moreover, you might be using the wrong type of conditioner, which doesn’t work for your hair type.
How to Use Conditioner?
The best way to use a conditioner is to squeeze your hair to remove the excess water after shampooing it and to massage the recommended amount of conditioner along the strands.
You can use your fingers to remove tangles while working the product into your hair. But don’t use it to massage your scalp.
Let the conditioner work for the recommended time according to the product label. Leaving the conditioner for too long won’t enhance its effect.
Then, rinse your hair thoroughly and dry as usual.
What Might Cause Hair Loss?
So, why am I losing hair?
Several factors can cause hair loss in women and men. In many cases, this hair loss can be reversed:
Hereditary female and male pattern hair loss is the most common cause. Using a product like Luv Me Care Rice Water Hair Growth Conditioner can slow down the process and help regrow some hair with the help of other topical treatments.
Aging and hormonal changes can cause bald spots. If you notice that your hair is falling excessively, you should check your hormones.
Alopecia areata can cause hair to fall out when the immune system attacks the follicles. A medical treatment prescribed by the doctor will help the hair grow back.
Stress due to a psychological or physical factor will cause hair loss. Once the trigger is managed, your body will readjust and your hair will grow back.
Chemical treatments like hair dyes and straighteners can damage hair strands and cause breakage.
Using a strengthening conditioner like the Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner will prevent further damage and allow your hair to recover.
Some medications like cancer treatments can cause hair loss. While a conditioner won’t regrow your hair, it can help nourish the follicles and provide the new strands with nutrients.
Since these medications can make your scalp sensitive, you want to use a natural and gentle conditioner like the Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner.
Wrap Up
A conditioner won’t cause hair loss unless you don’t use it properly. This product is meant to help your hair strands retain moisture to be more resistant to tangles and breakage.
As a matter of fact, incorporating the right type of conditioner into your hair care routine can stimulate hair growth and keep your strands healthy.
Do you have any favorite conditioners for hair loss? Let me know in the comments below!