A Guide to Healing Stress Hair Loss: Why Store-Bought Products Are Hurting You & How Herbal Oils Help

How Healing Oil Restores Strength—And Why Store-Bought Products Are Actually Making Things Worse

The Hair Crisis I Didn’t Expect: How Stress Affected My Strands

In our fast-paced lives, stress often feels inevitable, but its effects are more far-reaching than we might think. One of the lesser-known impacts of stress is on hair health, triggered by complex biological responses that affect both the scalp and hair follicles. When stress becomes chronic, our bodies produce an excess of cortisol—the primary stress hormone—which interferes with the hair growth cycle. This disruption can lead to conditions like telogen effluvium, where a large number of hair follicles prematurely enter a resting phase, causing significant shedding. Elevated cortisol also reduces blood flow to the scalp, limiting the supply of oxygen and nutrients essential for healthy hair growth. Stress doesn’t just cause hair loss; it can also trigger inflammation or worsen scalp conditions such as psoriasis, creating a less-than-ideal environment for hair to thrive.

For me, stress wreaked havoc on my hair. I experienced severe thinning, painful scalp psoriasis, and a dull, brittle texture that made my hair nearly unrecognizable. Determined to find a natural, gentle solution, I began experimenting and finally crafted my ultimate product—a therapeutic herbal oil blend made from oils and botanicals known for their restorative properties for hair and scalp health.

As my once-thick, shiny hair became dull and thin, I knew I needed a holistic approach that would not only nurture my hair but also address the inflammation and irritation on my scalp. Instantly, I noticed a change. The nourishing oil blend worked wonders, bringing life back to my curls, increasing fullness, and adding shine. It quickly became a go-to solution for others as well.

One of my soul sisters, a hairstylist, now swears by this oil and uses it as a staple for all her clients. Another soul brother, who struggled with hair loss, began using it and noticed his hair stopped falling out. Now, even though the hair loss has stopped, he continues to use it because it not only restored his hair but also gives it such a healthy, vibrant look that he has simplified his hair care routine by eliminating other products.

This oil blend is more than just a treatment—it’s an experience. And the best part? There’s no need to follow a rigid formula. Use what you have in your kitchen or garden, customizing it to your specific needs. Let’s dive into the science behind each herb in this blend, so you can understand how they work and get inspired to create a blend that’s perfect for you!

The Hidden Dangers of Store-Bought Hair Products: What’s Happening to Your Scalp and Hair Health

In the quest for perfect, luscious hair, many people turn to popular store-bought hair care brands that promise rapid results: thicker hair, shinier locks, or the elimination of dandruff. But what if the very products we’re relying on to improve our hair health are actually causing the damage? More and more studies are showing the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals and harsh ingredients in conventional hair care products, leading to everything from scalp irritation to hair loss. In fact, some of these brands are even facing lawsuits over claims that their products have caused irreversible damage to users’ hair and scalp health.

Let’s dive into the science of how these store-bought products affect our hair and why a shift toward natural ingredients might be the better choice for our overall hair health.

The Chemicals in Hair Products and Their Impact on Your Scalp

The average bottle of shampoo or conditioner contains a blend of ingredients that range from surfactants (used to cleanse the hair) to preservatives, fragrances, and even dyes. While many of these chemicals help improve the texture and longevity of the product, they can also cause severe damage when used over time, especially when they come in contact with the sensitive skin on your scalp.

1. Sulfates

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are some of the most common surfactants found in hair care products. These ingredients help shampoo foam and create the illusion of a deep clean. However, sulfates are known to strip the scalp of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and sometimes even inflamed. When the scalp becomes overly dry, it can lead to dandruff, itchiness, and even conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Overuse of sulfate-based products may also lead to a damaged hair cuticle, which causes thinning and breakage.

2. Parabens

Parabens are widely used as preservatives in shampoos and conditioners to prevent bacterial growth. These chemicals (such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben) have been linked to hormone disruption in the body, as they mimic estrogen and may lead to an imbalance. Parabens are absorbed through the skin, and consistent exposure can lead to inflammation, leading to scalp sensitivity and conditions like folliculitis, where hair follicles become inflamed.

3. Silicones

Silicones, such as dimethicone, are often added to hair care products to provide a smooth, shiny finish. While silicones might give your hair an immediately polished look, they can build up over time and cause hair to become weighed down, dry, and brittle. This build-up can also clog the pores on your scalp, preventing the hair follicles from receiving the nutrients and oxygen they need to grow healthy hair.

4. Artificial Fragrances and Dyes:

Synthetic fragrances and colorants are common in many popular hair care products. These chemicals are often composed of a mix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger allergic reactions, cause scalp irritation, and lead to hair loss. People with sensitive skin may find that their scalp becomes itchy or inflamed after prolonged use of products containing artificial fragrances or dyes.

