In order to understand the damage hair styling products can cause, you first need to understand the way your hair grows.

The hair on your head grows for several years. Then, it falls into a sleep mode while still attached to your scalp. This sleep mode (resting phase) lasts about two months or so. After that phase, your hair falls out. If you have healthy roots and hair follicles, they will gather strength before sprouting new hairs.

If you occasionally use styling products (like for special events) and you thoroughly wash out any chemicals after application, you shouldn’t have too many problems. Of course, that also means that you applied the chemicals correctly in the first place. This includes applying a scalp base protection, following the application instructions and using the correct strength.

But–when you regularly use hair styling products, whether it’s hairspray or that to-die-for flat iron, you can expect some hair damage. You might assume it’s just build up from the products that you use, but it’s so much more than that.

Next chance you get to view someone’s scalp whose bald or going bald, you’ll probably notice that it’s rather shiny. This is a buildup of sebum; your natural scalp oil. Usually, this oil would travel from the roots to the ends of your hair. But it cannot do that when there is nowhere for it to go.

The Problem With Hair Styling Products

Now, the problem with styling aids is that these products often trap natural oils (sebum) at scalp level. This means that your hair ends don’t get the moisture they need. Your hair will become brittle before it breaks off at the scalp. If sebum settles at this level, it can become hardened like plaque on teeth. It doesn’t sound very pretty and it’s definitely not fun.

The problem is exacerbated when you begin to shampoo out these products. You may think that you need to shampoo your hair every day. You don’t, unless you work in an environment that produces lots of dirt and debris. And even then, you should use a professional shampoo and conditioner that gentle for your hair and yields a healthy scalp. Plus an anti-itch product to alleviate itchiness and prevent you from scratching your scalp which can cause more damage.

Shampooing your hair breaks down the sebum and removes it as you rinse your hair. Instead of blocked sebum, you’re left with no scalp oil at all.

And you might want to think twice about regularly using hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons. Heat, regardless of the form, literally strips the cuticle and exposes the cortex. Essentially, this is like death to your hair and as close as you get to stomping the life out of your hair.

What Does All This Mean?

Well, if you’re constantly styling your hair with all kinds of products, you should make sure to use deep moisturizers. It also means you shouldn’t wait too long o give us a call at (858) 794-6833 if you notice any unusual thinning of your hair. Sooner rather than later is best before it’s too late. (Not to scare you or anything.)

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