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What are the negative effects of vaseline on hair?

August 13, 2015
Asked By:123si in Los Angeles, CA

I have thinning hair (due to androgenic alopecia) and I like using a petrolatum-vaseline-wax pomade to style my hair. I've read that (1) vaseline coats the hair strands, (2) can deposit on the scalp and (3), because it's not soluble in water, it's left on the hair until the next wash. Due to all of these, I've read that it can make hair easier to break and it can even inhibit hair growth, if used daily. Is anyone kind enough to share their knowledge and establish the truth in these statements?

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
MOST RECENT
April 22, 2018

Answer: Vaseline does not cause hair loss. Your androgenic alopecia is what is causing hair loss.

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Jae Pak, MDHair Restoration Surgeon, Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
(234)
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MOST RECENT
April 22, 2018

Answer: Vaseline does not cause hair loss. Your androgenic alopecia is what is causing hair loss.

2 people found this helpful
Jae Pak, MDHair Restoration Surgeon, Board Certified in Emergency Medicine
(234)
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August 15, 2015

Answer: Vaseline

William Rassman, MD (retired)
August 15, 2015

Answer: Vaseline

William Rassman, MD (retired)

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