The Lawsuits: When Hair Care Products Cause Hair Loss

1. Johnson & Johnson’s “Baby Powder” Lawsuit (Hair Loss and Scalp Issues)

One of the most famous legal cases related to hair care products involved Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder, which was used in many dry shampoo products. Users filed lawsuits claiming that the talc in their products contained asbestos and caused scalp inflammation, hair follicle damage, and even cancer. Although the company denied the allegations, numerous cases brought attention to the potential danger of ingredients hidden in hair care products.

2.The “Hair Relaxer” Lawsuits

Another significant wave of legal claims came from users of chemical-based hair relaxers and straighteners. These products, which often contain harsh chemicals like sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate, and formaldehyde, are known for weakening the hair shaft. Users have claimed that prolonged use led to excessive breakage, scalp burns, thinning, and, in some cases, permanent hair loss. These relaxers can also disrupt the scalp’s natural pH balance, making it more susceptible to inflammation and infection.

3. Neutrogena and DMDM Hydantoin (Hair Loss and Scalp Inflammation)

Neutrogena, a household name in personal care, faced lawsuits over the inclusion of DMDM hydantoin in its shampoos and conditioners. DMDM hydantoin is a preservative that releases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, over time. Consumers reported that prolonged use of Neutrogena shampoos caused scalp irritation, excessive hair shedding, and hair thinning. As a result, multiple class action lawsuits were filed against the brand, seeking damages for users who experienced these adverse effects.

The Science Behind the Damage: What’s Happening Inside the Body?

When chemicals from hair care products are absorbed through the scalp, they enter the bloodstream and can trigger systemic responses that affect overall health. Here’s what happens internally when harmful ingredients are used repeatedly:

1. Disruption of Hormonal Balance:

Ingredients like parabens and phthalates, which mimic estrogen, can interfere with the body’s endocrine system. This disruption can lead to hormonal imbalances, which in turn can affect hair growth cycles. Estrogen plays a key role in promoting hair growth, so an imbalance could lead to thinning or hair loss, especially for individuals who are already genetically predisposed to hair thinning.

2. Inflammation and Immune Response:

Chemicals in hair products, especially sulfates and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. When the scalp becomes inflamed, hair follicles are often damaged or blocked, leading to telogen effluvium (excessive shedding) or even permanent scarring alopecia, a condition where the hair follicles are permanently destroyed.

3. Follicle Damage:

Harsh ingredients like those found in chemical hair straighteners or relaxers can weaken the hair follicle over time, leading to hair thinning or loss. The chemicals break down the natural structure of the hair, making it brittle and more susceptible to breakage. In extreme cases, such as with scalp burns from chemical products, the damage to the hair follicle may be irreversible, resulting in permanent bald patches.

A Natural Alternative: Embracing Herbal Hair Oils for Healing

As we’ve explored, many common store-bought hair products can have severe negative effects on the scalp and hair health. The good news is, nature provides us with powerful alternatives that nourish the hair from the root up. Herbal oils, made with natural botanicals like spearmint, ginger, rosemary, and lavender, offer a holistic way to rejuvenate both your hair and scalp.

These plant-based ingredients work in synergy to:

Stimulate blood circulation, promoting healthy hair growth.
Reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp, which can help alleviate issues like psoriasis or dandruff.
Provide essential nutrients that strengthen hair follicles, leading to healthier, shinier, and more resilient hair.

As you explore natural hair care options, it’s important to understand the power of the specific ingredients that make a real difference in hair health. Transitioning from synthetic products to nature’s remedies isn’t just about avoiding harmful chemicals—it’s about actively nourishing your hair and scalp with ingredients that work in harmony with your body’s natural processes. Each herb I use in my therapeutic hair oil blend serves a distinct purpose, addressing everything from circulation to nourishment, to scalp health. Let’s take a deeper look at the herbal ingredients that I’ve carefully chosen for their remarkable healing properties. These ingredients not only support long-term hair growth, but they also create an optimal environment for your hair to thrive, free from the irritation and damage caused by synthetic products. Here’s how they work:

The Herbal Ingredients: Nature’s Powerhouses for Hair Health

1. Spearmint

Main Benefits: Stimulates blood circulation, reduces dandruff, and soothes the scalp.
Chemical Constituents: Spearmint is rich in compounds like carvone, limonene, and menthol. Menthol provides a cooling sensation that promotes blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles for growth.

How It Works: Spearmint’s antimicrobial properties help keep the scalp clean, reducing dandruff and irritation, while increased circulation nourishes the hair roots. The cooling effect of menthol also relieves scalp itching, making it a great addition to any hair oil for scalp health.

