Causes of Hair Loss in Modern People: Lifestyle and Shampoo Ingredients

Causes of Hair Loss in Modern People: Lifestyle & Shampoo Ingredients

Hair loss has become increasingly common among modern individuals. Beyond genetic factors (such as androgenetic alopecia), poor lifestyle habits and shampoo ingredients also play a significant role. Here’s a detailed analysis:

I. Modern Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Hair Loss

1. Staying Up Late & Sleep Deprivation

• Effects:
• Disrupts endocrine function, increasing DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels (which shrinks hair follicles).
• Impairs liver and kidney detoxification. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that "hair is the surplus of blood, and the kidneys manifest their vitality in the hair." Chronic sleep loss leads to kidney essence deficiency, causing dry and brittle hair.
• Common pattern: Worsened hair loss at the crown and forehead.

2. High Stress (Anxiety, Depression)

• Effects:
• Elevated stress hormones (cortisol) disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to telogen effluvium (premature hair shedding).
• TCM believes "the liver governs emotional regulation." Chronic stress causes liver qi stagnation, impairing scalp blood circulation (common in patchy hair loss).
• Common pattern: Sudden localized hair loss (alopecia areata) or receding hairline.

3. Unhealthy Diet (High Sugar, High Fat, Takeout Foods)

• Effects:
• High sugar intake → Accelerates glycation → Damages hair follicle collagen → Hair becomes thin and weak.
• High-fat diet → Overstimulates sebaceous glands → Clogs follicles → Seborrheic hair loss.
• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, protein) → Hair lacks growth materials.
• Common pattern: Oily scalp, itching, overall thinning.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle & Lack of Exercise

• Effects:
• Poor blood circulation → Reduced scalp blood flow → Follicles shrink due to hypoxia.
• TCM states "prolonged sitting harms the spleen," leading to insufficient qi and blood production, depriving hair of nourishment.
• Common pattern: Fine, slow-growing hair.

5. Excessive Hair Dyeing & Heat Styling

• Effects:
• Chemical dyes (e.g., paraphenylenediamine, PPD) damage hair cuticles, causing breakage.
• High-heat tools (blow dryers, straighteners) dehydrate and weaken hair.
• Common pattern: Split ends, brittle hair.

II. How Shampoo Ingredients Contribute to Hair Loss

1. Harsh Surfactants (SLS/SLES)

• Ingredients: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
• Effects:
• Over-cleansing → Destroys scalp barrier → Dryness, itching, sensitivity.
• Long-term use may irritate follicles, worsening hair loss.
• Alternative: Opt for gentle surfactants like amino acid-based (e.g., sodium cocoyl glycinate) or glucoside-based (APG) shampoos.

2. Silicones (Dimethicone)

• Effects:
• Temporarily smoothens hair but may clog follicles (especially for oily scalps).
• Weighs down fine, flat hair.
• Alternative: Oily scalps should choose silicone-free shampoos; dry hair can use silicones moderately.

3. Preservatives (MIT/CMIT, Sodium Benzoate)

• Ingredients: Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT).
• Effects:
• May cause allergies, triggering scalp inflammation → Worsens hair loss.
• Alternative: Choose shampoos with phenoxyethanol or natural preservatives (e.g., rosemary extract).

4. Synthetic Fragrances & Dyes

• Effects:
• Artificial fragrances may irritate the scalp, causing sensitivity and itching.
• Alternative: Use fragrance-free or naturally scented (essential oils) products.

III. Improvement Strategies (Lifestyle & Hair Care Adjustments)

1. Lifestyle Changes

✅ Regular sleep schedule (before 11 PM, 7+ hours) → Reduces DHT production.
✅ Stress management (meditation, exercise) → Lowers cortisol, improves liver qi.
✅ Balanced diet (more black sesame, walnuts, salmon; less bubble tea/fried food).
✅ Avoid excessive dyeing/heat styling.

2. Shampoo Selection

✔ Gentle surfactants (amino acid/APG-based).
✔ Silicone-free (for oily scalps).
✔ Non-irritating preservatives (avoid MIT/CMIT).
✔ Natural ingredients (e.g., ginger, cypress extract to strengthen hair).

Conclusion

Modern hair loss results from internal factors (sleep, stress, diet) + external factors (harsh shampoo ingredients). Adjusting lifestyle habits and choosing safer hair care products are key to reducing hair loss at its root!