Debunking Myths: What Doesn’t Cause Hair Loss
When I was a kid, I would be told something by an adult and I would take it as truth. The myth was usually said by someone I knew: Uncle, Cousin, the neighbor kid who lived next to my best friend, etc. So I was exposed to myths and some did change how I saw the world, but the quantity of myths I was exposed to was limited to the people in my immediate physical space. Today, we are exposed to myths espoused by random posts on Instagram/Twitter (sorry “X”)/TikTok by random people we don’t know. The best myths are the ones that sound plausible to us and we all need to be a little suspicious if something sounds too good (or bad) to be true.
In the world of hair care, myths and misconceptions about hair loss treatments abound. While some of these myths are harmless, others can lead to ineffective treatments and even harm.
Let's set the record straight by debunking some common hair loss myths.
Myth: Wearing hats causes hair loss
Fact: Studies and expert opinions conclude that wearing hats has no direct impact on hair loss. Hair follicles reside beneath the scalp and are unaffected by hat pressure. The association likely stems from people with existing hair loss covering their heads with hats.
Myth: Frequent shampooing leads to more hair loss
Fact: While excessive washing can damage hair due to harsh chemicals or friction, shampooing doesn't cause hair loss. In fact, removing sebum buildup with regular gentle cleansing can potentially promote healthy hair growth by unclogging follicles.
Myth: All hair loss is permanent
Fact: While some types of hair loss, like male pattern baldness, are permanent, others are temporary. Causes like stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, and certain illnesses can trigger hair loss that often reverses once the underlying issue is addressed.
Myth: You inherit hair loss from your mother's side of the family
Fact: Genetics play a significant role in hair loss, but genes can be inherited from both parents. Studies indicate multiple genes influence hair follicle sensitivity to hormones, not just those on the X chromosome (inherited from the mother).
Myth: Everyone goes bald by 50
Fact: While male pattern baldness is prevalent, it affects individuals at varying ages and degrees. Many men retain significant hair well into their 50s and beyond. Genetics, lifestyle factors, and overall health all contribute to hair loss patterns.
Myth: Direct sunlight damages hair and leads to baldness
Fact: While sun exposure can damage hair strands and cause dryness, it doesn't directly contribute to baldness. However, excessive UV radiation can harm the scalp and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer. Sun protection for the scalp is crucial for overall health.
Myth: Using hair products like gels and sprays causes balding
Fact: While harsh chemicals and heavy styling products can damage hair, causing breakage and thinning, they don't directly cause baldness. Proper hair care and avoiding overly aggressive styling techniques can help maintain healthy hair growth.
Myth: Shaving your head makes hair grow back thicker
Fact: Shaving removes existing hair but doesn't affect the hair follicles or their growth cycle. Hair may appear thicker initially due to the shorter stubble, but the actual thickness and growth rate remain unchanged.
Myth: Stress has no impact on hair loss
Fact: Chronic stress can trigger hair loss through hormonal changes and increased cortisol levels. This often manifests as telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding phase. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can promote hair follicle health and potentially reverse stress-induced hair loss.
Myth: Only men experience hair loss
Fact: Both men and women experience hair loss for various reasons. While male pattern baldness is more common in men, women can experience significant hair thinning due to hormonal changes, aging, and other factors. Hair loss concerns aren't exclusive to gender.
The tricky thing about a hair care myth is that it might be true for one person in a particular situation. In reading the list above, you might have said to yourself, “I know a guy who shaved his head and when it grew back, it was much thicker and there was more of it”. That’s great. The guy won the hair loss lottery, but it’s not going to happen for most of us.