Which Ingredients Should Indian Men Avoid In Shampoos?
Sulphates are aggressive cleaning agents found in most high-foaming shampoos. Brands use names like sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) or Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate on ingredient labels. These bring that familiar bubbly lather. But once rinsed out, sulphates don’t stop, they also strip away essential natural oils, leaving hair and scalp dry, itchy and sometimes even flaky.
Men in Indian climates (with dust, pollution, sweat and sometimes water hardness) might notice increased roughness, fading of natural hair colour and breakage. Frequent use can spell trouble for curly or colour-treated hair. Avoiding sulphates helps your hair retain its natural moisture and shine.
Parabens – Preserving Trouble
To keep products shelf-stable, some brands use parabens. Parabens can mimic oestrogen in the human body and research flags their potential to disrupt hormonal balance, which could result in issues like accelerated hair thinning.
Parabens have also been linked to allergic reactions such as itchiness, dry scalp, rashes and redness. Hair loss and fading hair colour are further hidden risks. If you spot anything ending in “paraben” on your shampoo label, you must give it a pass.
Silicones – That Slick, Sneaky Layer
You might appreciate that soft, almost plastic-smooth feel after using certain shampoos, but that sensation is produced by silicones, which commonly appear as dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane. While they make hair glossier by forming a coating around each strand, they do not improve actual hair health.
Over time, this coating builds up, preventing real moisture from penetrating the hair and giving the illusion of health while allowing dryness and itchiness to set in underneath. For Indian men who face humid conditions and oily scalps, silicones may accelerate scalp buildup.
Key Problems with Silicones
- Build-up flattens hair and robs volume
- Clogs pores and can trigger scalp problems
- Creates a barrier to moisture, causing hidden dryness
If you are searching for a practical alternative, consider a chemical-free shampoo. Note that shampoos with chemicals typically rely on botanical oils or plant-based surfactants.
Synthetic Fragrances: Hidden Chemical Cocktails
A pleasant-smelling shampoo often comes courtesy of synthetic fragrances, but behind every “aroma” could be hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Ingredients like phthalates in synthetic scents can disrupt hormones, trigger allergic reactions or cause scalp irritation over time.
If you have noticed persistent scalp itchiness, eruptions or a feeling that your hair is thinning without explanation, your shampoo’s fragrance could be to blame. People with sensitive skin are especially vulnerable.
Get the Best Recommendations from AskDocDoc
The verified trichologists from AskDocDoc recommend men to opt for products listing only natural essential oils for scent and focus on those highlighting “fragrance-free” on the packaging. This approach helps maintain scalp equilibrium and hair strength. Looking out for a chemical-free shampoo after checking label lists might become second nature as you see the benefits for scalp comfort and hair texture.
Address Your Hair Fall Concerns Today with AskDocDoc
If hair fall is a major concern for you, consult AskDocDoc today. Their online platform has verified trichologists who will guide you to choose the best sulphate-free shampoo in India. You can get quality medical advice 24/7 without stepping out of your home. The platform also connects you to the best clinics across India, besides giving free consultation.
