Does conditioner cause hair fall? Myths and facts

Many people worry about losing their hair. It's a common concern that affects both men and women. When we notice more hair falling out than usual, we often think about what might be causing it.

One product that sometimes gets blamed for hair loss is conditioner. You might have heard friends or family members say that using conditioner can make your hair fall out. This idea has been around for a while, making some people afraid to use conditioner.

But is this true? Does conditioner cause hair loss, or is this just a myth that keeps getting repeated? That's why we will look at the facts about conditioners and hair loss. We'll explain what conditioner does, why some people think it might cause hair to fall out, and what is the truth.

Let's get started!

The Role of Conditioners in Hair Care

Conditioners work like lotion for your hair. They are important for maintaining your hair's health and appearance. Let's break down what conditioners do:

1. Moisturise your hair: Just as the skin requires some hydration, the hair also needs some. Conditioners infuse water and oils into your hair to reduce dryness.
2. Make hair easier to comb: When you have conditioned your hair, they are not as entangled as before. Conditioner helps smooth your hair, making it easy for your comb or brush to detangle.
3. Protect your hair: Conditioners create a thin coating on hair. This coating protects hair from heat from hair dryers, straighteners, and the sun.
4. Add shine: Many people like how their hair looks shiny after using conditioner. This shine happens because the conditioner smooths down the outer layer of your hair.
5. Help with different hair problems: Conditioners come in various kinds. Some are for dry hair, some for oily hair, and some have been specially designed for use on coloured hair. Each type is intended to meet particular hair needs.

Myth 1: Conditioners Cause Hair Fall

You've probably heard, 'Don't use conditioner; it'll make your hair fall out!' This notion has been floating around for a while, and it's scared quite a few people away from using conditioner. But where did this myth come from, and why do some people believe it?

Let's discuss why this idea might seem to make sense:

1. Silky hair: When you use conditioner, your hair feels smoother and slicker. Some people think this means it's weakening their hair.
2. Hair in the shower: Have you ever noticed more hair in the drain after using conditioner? This can freak people out. They might think, 'Oh no, the conditioner is making my hair fall out!'
3. Product buildup: If you use too much conditioner or don't rinse it out well, your hair can feel heavy or greasy, which might make people think you're damaging their hair.
4. Confusing correlation and causation: Sometimes, people start using a new conditioner around the same time they're experiencing more hair fall (which could be due to stress, diet, or other factors). They might blame the conditioner, even if it's not the cause.

Myth 2: Conditioner Clogs Pores on the Scalp

Some people think that conditioner can clog up the tiny holes (pores) on your scalp, like how some face creams might clog pores on your face. They worry this might stop new hair from growing or make existing hair fall out. But here's the truth:

1. Scalp vs. hair: Conditioner is meant for your hair, not your scalp. When you use it right, it shouldn't even touch your scalp much.
2. Rinse it out: You're supposed to rinse the conditioner out of your hair. It doesn't stay on long enough to cause problems.
3. Different from skin: Your scalp differs from your face's skin. It's less likely to get clogged up.
4. Modern formulas: Today's conditioners are made to be lighter and less likely to build up, even if a little gets on your scalp.

Fact: Proper Use of Conditioners Can Benefit Hair Health

Conditioners can be helpful for your hair when you use them right. Here are some reasons:

Conditioners are hair helpers: They give your hair a nice coat, wrapping around each strand, protecting it, and making it smoother.

They fight dryness: Dry hairs are prone to break, and conditioners enable hair to retain moisture so it does not break or snap off easily.

Less tangles, less breakage: If your hair are knotted, you might pull some of it out when you brush it. Conditioner makes your hair silky, so your brush glides through without causing damage.

Protection from the elements: Sun, wind, and even air conditioning can dry out hair. The layer of conditioner helps shield them from these everyday stresses.

Strengthening weak spots: Certain conditioners contain nutrients that can penetrate the damaged ends of hair, making the hair strand even stronger.

Factors that Contribute to Hair Fall

Let's talk about what really can make your hair fall out more than usual:

Genes: Sometimes, hair loss runs in families. If your parents or grandparents lost hair, you might too.

Stress: Big life changes or lots of worry can make your hair fall out more.

Diet: Not eating enough good foods with vitamins and proteins can weaken your hair.

Hormones: Changes in your body's hormones, like during pregnancy or menopause, can affect your hair.

Medical issues: Some health problems or medicines can cause hair loss as a side effect.

Rough handling: Pulling your hair too tight, using hot tools too much, or being rough when brushing can damage hair.

Age: As we get older, some hair loss is normal.

Scalp problems: Dandruff or scalp infections can sometimes lead to hair loss.

How to Use Conditioner Correctly?

If you want to maximise the benefit of conditioner, it's essential to learn its proper usage:

• Always use shampoo before conditioner to clean your hair.
• After shampooing, gently squeeze extra water from your hair. It shouldn't be dripping wet.
• Begin with a dollop about the size of a quarter. Use more for longer hair and less for shorter hair.
• Focus on putting conditioner on the middle and ends of your hair, not your scalp.
• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to spread the conditioner evenly.
• Let the conditioner sit for 1-3 minutes. This gives it time to work its magic.
• Wash out all the conditioner with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can dry out your hair.

Tips for Healthy Hair Care

Besides using conditioners, here are some ways that can improve the health of your hair:

1. Be gentle: Don't rub your hair roughly with a towel. Pat it dry instead.
2. Cool it down: Lower the heat on your hair dryer, straightener, or curling iron. Too much heat can damage your hair.
3. Brush carefully: Comb with a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush, especially when your hair is wet and more fragile.
4. Trim regularly: Get trimmed your hair every 6-8 weeks to eliminate split ends.
5. Eat well: Include lots of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats in your diet. Your hair needs good nutrition to grow strong.
6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. It helps keep your hair (and the rest of you) healthy.
7. Don't tight: Avoid tight ponytails or braids that pull on your hair and scalp.

Suggested reading for you: Answering your top hair loss questions

Final Thoughts

So, does conditioner make your hair fall out? The answer is no. When used correctly, conditioner helps keep your hair healthy and strong. The myths about conditioners causing hair loss come from misunderstandings about how it works. Many other factors can cause hair loss, like stress or diet. Using conditioner properly and taking good care of your hair can help it stay strong and beautiful.