YOU HEAR SO MANY MYTHS ABOUT HAIR LOSS AND ITS TREATMENT THAT IT’S OFTEN HARD TO DECIDE WHAT TO BELIEVE.
So much information is available about hair loss that it can be almost impossible to distinguish between fact and fiction. Read on to learn more about these hair loss myths and misconceptions — and other misinformation — and get a handle on your hair loss issues.
1. Hair loss is inherited from your mother’s side
“One of the most common myths that I’ve heard is that hair loss always comes from the mother’s side. That isn’t the case,” says Doug Spike, business development consultant for On Rite.
Although the hereditary factor may be slightly more dominant on the maternal side, genetics on both sides is clearly involved. Research indicates that men who have a bald father are more likely to experience male pattern baldness than those who don’t.
2. Your shampoo can cause you to go bald
Shampoo, conditioner, gel, hairspray and other hair products don’t cause hair loss.
“Another common misconception is that washing or not washing your hair is a factor in hair loss,” says Spike. “The majority of hair loss cases are due to heredity. Washing your hair can’t change heredity.”
3. Wearing a hat causes hair loss
Men who wear hats are not any more likely to go bald than those who don’t; however, you shouldn’t wear tight or dirty hats for extended periods of time. A dirty hat can lead to sweat and germ buildup, which can cause bacterial growth. The bacteria could lead to hair infection, which could in turn harm the follicles and cause hair loss.
An extremely tight hat could also cause damage to the scalp, but it would probably be so uncomfortable that you wouldn’t keep it on. If you wash your hat often and keep your hair and scalp clean, you shouldn’t have any issues with wearing a hat.
4. Standing on your head can cure hair loss
Standing on your head, getting a scalp massage or brushing your hair 100 times a day isn’t going to stimulate your circulation and cause your scalp to start regenerating hair.
5. Shaving your head can cause hair to grow back thicker
One very common misconception is that after shaving your head, your hair grows back thicker and quicker. This is merely an optical illusion. When hair first begins to grow after shaving, it may appear thicker at first, but this is only because hair is thicker at the base than at the tip.
6. Using a hairdryer causes hair loss
No scientific evidence shows that hair dryers cause thinning hair; however, that doesn’t mean that a blow-dryer can’t damage your hair. High temperatures and excessive use of a hairdryer can cause breakage — but that’s not the same thing as hair loss.
7. Sexual activity can stimulate hair growth
We have heard this myth in two ways. Some people say too much sexual activity causes hair loss, while others believe sex can cause hair growth. The fact is that sexual activity doesn’t have any bearing on your hair.
8. You can increase your number of hair follicles
Some scam advertisers will say that you can take drugs or apply creams to increase the number of hair follicles you have. This simply isn’t true. You are never going to possess more hair follicles than you were born with. Most things about your hair are genetically determined — its color, thickness (diameter of the hair shaft), maximum growth length, the tendency to curl, and so forth.
9. Hair loss treatments are all so obvious
Obvious wigs and toupees are things of the past. Today, hair loss solutions are better than ever. Microsurgical hair transplant procedures and modern hair replacement systems can re-create natural-looking hair for both men and women.
10. Hair loss treatments are too expensive
Some hair treatments are relatively inexpensive, such as hair loss medications, hair extensions, and hair concealers. Other options are more pricey, for example, hair systems, laser hair therapy, and hair transplant surgery, but many dermatologists and other providers offer payment plans and financing to make their hair loss solutions a viable option for the masses.
