Have you ever noticed hair falling out after styling it with hair wax? If yes, there is a possibility that your hair wax is leading to hair loss. Hair wax is a useful product to style your hair and give it an attractive look. But often, hair styling products are associated with hair loss.
That’s why you need to know if hair wax is causing any harm to your hair and what can be done to prevent it. In this article, we will discuss what causes hair wax related hair loss and how you can control it.
Highlights:
- What Is Hair Wax? Can It Cause Hair Loss?
- Side Effects Of Hair Wax
- Precautionary Tips To Prevent Hair Loss Due To Hair Wax
- How To Treat Hair Loss Caused By Hair Wax?
- Which Hair Wax Is Not Harmful?
- How Do You Wash Hair Wax Out Of Your Hair?
What Is Hair Wax? Can It Cause Hair Loss?
Hair wax is a hair styling product that is used to give your hair a smooth and shiny appearance. It also makes it easier to give your hair a new shape without any hassle. But hair wax or any other hair styling products such as pomade or hair gel are always linked with hair problems, one of which is hair loss.
In order to preserve the hair wax formula for a long time, the manufacturers use high-quantity alcohol. Alcohol is known to harm both your scalp and hair. It strips down the natural oil from your skin and makes it dehydrated. Your hair starts feeling dry and dull. In some cases, alcohol may irritate the skin of your scalp and cause itching. Gradually, your hair starts falling out due to dryness and irritation.
Besides, products like hair wax are dense. The density is given to hold the shape of your hair longer but when you apply it to your scalp, it does not let your hair follicles breathe. Suffocating hair follicles leads to hair loss.
Side Effects Of Hair Wax
1. Hair Loss
Hair wax contains a high amount of alcohol which dries out your scalp and makes your hair dry. Dehydrated hair is breakage-prone. Also, the dense hair wax blocks the hair follicles making it difficult for them to breathe. Naturally, the hair follicles stop functioning properly, thereby leading to hair loss.
2. Dehydrated Hair
Hair wax contains ingredients like alcohol, silicone, sulphate etc. All of them are highly responsible for making your hair dehydrated and brittle. Regular usage of hair wax to style your hair can cause rough and dull hair.
3. Hair Discolouration
Using hair wax regularly can lead to hair discolouration. Hair wax extracts the moisture from your hair and makes major changes in your pH balance. It leads to a dehydrated and unhealthy scalp. As a result, you may notice an increased amount of grey hair.
4. Dandruff
A dehydrated scalp is home for dandruff. When your scalp gets extremely dry because of hair wax, the skin becomes flaky and starts shedding. It is the most common problem people face after using hair styling products like hair wax and hair gel.
Precautionary Tips To Prevent Hair Loss Due To Hair Wax
1. Limit The Usage:
Since hair wax majorly dehydrates your scalp and hair, it is better to limit the usage to your hair only. Do not apply the product to your scalp. Using hair wax directly on your scalp clothes the hair follicles and does not allow them to breathe. It interrupts hair growth.
2. Check Ingredients:
Avoid hair wax that has ingredients like isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol etc. These ingredients are known to dehydrate your scalp when used in a hair styling product.
3. Take A Break:
Take breaks from applying hair wax. Regular usage of hair wax can severely damage your hair. Use hair wax to style your hair on occasions or when necessary.
4. Choose Hairstyles Wisely:
Avoid hairstyles that pull back your hair tightly. Pull-back hairstyles are straining and put a lot of pressure on your scalp and hair follicles.
5. Buy Quality Products:
Do not buy any cheap and unknown brand when it comes to your hair. Try to go for a well-known authentic brand when you buy hair wax. It will assure you good quality.
6. Do Not Leave Hair Wax Overnight:
Leaving hair wax overnight is not recommended. Always wash your hair with a sulphate free shampoo before hitting the bed. Keeping the hair wax on your hair overnight can multiply the damages. At night, the hair wax will mix with sebum oil and sweat that your scalp produces. Your skin becomes flaky, thereby causing dandruff.
How To Treat Hair Loss Caused By Hair Wax?
1. If your hair loss is due to the hair wax you are using, the first step should be to put an end to the usage. Stop using the product that is causing hair loss.
2. Minimize the use of heating tools to set your hair. If your hair loss is severe, completely avoid styling it.
3. Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Make sure your shampoo has hydrating elements. Look for a product that suits your hair type. Choose ingredients that nourish your hair such as coconut oil, sodium PCA, lavender oil, glycerin etc.
4. Deep conditioning once a week using a moisturizing hair mask will fulfil the lack of moisturization in your hair. It will help reduce hair loss. Honey, avocado, coconut oil, and aloe vera are the deep conditioning ingredients you should look for in your hair mask.
5. You can take supplements like biotin, vitamin D, ginseng, folic acid. All of these promote healthy hair growth.
6. If basic hair care does not help with your hair loss, you will need professional help. Your doctor may suggest medicines like minoxidil. This is a topical ingredient approved by the Food And Drug Administration for hair growth. It is known for treating male pattern baldness.[1]
Which Hair Wax Is Not Harmful?
