I was recently asked by a patient if they should avoid shampoos containing Sodium Laurel Sulphate?

Despite what you may have read, sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) does not cause or facilitate genetic hair loss. If this was true, every man and woman would be bald. This cheap ingredient may not necessarily be helpful to the hair, but it helps turn a shampoo gel into a gentle lather and is found in the majority of shampoos around the world.

Nizoral 2% contains active ingredient ketoconazole which has been found to be a “weak” inhibitor of DHT, the hormone responsible for female and male pattern baldness. Because it has been found to dry out the hair and scalp, it is recommended to use it no more than 3 times a week. There are better shampoos with more potent DHT blocking agents, such as Tricomax. You can alternate this with any other shampoo of your choice, one that does or does not contain sodium laurel sulfate.

Henna is an herb from India that is known for its coloring and health benefits. Henna can be used as a conditioner for the hair and can help with split ends and breaking. However, like any other conditioner, it will not fix hair loss that is caused by damage to the hair follicle or that is genetic. Some think that the anti-fungal properties of Henna may help with fungal infections of the scalp that can cause hair loss, but this is not scientifically proven. If you think that you are experiencing hair loss due to a fungus you should consult with your physician first before starting any treatment.

Conditioning with Henna may help your hair look healthy, but it won’t prevent most types of hair loss, nor would it help regrow your hair. If you think you are experiencing hair loss, see your Trichologist.

Many of us will have looked down in horror at a fine sprinkling of white flakes on the shoulder of a dark top. But many forms of dandruff do not shed.

Dandruff is characterised by the formation of fine, white or grayish loose skin scales. The epidermis (outer layer of  skin) constantly changes and skin cells renew themselves all the time. The cells begin  to grow from the base layer deeper in the skin and are gradually pushed to the surface, before coming away from the scalp. Continue reading →