Can leaving styling products in for days contribute to hair loss?

[Funkymonk]

Recently I've been leaving styling products in my hair for days at a time without washing them out and I put more in each day so there's quite a lot of product build up. I do this because I've grown my long and the moment I wash the product out my curly hair is a frizzy mess.
Anyway since I've been doing this it seems my hair has got even thinner. I've read different things about this, some say styling products can block pores causing hair loss but others say there's no evidence to say styling products can cause hair loss. But what about if you've already got male pattern balding? Can styling products make it worse?

 

[loui]

I dont see how it could affect hair loss, possibly it can cause hairs to shed if anything at all.

 

[mania]

I have no idea about this ...

 

[Bigmac]

Some claim it blocks pores which could possibly cause issues that lead to hair loss. I donut think any clinical studies have been done to confirm this. Me personally, I say no it doesn’t.

 

[Funkymonk]

Some claim it blocks pores which could possibly cause issues that lead to hair loss. I donut think any clinical studies have been done to confirm this. Me personally, I say no it doesn’t.

This is what I've read to. Without studies you can't say for sure but on the other hand there's always that small doubt that it might contribute to baldness.

 

[NZK Medical]

Is this a case of visible hair loss, ie patches of hair loss or thinning areas? Often products will separate the hair strands into bunches and make the scalp more visible. Also, not washing will artificially change the visible shedding of hair. As it is likely more hair will be shed on the washing days. Due to dislodging hairs with massage and washing. Rather than an average of loss on a daily basis.

Of course, you can take the scenario to the extreme. It´s obviously ill-advised to cake the scalp with anything for any length of time. Could cause an infection, or irritation. A similar question is asked about wearing a crash helmet for long periods of time. In that case, a helmet is not going to cause hair loss. But anything compressing the hair for many years, like the Sikhs´ turban, can cause traction alopecia. So, fixing sprays, hair gels etc should not be left indefinitely. Pores are affected when it is likely the hair products are in the hair rather than directly on the scalp to any great degree. Very unlikely to have any effect.

 

[Funkymonk]

Is this a case of visible hair loss, ie patches of hair loss or thinning areas? Often products will separate the hair strands into bunches and make the scalp more visible. Also, not washing will artificially change the visible shedding of hair. As it is likely more hair will be shed on the washing days. Due to dislodging hairs with massage and washing. Rather than an average of loss on a daily basis.

Of course, you can take the scenario to the extreme. It´s obviously ill-advised to cake the scalp with anything for any length of time. Could cause an infection, or irritation. A similar question is asked about wearing a crash helmet for long periods of time. In that case, a helmet is not going to cause hair loss. But anything compressing the hair for many years, like the Sikhs´ turban, can cause traction alopecia. So, fixing sprays, hair gels etc should not be left indefinitely. Pores are affected when it is likely the hair products are in the hair rather than directly on the scalp to any great degree. Very unlikely to have any effect.

With me it's the front of my hairline that I think looks thinner rather than patches of hair loss. ou
You say sprays, gels ect should not be left in indefinitely or any length of time but what about 3 or 4 days? Would that likely have any negative effect?

 

[NZK Medical]

With me it's the front of my hairline that I think looks thinner rather than patches of hair loss. ou
You say sprays, gels ect should not be left in indefinitely or any length of time but what about 3 or 4 days? Would that likely have any negative effect?

Hello @Funkymonk, maybe your hairline is naturally maturing. Or, the initial signs of male pattern hair loss. Any thinning is very unlikely due to leaving any products in for a few days. Unless you are pulling the hairs out when washing or combing. Try and apply more to the hair shaft rather than spraying or applying to the scalp. 3-4 days is not a great length of time. Although for hygiene purposes it would be recommended to be washed out. Would also depend on your scalp quality, and any dandruff/dermatitis issues. How old are you? any pictures to give an idea of your current hairline position?