Real Science for Hair and Scalp Health

Decoding Your Shampoo Label

Stop guessing and start looking at the back of the bottle. If your hair is oily or you use heavy styling products, a detergent like SLS might be necessary to break down buildup. However, for most of us, this is overkill.

The 10 Culprits to Watch For: I often see patients struggling with dryness because they haven't realized their shampoo contains ingredients that actively strip moisture. Avoid these where possible:

• Sulfates (like SLS): Only for very oily scalps.
• Mineral Oil: It sits on top but doesn't nourish.
• Formaldehyde/Quaternium 15: A common preservative you definitely do not need.
• Short-chain alcohols: These evaporate quickly and steal moisture from the hair shaft.

How You Wash Matters

It is not just about what you use, but how you use it. Hot water is your hair's enemy. It swells the cuticle and leaves strands fragile. Always use lukewarm water. If you feel the need to wash daily due to gym sweat, use a mild, sulfate-free cleanser. If your scalp is dry, washing twice a week is usually sufficient.

Why Medical Advice beats 'Kitchen Magic'

We have all seen the reels suggesting coffee scrubs, milk powder, or egg masks. These ingredients are for your kitchen, not your scalp. They lack the molecular structure to penetrate the follicle or treat underlying issues like deficiencies or hormonal hair loss. If you are experiencing thinning or excessive shedding, you need a trichoscopy-based diagnosis, not another DIY mask. My clinic focuses on science-backed interventions—from GFC hair regrowth to targeted medical prescriptions—that actually respect your scalp health.