A good hair wax contains ingredients that are not harmful to your scalp and hair. One such ingredient is long-chain alcohol or fatty alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol are known for providing moisturizing benefits to your hair and often suggested by hair experts. You can also opt for an alcohol-free hair wax for styling your hair.
Next, look for a hair wax that contains natural oil and natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed extracts, sunflower wax, etc. Also, sulphate and paraben-free hair waxes are highly recommended.
How Do You Wash Hair Wax Out Of Your Hair?
1. Use a little warm water to wet your hair first.
2. Once your hair is wet enough to wash, apply a tiny amount of moisturizing conditioner to your hair.
3. Massage the conditioner through your hair strands and leave it for 2 minutes. The conditioner will help you remove the hair wax easily.
4. Rinse off the conditioner thoroughly.
5. Apply a cleansing shampoo to your scalp and massage gently.
6. When done shampooing, clean it off properly.[2]
Wrapping Up
Styling your hair using various products sounds promising, but it has a negative effect as well. Most styling products like hair wax are made with corrosive chemicals that make your scalp and hair dehydrated, dull and brittle. Damaged hair is more likely to be breakage-prone and that increases the risk of hair loss.
Therefore, the only solution to avoid unwanted hair loss is to keep your hair wax usage under check and follow all the precautions mentioned above. Furthermore, if your hair loss problem keeps increasing rapidly, consult a medical professional to seek immediate help.
Begin By Knowing Your Skin
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of hair care and styling, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to address the concerns raised in the provided article. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, extensive research, and a keen interest in the intricacies of hair health and styling products.
Hair Wax and Its Effects on Hair Loss:
Hair wax, a popular styling product, is designed to provide a smooth and shiny appearance to the hair, allowing for flexible shaping. However, the article rightly points out the potential link between hair wax and hair loss. The primary culprit identified here is the high concentration of alcohol in many hair wax formulations. Alcohol, known for its drying properties, can strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dehydration and, ultimately, hair loss.
Side Effects of Hair Wax:
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Hair Loss: The dehydrating effect of alcohol in hair wax can render the hair dry and breakage-prone. The dense nature of hair wax can also hinder proper airflow to the hair follicles, contributing to hair loss.
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Dehydrated Hair: Ingredients such as alcohol, silicone, and sulfates in hair wax can lead to dehydrated and brittle hair with regular use.
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Hair Discoloration: Prolonged use of hair wax may alter the hair's pH balance, resulting in dehydrated and unhealthy scalp conditions, potentially leading to increased grey hair.
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Dandruff: A dehydrated scalp, a consequence of using hair wax, creates an environment conducive to dandruff.
Precautionary Tips to Prevent Hair Loss Due to Hair Wax:
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Limit Usage: Apply hair wax to the hair only, avoiding direct contact with the scalp to allow proper breathing of hair follicles.
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Check Ingredients: Avoid products containing dehydrating ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol.
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Take Breaks: Periodically refrain from using hair wax to prevent severe hair damage.
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Choose Hairstyles Wisely: Avoid tight hairstyles that exert pressure on the scalp and hair follicles.
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Buy Quality Products: Opt for well-known, authentic brands to ensure product quality.
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Avoid Overnight Application: Washing hair before bedtime prevents the hair wax from mixing with sebum oil and sweat, minimizing damage.
Treating Hair Loss Caused by Hair Wax:
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Discontinue Usage: Stop using the hair wax that is causing hair loss.
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Minimize Heat Styling: Reduce the use of heating tools on hair, or avoid styling altogether if hair loss is severe.
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Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Use hydrating shampoos with ingredients like coconut oil, lavender oil, and glycerin.
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Deep Conditioning: Apply a moisturizing hair mask weekly with ingredients like honey, avocado, coconut oil, and aloe vera.
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Supplements: Consider supplements like biotin, vitamin D, ginseng, and folic acid to promote healthy hair growth.
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Professional Help: If basic care is insufficient, consult a doctor for potential medications like minoxidil.
Choosing Non-Harmful Hair Wax:
Look for hair waxes containing long-chain or fatty alcohols (e.g., cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol) for moisturizing benefits. Opt for those with natural oils and ingredients like apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed extracts, and ensure they are sulfate and paraben-free.
Washing Hair Wax Out:
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Wet Hair: Start by wetting hair with warm water.
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Conditioning: Apply a small amount of moisturizing conditioner, massage, and leave for 2 minutes.
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Rinse: Thoroughly rinse off the conditioner.
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Shampoo: Apply a cleansing shampoo, massage gently, and rinse.
In conclusion, maintaining hair health while using styling products like hair wax involves informed choices, proper care, and adherence to precautionary measures. Always be mindful of product ingredients, choose quality over quantity, and seek professional advice if needed.
