Top 10 Hair Loss Myths

Top 10 Hair Loss Myths:

1. HAIR LOSS COMES FROM YOUR MOTHER’S SIDE OF THE FAMILY

It is true that hair loss is in the genes.   But the genetic link is to both the mother’s and father’s side of the family.   It is not true that hair loss is determined by your mother’s father alone.

2. WEARING A TIGHT FITTING HAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS

Wearing a hat has nothing to do with hair loss, though it is true that many people who are balding wear a hat to hide it.

3. BETTER USE A BRUSH AND NOT A COMB

Most experts believe a comb is better for hair care as it’s less likely to cause split ends than use of a brush.   Neither however, will cause baldness.    

4. HAIR LOSS CAN BE REVERSED BY STANDING ON YOUR HEAD

The theory is by adding more blood to the head that it would stimulate growth.   Wouldn’t this be nice?   It’s not true however.  

5. CUTTING YOUR HAIR WILL MAKE IT THICKER

Though cutting your hair may make it appear thicker due to the removal of split ends and added volume, your hair will not become thicker.   Once it grows back, it will appear as it did before.  

6. BLOW DRYING CAUSES HAIR LOSS

Although it is possible to damage hair by exposing it to very high temperatures, use of a blow dryer as recommended by the manufacturer will not cause hair loss.

7. WASHING YOUR HAIR TOO MUCH CAUSES HAIR LOSS

Being cautious of what chemicals we put in our hair is wise; every day shampoo will not cause hair loss.   The hairs seen in the shower could be due to normal hair shedding or hereditary hair loss – but shampooing in itself does not cause hair loss.

8. HAIR LOSS IS CAUSED BY STRESS

Though in rare circumstances there are occasions where certain types of stress can cause sudden hair loss, every day prolonged stressors will not.   Examples of this include meeting deadlines, financial concerns, time constraints, etc.

9. VIGOROUSLY TOWEL DRYING YOUR HAIR CAN CAUSE HAIR LOSS

Irreversible hair loss is not caused by towel drying.    Hair may shed because of the normal hair growth cycle or because  it is damaged  but will always grow back.   The only hairs that won’t grow back are those that are affected by hereditary hair loss.   In other words, they would have gone anyway.

10. HAIR LOSS CANNOT BE TREATED

Though there is no cure for hair loss to date, there are ways that hair loss can be treated.   Hair loss medications such as finasteride and minoxodil, hair transplantation, and hair pieces are all means to help hair loss sufferers restore hair or the appearance of hair.   Hopefully future potential treatments such as hair multiplication will get us closer to being able to restore a full head of hair.

—  

Bill
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

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