What causes hair loss: dispelling the myths

Alopecia, or hair loss, is a condition that can affect any part of the body, although the head is the most typical region. Males and females are both susceptible to alopecia. Confidence is at an all-time low due to a lack of accurate information on this condition. The majority of the information on hair loss is based on myths that need to be dispelled. So here’s a look at some of the most common myths and facts about hair loss and scalp health.

Myth: Hair loss starts in your 30s and 40s

Since people who come from families where baldness runs in the blood might begin to notice their hair thin as early as their teens. Male pattern baldness typically becomes apparent in middle aged men, however, the process starts in their twenties or earlier. In many incidences of hair loss can only be seen when half of the hair has been lost. As a result, you should start monitoring the condition of your scalp as soon as possible.

Myth: Wearing Hats Can Lead To Hair Loss

This is a myth based on the false notion that hats obstruct the natural ability of the scalp to breathe. Hair follicles on the scalp do not require “breathing” to grow, thus wearing a hat will not prevent them from receiving blood flow. People no longer have to be concerned about their hair coming out when they wear hats. Many individuals use hats to hide thinning hair and bald areas, which may be the reason for the misconception. As a result, some people believe that wearing hats is to blame for hair loss. Hats can at least shield the user from the sun’s harsh rays and ultraviolet radiation. And this can have a favorable impact on the scalp’s health as well as the health of the entire body.

Myth: Hair Loss is a Permanent Condition

Even though male pattern hair loss can’t be reversed, numerous other forms of hair loss aren’t inherited and can be triggered by things like trauma or disease. About six months after giving birth, women may have postpartum hair loss. In some circumstances, the condition is either transient or reliant on the underlying cause. Hair will grow back if the root of the problem is addressed.

Myth: Hair Loss Is Linked to Stress

Part of this is correct to an extent. Daily stress may not be enough to induce hair loss but severe forms of stress have been connected to hair loss. These include long-term health issues, such as hair loss caused by COVID. However, stress-related hair loss is not permanent. When the body experiences a “shock” or stress to the system, the resting or telogen hairs begin to shed excessively. This is known as telogen effluvium. The development of hair is cyclical. The anagen phase is when about 85% of our hair follicles are actively developing. Approximately 15% of the population is in a resting or telogen phase. Up to 70% of the developing hairs can be shifted into the resting phase by a trigger, such as a virus, a high temperature, or intense stress. Approximately two to four months after a traumatic experience, hair loss begins to occur. As a result, the hair on the scalp thins down all over. Fortunately, A peak is usually achieved after several months. Hair loss tends to slow down after that. Over the next six to nine months, the hair begins to grow again.

Myth: Women’s hair loss is not related to testosterone

Hair thinning affects 30 percent of women at some point in their life and the most common cause is testosterone related. In the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, FPHL or Female Pattern Hair Loss, the female counterpart to Male Pattern Baldness, is the most frequent kind of alopecia or hair loss in women. For women, receding hairlines might be even more painful due to the association of femininity with a woman’s hair. Since hair loss is a disorder that affects women, it is critical to raise awareness about it and remove the stigma that prevents them from receiving treatment for it.

Myth: Excessive Shampooing Leads To Thinning Hair.

Hair loss and growth are not affected by the frequency of washing and shampooing hair. People may see their hair shedding when they are taking showers. However, even if they hadn’t washed their hair, they would have suffered the same fate. Using the right shampoo regularly does not lead to hair loss. It is advised that the hair and scalp be cleansed regularly using shampoos containing gentle cleansers.

Myth: Frequent Hair Cutting Encourages Hair Growth.

Cutting your hair regularly can help remove split ends and improve the appearance of your hair, but it does not affect the rate at which your hair grows. A person can’t stop their hair from growing since it’s a non-viable tissue that grows at a steady pace.

Myth: You Inherit Hair Loss From Your Mother’s Side

According to scientific studies and research, hair loss can be passed down through either parent’s line. Either the father or the mother can be involved.

Myth: Hair Care Products Might Help Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss can occur for a variety of causes, and hair care solutions may not be able to stop hair loss entirely. The only thing you can do is find the root cause of the problem, see a doctor, and take the prescribed prescription.

Myth: Exposure To Direct Sunlight On The Head Causes Hair Loss.

Sunlight is detrimental to your skin, but it does not cause hair loss. Your hair follicles are unaffected by the sun’s rays. Instead, hair serves as a protective covering for the scalp.

The Bottom line

There are many misconceptions and myths about hair loss, therefore the best thing you can do is educate yourself on the facts so that you can differentiate reality from misconception. Also, aim for professional advice if necessary.

Schedule Your Consultation

For your hair transplant procedure, call us at our practice today. Our experienced hair restoration specialist from Northwestern Hair, Dr. Rawlani, will be happy to meet with you and enlighten you about your hair transplant options and when you can resume with your physical fitness routine. With us, you are certain to get excellent and compassionate hair transplant services.