Does Native Shampoo Cause Hair Loss?

Let’s Break It Down!

SCALP CAREGENERAL

2/3/20252 min read

Does Native Shampoo Cause Hair Loss? Let’s Break It Down! 🚿💆‍♀️

Y’all, if you’ve been scrolling through haircare TikTok or deep-diving into product reviews, you’ve probably seen the whispers (or straight-up shouts) about Native shampoo and hair loss. Some folks swear their hair started thinning after using it, while others say it’s the best thing since deep conditioner on a wash day. So, what’s the truth? Let’s get into it! 💁‍♀️

What’s Inside Native Shampoo? 🧐

Before we start pointing fingers, let’s peep the ingredient list. Native shampoos contain:

  • Water 💧 (good ol’ H2O, we love to see it)

  • Sodium Benzoate (preservative to keep the nasties out)

  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (a mild surfactant that makes it sudsy)

  • Sodium Salicylate (exfoliates the scalp)

  • Lauramidopropyl Betaine & Cocamidopropyl Betaine (gentle cleansers)

  • Polyquaternium-10 (a conditioning agent)

  • Sodium Citrate & Citric Acid (adjusts pH)

  • Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (foaming agent)

  • Fragrance (so it smells good, duh)

At first glance, this list looks pretty mild compared to the sulfate-packed shampoos out there. No harsh sulfates? No silicones? No parabens? Seems like a win! 🏆

Can These Ingredients Cause Hair Loss? 🤔

Hair loss is tricky because it can be caused by SO many things—stress, diet, hormones, genetics, tight ponytails (we see you, Ariana Grande), and yes, sometimes products. But here’s the tea:

🔹 Sodium Salicylate – This is related to salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate the scalp. If you have a sensitive scalp, too much exfoliation can cause irritation and dryness, leading to breakage (not true hair loss, but still an issue!).

🔹 Fragrance – If you have scalp sensitivity, artificial fragrance can sometimes cause inflammation, which could lead to shedding. If your scalp gets itchy, red, or flaky after use, this might be the culprit. 🚨

🔹 Cleansing Agents – The surfactants used (like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine) are much gentler than sulfates, but if your hair and scalp need extra moisture, they could still be a little drying over time.

So, Is Native Shampoo to Blame? 😬

For most people, no! There’s nothing in Native shampoo that directly causes hair loss. However, if you have a super sensitive scalp, some of the ingredients (like Sodium Salicylate or fragrance) could lead to irritation, which might cause some shedding or breakage.

If you’ve noticed more hair shedding since using Native, ask yourself: ✅ Have I changed anything else in my routine? (New diet? Different hair products? Stress levels off the charts?) ✅ Is my scalp feeling dry, itchy, or inflamed? ✅ Have I been styling my hair differently? (Tighter styles, excessive heat, or skipping deep conditioning?)

If you’re saying “YES” to any of these, Native might not be the sole villain in your hair loss mystery. 🕵️‍♀️

What to Do If You’re Shedding More Than Usual? 🚨

If you think Native (or any shampoo) is causing issues, try this:

🔹 Pause and Switch – Stop using it for a few weeks and see if your shedding improves. 🔹 Moisturize Your Scalp – Try scalp oils, aloe vera, or a more hydrating shampoo. 🔹 Go Fragrance-Free – Native has a fragrance-free version that might be gentler on your scalp. 🔹 Consult a Dermatologist – If hair loss is significant, a doc can help rule out underlying issues.

Final Verdict? ⚖️

Native shampoo isn’t a hair loss villain, but it might not be for everyone. If you have a sensitive scalp or dry hair, it could cause irritation or breakage, which can look like hair loss. But for most folks, it’s a solid, sulfate-free option that keeps things clean without being too harsh.