Hair thinning or loss is a common problem that can affect any part of the body, although it most often affects the scalp. Both sexes are equally susceptible to developing alopecia. False information regarding this illness has spread widely and created colossal panic. The majority of what is known about hair loss and its causes is false.
The myths surrounding hair loss
Hair loss is one of the most universally experienced cosmetic dermatological problems. However, many myths and false beliefs persist around hair loss despite the prevalence of scientific evidence. Separating fact from fiction in such cases is crucial. You can learn more about hair loss’s causes, symptoms, and demographics by debunking some of the most pervasive misunderstandings about the condition.
1. Wearing hats makes you bald
This is a common misconception about hair loss. Contrary to popular belief, using a hat does not accelerate hair loss. Despite urban legend, wearing a hat does not cause hair loss. The hair follicles, which are responsible for hair development, are unaffected by daily hat wear. However, if you wear a dirty hat regularly, you may lose hair due to a scalp infection. Because of this, keeping your hat clean is of the utmost importance.
2. Hair balding is due to over-exposure to the sun
Blaming the sun for hair loss is unfair; other factors, such as stress and malnutrition, also contribute to hair loss. However, prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can cause hair to dry out and break. Sun damage can leave hair dry and brittle, but a trip to the salon for a haircut and a spa treatment will restore its luster.
In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, protecting your hair can be as simple as covering it with a scarf or a hat. However, thinning hair is not caused by sun exposure.
3. In 50 years, everyone will go bald
There is no age limit for male pattern baldness. Although the onset of hair loss varies across individuals, it cannot be reversed once it begins, and prompt treatment is essential. Male pattern baldness affects 66% of American males by age 35, and 85% of men have noticeably thinning hair by age 50, as reported by the American Hair Loss Association.
4. Dandruff is the root cause of hair thinning
It is a recognized scientific fact that dandruff and hair loss are unrelated unless the individual scratching their scalp excessively is causing hair breaking. It’s important to note that dandruff is not the direct cause of hair loss, although it is a major contributing factor.
Dryness and irritation of the scalp are common symptoms of dandruff. However, hair loss is not necessarily a result. Hair loss can only develop if the dry, itchy scalp goes untreated for a long time. The cause of the issue is dandruff. Intense manipulation of the hair, such as picking out flakes or scratching, can lead to hair breakage and eventual baldness.
5. Men are the only ones who suffer from hair loss
Loss of hair is actually just as prevalent in females as it is in males. However, male pattern baldness typically begins at the crown and front hairline. Since it spreads out over the woman’s entire head, it is less noticeable.
Roughly half of all women will suffer from thinning hair or complete hair loss at some point in their life.
- In women, female pattern hair loss is the most common form of hair loss.
- When hormones shift after giving birth, many women notice hair thinning anywhere from six months to a year later.
- During and after menopause, many women notice a worsening of their thinning locks.
6. Excessive hair washing leads to hair loss
You may have read that excessively washing your hair might accelerate hair loss if you’ve researched natural remedies for hair loss prevention.
There is no evidence that shampooing regularly affects DHT levels or contributes to male pattern baldness; however, there is evidence that washing your hair too frequently can wash away sebum (a natural oil-like material that is produced by your skin) and dry up your hair.
On the other hand, regular hair washing, especially with a hair loss shampoo, may help to shield your hair from damage caused by DHT.
7. All hair loss is permanent
Baldness, the most common cause of hair loss in men, is a genetic disorder that cannot be treated. However, stress, hormonal shifts, eating disorders, and disease can also play a role in hair thinning. A woman’s hair may fall out after having birth, although this usually stops happening within six months.
Aside from pattern baldness, most forms of hair loss are only transitory.
8. Hereditary hair loss runs in your family on your mother’s side
We all have a lot of things we want to blame mom for. However, a characteristic of male-pattern baldness can be inherited from either parent. Although heredity has a role, neither your mom nor your dad should take the blame for this. Not even grandfather can take the blame for this!
9. Your stress is causing you to lose your hair
Stress, trauma, and other emotional factors can cause temporary hair loss. Still, they can’t stop the chronic thinning of the hair that comes with male pattern baldness. No, hair loss is not a result of stress.
Conclusion
The loss of one’s hair is a common problem that affects the vast majority of people at some point in their lives. Avoid further harm to your hair by believing the myths about hair loss discussed above; in the meanwhile, see a dermatologist to address the underlying causes of your hair loss before rushing to cosmetic solutions.
FAQs
1. Is hair loss always irreversible?
Hair loss prevents new hair growth until the underlying problem is resolved. For instance, people who receive cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation frequently have significant hair loss. As soon as they stop taking the medication, their hair usually begins to come back. It’s important to tell your doctor if you think medication or treatment is responsible for your hair thinning.
2. Which type of hair loss is temporary?
Stress, shock, or trauma often trigger telogen effluvium, a transient form of hair loss. The top of the head is the most common location for this condition to manifest. Alopecia aerate, another form of hair loss, is not the same thing as telogen effluvium.
3. How long is a hair loss treatment?
Therapy must be continued for at least six months to stop hair loss and begin regrowing hair. However, you may not know if the treatment has been helping for a while.