Sensitive Scalp, SLS-free Shampoos and Scalp Massage Oils?

[mr neurotic]

This is my first post because I have tried to avoid registering for this site for fear that it will consume all of my free time and maybe even expedite the hair loss process. That being said, Yahoo Answers can only do so much. Here goes..

I am 21 and have been experiencing slight hair loss for about a year and a half. It wasn't so bad at first. I guess I first noticed when I would run my fingers through my hair in the shower to find a few on my palm (it's since become a haunting sort of game for me as I'm sure it has for many of you).

Anyway, I guess I'm what you would call at NW2 now but I still have something to work with. I want to do everything I can to maintain it including finding the best hair products that suit me. I've given up and gel completely and only use d:fi wax several times a year (I used to use that got2:b gel stuff that smelt like regular glue).

During the last year, I've discovered my scalp is pretty dry and fairly itchy. The moment I eat spicy foods I feel a scalp-scratching frenzy come over me. I also started getting these painful bumps on my scalp from time to time. I just found at that these are scalp pimples and signs of a sensitive scalp. I already have quite sensitive skin (rosacea) so I suppose it fits the bill.

I use H&S hairfall prevention or something like that (I don't think you get that in the States) but it doesn't seem too great other than the fact that I don't get dandruff. I started reading up on SLS shampoos and was wondering if, given my self-diagnosed sensitive scalp, changing to a SLS-free shampoo would be worth it.

I also bought some hairfall oil today (Coconut oil base with a handful of other goodies in it like henna, amla, fenelgreek) and my scalp completely soaked it up and it feels great.

So I guess my questions are as follows:

Do you think I have a sensitive scalp?

Should I switch to an SLS-free shampoo?

Do these hairfall oils/ scalp massages have any lasting effect?

Has anyone tried to Hairmax Laser Comb and can vouch for/against it? I've read every review on Amazon and it appears to be a hate it or love it device (I know I snuck that last question in there but I'm hoping someone will let it slide)


Thanks and good luck to you all

 

[mr neurotic]

BUMP. come on guys help me out! ps. i've been using that hair oil massage twice a week and it seems like its helping a little bit. my shedding has reduced slightly and my hair looks darker and slightly thicker

 

[chr1s]

Sorry, your post is kind of long but I saw SLS and immediately decided to post. Avoid shampoos, conditioners, body washes and styling products with SLS at all cost, this is a controversial ingredient that is said to potentially cause hair loss. With all the options out there, there is absolutely no reason to risk using products that contain this ingredient.

Also avoid any product containing PARABENS, this ingredient is said to be a carcinogen. Usually products marked as organic don't contain these harmful ingredients, but that's not always the case.. read the labels.

Many shampoos/conditioners will say SLS and/or Paraben free clearly in the front of the bottle.

FYI, I also use a water filter for my shower as chlorine can damage skin and hair and I am convinced that certain foods(usually greasy or fattening ones) do cause hair loss.