Exposing Balding Myths: What Really Causes Hair Loss in Men and Women

Even in the midst of the “information age”, half-truths, fabrications and the occasional “old wives’ tale” still manage to surround the topic of hair loss. Despite the best efforts of patient communities like the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network to set the record straight regarding male pattern balding, the human need to find a simple solution to this complex problem is perhaps the greatest reason that these myths persist. So, let’s bust some of these popular hair loss myths:

• Bald men are more virile: Ok, we’ve all seen the tee-shirt which reads, “That’s not a bald spot, it’s a solar panel for a sex machine!” but is there any truth to the notion that “cue ball-dom” equates to sexual prowess?  The answer is no.   Sexual virility is not related to the number of follicles on a man’s head.

• Poor circulation leads to balding: The notion that increasing blood flow in the scalp may promote hair growth has led some balding men and women to place themselves in a pretty awkward position, including upside-down! Standing on your head won’t cure your hair loss but it may lead to a pretty wicked headache and unconsciousness. Although, it may take your mind off of balding for a while.

• Clogged pores lead to hair loss: This balding myth dates back to the ancient Egyptians who thought that burning incense could unclog the pores of the scalp leading to hair regrowth. It has probably been kept alive by modern-day snake-oil purveyors offering “advanced” and costly scalp cleansers claiming to unblock clogged hair follicles and restore hair to its former glory.

• Dandruff causes hair loss: Dandruff, while unsightly and a potential source of embarrassment to those who suffer from it, does not directly cause hair loss. However, the frequent irritation, inflammation and itching in the scalp resulting from this condition can cause a temporary shedding known as telogen effluvium until the condition is adequately treated.   Thus, treating your dandruff early with a quality, medicated shampoo such as Nizoral may indirectly prevent increased hair loss.

• Hair loss cannot be treated: False! It is no longer necessary to sit back and passively watch your hair disappear. There are more proven and credible non-surgical hair loss treatments available today than ever before. Rogaine ([/tag]minoxidil[/tag]) and Propecia (finasteride) are both clinically proven and FDA approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia (male pattern balding). Many balding men and women are also candidates for surgical hair restoration. Just remember, the sooner men and women suffering from hair loss attempt to treat it, the more likely they’ll be successful.   it’s a lot easier to keep existing hair than to recover lost follicles.

The culprit responsible for the most common type of hair loss is genetic balding (androgenic alopecia).   DHT is a powerful sex hormone that, among other things, causes genetically-prone hair follicles to initiate a process of miniaturization and eventually die. Finasteride works by inhibiting the production of DHT in the body thereby slowing the progression of male pattern balding.   To read about and debunk other falsehoods, visit our “Hair Loss Myths” section of the Hair Loss Learning Center.

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David – aka TakingThePlunge
Assistant Publisher and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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