Ten Most Common Hair Loss Myths
There are many hair loss myths about why it happens, when it happens, and who it happens to. All these myths have many people asking questions such as ‘can shampoo cause hair loss?’ and ‘can exercise cause hair loss?’ So, we think it’s really important to debunk these myths and help you understand the real causes of hair loss. Let’s talk about the 10 most common hair loss myths out there.
Myth #1: You Inherit Hair Loss From Your Mother’s Side
Hair loss isn’t your mum’s fault. Let’s clear up that old ‘hair loss from the mother’s side’ myth right away. Hair loss is not inherited solely from your mother’s side. Genetics do play a large role in determining hair loss in an individual, but when considering genes, thinning hair is a complex issue. Put simply, hair loss patterns can be passed down by your mother or your father.
Myth #2: Wearing hats causes hair loss
We love a hat moment. But, can wearing a hat cause hair loss? Of the many common hair loss myths, this one’s almost as mad as a hatter. You’ll be relieved to know that wearing a typical hat does not cause hair loss, nor does it contribute to it.
What people may be concerned about is traction alopecia which can be caused by the constant pulling of hair. Wearing your hair in a tight bun, for example, could cause hairlines to recede. Perhaps this is where this myth evolved because if you wear a hat that’s too tight, it may pull in some areas. You’d have to be wearing a really tight hat for long periods for this myth to involve some truth, which sounds downright uncomfortable. As well as hats, human hair wigs do not cause hair loss if they’re not too tight.
This myth may have stayed strong because some believe that hats block air circulation, reducing the oxygen necessary for follicles to stay healthy. But, follicles get their oxygen from your bloodstream.
We could say hats off to the debunking of this myth, but go ahead and pop that hat on without any hair loss worries.
Myth #3: Washing or shampooing hair daily causes hair to fall out
Hair loss myths like this one that involve visible hair fall as the catalyst make a lot of sense. But, we all experience hair fall of about fifty to a hundred strands a day. More than that could be a sign of something else causing thinning hair.
Hair grows with more ease on a clean, shampoo-cleansed scalp instead of one that’s flaky or clogged. The fallen strands you see in the shower are dead hairs that got caught in your hair. They need to clear out ready for new, healthier follicles and strands. Washing and conditioning your hair helps keep the scalp fresh and the strands hydrated, which are both important for luscious locks.
So, can shampoo cause hair loss? That’s a squeaky clean ‘no’ from us.
Myth #4: Hair Loss Is Permanent
A common and very valid concern that arises from hair loss myths is that all forms of balding are permanent. While some hereditary conditions and diseases do lead to permanent hair loss, other hair loss conditions may be temporary.
For men and for women, Transitions Hair helps to identify the reasons and underlying causes of hair loss and the best possible hair loss treatments and solutions for you. We specialise in hair regrowth, hair retentions, non-surgical hair replacement, surgical hair restoration, and human hair wigs.
Myth #5: Only Old People Experience Balding
Once you’ve noticed some hair falling out, it’s quite natural to wonder if it’s the beginning of more hair loss to come or if it’s an indication that there’s another temporary cause. One of the most widespread hair loss myths is that people only start experiencing baldness when they age. But, some hair loss conditions can start at any age. Baldness depends on genetics, though, especially when we’re discussing when it’ll happen. Statistics show that the likelihood of hair loss increases with age. The great news is that there are several options depending on the condition or level of hair loss that Transitions Hair can help you discover.
Myth #6: Trimming hair makes it grow back faster and thicker
Many people wonder, ‘does cutting your hair make it grow faster?’ In short, the answer’s no. If it were possible to achieve a full crowning glory this way, hair loss treatment solutions wouldn’t have been made.
It doesn’t matter how frequently you go in for a haircut; the growth rate will remain the same, and it won’t become any thicker. Hair appears naturally thicker at the ends after a cut because of the blunt snip. It won’t seem this way for long, though. Trimming your hair is important for a healthy head of hair as it prevents split ends and further damage.
Myth #8: Hair loss is only a problem for men
Due to genetics, hormones, age, and dieting, hair loss and hair thinning can become problems for women, too. Much like with men, women can inherit a genetic predisposition that may have very subtle early signs. Or, the hair loss may be due to stress, medications, pregnancy, or another hormone-affecting condition. It’s said that an estimated 2.2 million women in Australia have hair loss with about 700K experiencing extreme hair thinning.
For women, we have a range of options to get gorgeous hair that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Myth #9: Hair becomes healthier if you brush it 100 times daily
Another of the widespread hair loss myths that we’d like to clarify is that the more you brush your hair, the healthier it becomes. Too much brushing can actually cause hair breakage, leading to unhealthy strands and more hair fall than what’s necessary. A few gentle strokes with a soft brush to keep your hair untangled is more than enough.
Myth #10: Exercise causes hair loss
There seems to be a weight-lifting hair loss myth that has emerged. Much like how brushing your hair too much can be bad for your hair, this is one of those hair loss myths that proves that too much of a good thing can be bad for you.
Optimally, your physical activity keeps your body healthy, especially when paired with a low-stress lifestyle and a well-balanced diet. The result of this shows up in your skin and hair, and it’s likely that exercise helps hair growth as it generates blood flow throughout the body, even up to your scalp! If you’re experiencing hair loss and it comes down to genetics, there’s not a lot that exercise will do for that.
So can exercise cause hair loss? If exercise is done excessively, putting your body into a state of stress, then yes, it can cause hair loss.
How can Transitions Hair help?
When it comes to hair loss concerns, you’re not alone. We’re here to help to understand the issue and help you boost your confidence. At Transitions Hair, we provide the best hair loss treatment options specific to your case.