2. Ginger

Main Benefits: Stimulates growth, controls dandruff, and adds nourishment.
Chemical Constituents: The active compound gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting a healthy scalp environment.

How It Works: Gingerol increases blood flow, bringing essential nutrients directly to hair follicles. This nourishes the hair, encouraging stronger growth. Additionally, ginger’s anti-dandruff properties make it ideal for those dealing with flaky scalps.

3. Fenugreek

Main Benefits: Strengthens hair shafts, reduces hair loss, adds softness and shine.
Chemical Constituents: Fenugreek is loaded with proteins, nicotinic acid, and lecithin, all vital for hair growth and health.

How It Works: The proteins and lecithin in fenugreek help condition hair, improving its texture and making it softer. Its nutrients fortify hair shafts, reducing breakage and thinning. Consistent use of fenugreek can lead to softer, shinier, and stronger hair.

4. Chamomile

Main Benefits: Soothes the scalp, enhances shine, and boosts golden highlights.
Chemical Constituents: Chamomile contains apigenin and bisabolol, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

How It Works: Apigenin and bisabolol calm any irritation on the scalp, making chamomile a soothing choice for sensitive scalps. Chamomile adds shine and can enhance golden tones in lighter hair, making it a great option for a naturally luminous look.

5. Lavender

Main Benefits: Supports hair growth, maintains scalp health, calms the senses.
Chemical Constituents: Lavender’s active compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate, possess antimicrobial and calming properties.

How It Works: Lavender promotes a healthy scalp by keeping bacteria and fungi at bay, which can help reduce dandruff. Its calming scent also provides a relaxing effect, while its growth-stimulating properties encourage fuller hair.

6. Rosemary

Main Benefits: Stimulates growth, improves circulation, reduces dandruff.
Chemical Constituents: Rosemary contains carnosic and rosmarinic acids, which have antioxidant and circulation-boosting effects.

How It Works: Rosemary enhances blood flow to the scalp, revitalizing hair follicles and promoting growth. The antioxidants help protect hair from environmental damage, and its anti-inflammatory qualities reduce dandruff and itching.

7. Nettle Leaf

Main Benefits: Strengthens hair, supports growth, reduces inflammation.
Chemical Constituents: Nettle is packed with silica, sulfur, and iron, minerals essential for strong, resilient hair.

How It Works: The minerals in nettle leaf nourish the scalp and hair, encouraging thickness and reducing shedding. Nettle’s anti-inflammatory effects make it especially useful for those with sensitive or irritated scalps.

8. Sage

Main Benefits: Balances oil production, strengthens hair, enhances shine.
Chemical Constituents: Sage contains ursolic acid and beta-sitosterol, which regulate oil production and support scalp health.

How It Works: Sage balances scalp oils, which is particularly helpful for those with oily scalps. It adds a healthy shine to the hair and supports stronger, more resilient hair.

The Carrier Oils: A Nourishing Base for Your Blend

If herbs are the heart of the oil, then carrier oils are the backbone, locking in all the herbal nutrients:

1. Olive Oil

High in oleic acid, olive oil deeply conditions and prevents dryness, keeping hair soft and manageable.

2. Safflower Oil

Contains linoleic acid, which hydrates the scalp and locks in moisture to combat dryness.

3. Castor Oil

Known for its high concentration of ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids, castor oil strengthens roots and supports thickness and growth.

You Don’t Need It All: Create With What You’ve Got

If you don’t have all of these oils or herbs on hand, don’t worry! That’s the fun and beauty of making your own blends—you can tailor them to what’s available to you and even customize them based on your hair’s unique needs. Try what you have in your kitchen or garden and make the blend that works best for you!

Application and Infusion Methods

Unlocking the Full Potential of Herbal Oils

Consistency is key to achieving the healthiest hair possible, and when it comes to natural hair care, the way you apply and prepare your herbal oil blend makes a significant difference. For the best results, I recommend using the oil blend 1–2 times a week as part of your routine—before washing your hair, massaging it deeply into your scalp and hair for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the oils to penetrate your scalp and hair follicles, delivering essential nutrients, while also promoting circulation and relaxation.But it’s not just about the frequency of use—it’s also about how the oils and herbs are prepared. Herbal oils can be infused using different methods, and one of the most powerful ways to infuse the beneficial compounds of herbs into oils is through sun infusion. This traditional technique is not only gentle but also allows you to preserve the full integrity and potency of the natural ingredients, offering a more holistic approach to your hair care routine.

