Rachel is a health and beauty writer with seven years of experience in the industry. She began her career as a practitioner of bio-feedback and...
We’ve come across a lot of outrageous rumors over the years about hair loss and restoration. For many adults, it can be tricky to decipher what’s fact from fiction. When it comes to losing hair, no one wants to waste time using tips that won’t work. That’s why we’ve dedicated today’s blog to uncovering some of the most common hair loss myths. Read below to unveil the 5 popular hair loss myths debunked.
High Testosterone Causes Hair Loss
This myth has some truth to it. Testosterone isn’t actually the culprit for thinning hair; it’s dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Our bodies naturally convert testosterone into DHT, which means the higher your T levels, the more DHT you’ll have, too. The issue is the conversion process damages the follicle over time. Unfortunately, too much production of DHT is not good for the hair on the scalp. This hormone essentially binds to the hair follicles, trapping them from nutrients and the ability to grow.
Everyone is unique. Some of us have an overproduction of DHT on the scalp, which makes us more vulnerable to premature balding. In many cases, hair restoration experts may suggest their clients also use DHT blocking products like shampoos or vitamins to manage excessive DHT and protect your hairline.
Wearing Hats Cause Hair Loss
We think the origin of this myth began because it’s quite common to wear hats to hide thinning hair or bald patches. People then began to associate hat-wearing with hair loss, and the rest is history.
The truth is, wearing your favorite hat too often won’t cause your hairline to disappear as long as you keep it clean. Wearing a dirty hat can irritate the scalp and could cause infection in the hair follicles. To be on the safe, side wash your hats three to five times per season to avoid the buildup of dirt, oil, and harmful bacteria. Get into the habit of swapping out your hats regularly, too.
Over shampooing Causes Hair Loss
Beauty bloggers have jumped on the “no-poo” haircare trend, where they swap out their shampoos to wash their hair with conditioner only. The theory is that over washing with shampoo is linked to rapid hair loss. However, there is no science-backed research claiming that washing too often can exacerbate shedding.
Think of your hair like a giant sponge. Between washes, it can collect dirt, dust, and oil. Not to mention, certain hair products can cause buildup. Debris can weigh down the strands, and dandruff can inhibit hair growth. We need to shampoo regularly to give our hair and scalp a clean slate. A little shedding during shampooing is entirely normal. Researchers have found we can shed around 100 to 150 strands each day. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a hair loss specialist if you begin shedding more strands than usual.
But, if you are able, try limiting your shampooing to once every other day. Research has shown that using too much shampoo on your hair can strip the natural oils away from the hair strands and follicles that your hair needs to be healthy.
There is no cure for baldness
Premature balding is quite common, especially for men. Almost two out of three men start losing hair by the time they turn 60. If you’re struggling with thinning, then chances are, you’ve come across your fair share of hair loss product fails. Don’t give up hope! It just means you haven’t found the right fit yet.
There are several hair loss products and devices on the 2020 market. One in particular that is becoming popular worldwide is the use of low-level light therapy treatment to restore hair loss. This treatment is either done through machines in clinics or through at-home devices that are now available. This treatment is gaining recognition by scientists and health care professionals all over the world.
This low-level light therapy treatment is helping stimulate the hair follicles on the scalp by increasing the blood flow in problematic areas. The blood flow then increases cell regeneration in the hair follicles resulting in new growth. This amazing technology is non-invasive and is an FDA-approved treatment method.
Laser hair regrowth caps are the most convenient hair loss treatment of 2020. These caps are worn every other day. Their portable nature allows you to complete your laser therapy treatment whenever and wherever you want!
All Hair Loss is Permanent
There are several causes for hair loss, in some cases, thinning can be temporary. It’s common for pregnant women to experience shedding after giving birth. During pregnancy, hormone levels skyrocket and abruptly drop during childbirth. The fluctuations in hormonal levels can cause temporary shedding.
Nutrition is a critical factor in growing and maintaining healthy hair. Extreme fad diets tend to starve the entire body of the energy it needs to flourish. Small changes to a diet can cause a ripple effect, resulting in deficiencies in nutrients like zinc and iron. Both vitamins are essential for building healthy strands from the inside out. Zinc or iron deficiencies can cause momentary hair loss until the levels are restored.
A hair loss specialist can take blood samples to assess your overall health and spot any imbalances. They may initially suggest tweaking your diet, so it incorporates whole, nutrient-dense foods.
The Verdict
Were you guilty of believing any of these popular hair loss myths? If so, we’re glad we could help! We were only able to scratch the surface today. Feel free to scroll through our blog for more tips on maintaining healthy hair at any age.