The Power of Sun Infusion

Sun infusion is an ancient method that has been used for centuries to extract and concentrate the medicinal properties of herbs. The process is simple yet effective, relying on the gentle heat of the sun to draw out the active compounds from the herbs and into the oil base. By placing your herbal blend in a glass jar and allowing it to sit in the sunlight for 4–6 weeks, the natural heat stimulates a slow, gentle extraction, allowing the oils to absorb the herbs’ full spectrum of nutrients.

How Sun Infusion Works

1. Gentle Heat Preserves Nutrient Integrity

Unlike heat-based methods like the double boiler (which can sometimes be too harsh for delicate compounds), sun infusion uses the sun’s natural, consistent warmth. This slow, gentle heat extraction ensures that the delicate phytonutrients, essential oils, and antioxidants in the herbs are not broken down by intense or direct heat. The process mimics the way plants naturally produce and concentrate nutrients through photosynthesis, which is why sun infusion is considered the most natural, energy-efficient method of herbal oil infusion.

2. Holistic and Therapeutic

Using the sun to infuse your oils connects you to nature’s rhythm. Many people find the ritual of setting the jar in the sun and watching the transformation over weeks to be a grounding, therapeutic experience. There is something special about knowing that your oil is being infused with the sun’s energy, creating not just a product, but an experience that is healing on multiple levels.

3. Optimal Nutrient Extraction

The long infusion period (4–6 weeks) allows the herbs to slowly release their active compounds into the oil. This extended time ensures a deep, rich infusion of properties like antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that nourish your hair and scalp. For instance, rosemary’s carnosic acid, spearmint’s menthol, or lavender’s linalool all have a chance to be fully absorbed by the oil, giving you a potent, balanced infusion that is far more effective than a rushed extraction.

4. Natural and Cost-Effective

Sun infusion is incredibly easy to do and cost-effective. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a glass jar, your chosen carrier oils, and herbs. This simple method allows you to connect with your ingredients and truly understand the power of nature’s healing potential. Moreover, it’s a sustainable practice that doesn’t require excessive energy or artificial heat.

How to Do a Sun Infusion for Hair Oil

Here’s how you can create your own herbal oil infusion at home

1. Choose Your Herbs

Select the herbs that you want to infuse based on your hair care needs. Spearmint, rosemary, lavender, and ginger are all fantastic choices for stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy hair growth.

2. Prepare the Herbs

Dried herbs are best for infusing since they have a higher concentration of essential oils. You can either use loose herbs or place them in a muslin cloth bag for easier removal later. If you’re using fresh herbs, make sure to chop them finely to help release their oils.

3. Fill the Jar

Place your dried or fresh herbs into a glass jar and cover them with a carrier oil of your choice. Olive oil, castor oil, and safflower oil all work well for hair care. Fill the jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as the herbs absorb the oil.

4. Place in the Sun

Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill or balcony, where it will receive consistent sunlight. Allow the jar to sit for 4–6 weeks. Each day, gently shake the jar once or twice to help the herbs release their beneficial compounds into the oil.

5. Strain and Store

Quick Double Boiler Method: A Faster Option

If you’re looking for a quicker infusion method, the double boiler technique is another option. This method allows you to extract the herbs’ properties more rapidly, typically within 1–2 hours, by gently heating the herbs and oils over simmering water. While this method is effective for a faster turnaround, it doesn’t offer the same deep, slow infusion as the sun method.

To use the double boiler method, simply place your chosen herbs and oils in a heatproof bowl or jar, and set it over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the oil mixture, and keep the heat low to avoid overheating the herbs. Stir occasionally and let it infuse for 1–2 hours. Once the infusion is complete, strain and store the oil in a clean bottle.

Consistent Application for Maximum Benefits

Whichever infusion method you choose, the key to seeing results with your herbal oil blend is consistency. I recommend applying the oil to your scalp and hair 1–2 times a week, leaving it in for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing it out. This regular practice not only nourishes your hair, but it also promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and balances your scalp’s natural oils, helping to restore hair health and vitality over time.

With patience and consistency, you’ll be able to witness the incredible benefits of nature’s most healing ingredients—allowing your hair to thrive, naturally.

Wishing You Wellness on Your Hair Journey

Crafting your own hair oil is a rewarding way to nurture your hair naturally. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, scalp irritation, or just want to add shine and softness, this herbal blend can be a game-changer. Feel free to customize it as you like. Natural hair care allows you to make it yours and experiment with what works best for you.

For more in-depth discussions on the science and benefits of each ingredient, check out my podcast, where I go into even more detail about the power of herbal hair care. And if you want a visual guide, head over to my TikTok, where I’ve shared a step-by-step tutorial on making this oil blend. Enjoy creating, experimenting, and nourishing your hair with nature!