Myths about Hair loss Debunked

13 January, 2021 | Hair Loss | Author : Shveta Virmani

Hair loss is a sensitive topic for many and people often believe in different myths related to hair issues and their solutions as well. Let’s understand the hair causing problems you are aware of are real or myths.

Myth: Too much shampoo can cause hair fall.

It is a common misconception that more shampooing can lead to increased hair fall problems. However, shampooing is an essential step to keep your hair clean and healthy, and it is normal to shed a few hair strands every time you wash your hair with shampoo. Choose the right type of shampoo that contains less harmful chemicals and is suitable for your hair type.

Myth: Does Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) cause Hair Loss?

According to the sodium lauryl sulfate hair loss myth, the chemical agent causes hair loss. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a common lathering agent found in most commercial shampoo products. Along with its lathering property, SLS may cause damage to the hair making them dry and dull. It is also responsible for causing hair fall, and hence it is better to avoid products with SLS.

Myth: Hair loss is associated with the aging process.

It is true that older people may suffer from hair loss problems but as per recent studies, hair loss can start as early as in the ’20s. The earlier it begins, the more severe it becomes in a later stage. People may lose most hair by the time they are 30. Hence, hair loss is not related to age but dependent on many other factors.

Myth: Hair needs to be washed every day to stay healthy.

This is false as if you wash your hair every day, your hair will become dry, weak, and fall. Our body (sebaceous gland) secrets oil or waxy matter to lubricate hair and if you wash your hair every day the body’s natural oil will be lost and hair will become dull.

Myth: Hair loss is only experienced by men and women do not suffer from hair loss

Hair loss problems equally affect men and women of any age. For men, hair loss is reflected as balding spots or a receding hairline, while in women it is more commonly thinning of hair. Female pattern baldness or Androgenetic alopecia condition affects approximately 40% of women and it starts at the parting line and gradually thinning hair. It is observed that hair loss in women is mostly associated with hormonal imbalance.

Myth: Hair loss is hereditary and the gene is from your mother.

It is another belief that the baldness gene is passed on from a mother with X-chromosome to her kids. In reality, the hair loss gene can be transferred from mother or father. Male pattern baldness is more commonly seen in father and son. It is also noticed that if the father has a baldness issue, a son will inherit it too.

Studies indicate that a baldness gene is not the only contributing factor to your hair loss problems but it may also be caused by hormonal imbalance, unhealthy habits, stressful lifestyle, and others. So, if you want to assess the baldness situation, check your mother and father’s family members and you will have a better idea.

Myth: Wearing a hat or cap can result in hair loss.

Some people believe that if you wear a hat regularly, it will damage hair follicles, making them weak and more prone to hair fall. People also believe that hats or caps deprive your hair of natural Vitamin D of sunlight, an important element for healthy hair. This is not true and hair loss is rarely associated with wearing a hat or cap. There is no scientific data that proves hats can deprive your scalp of sunlight. But, it is also important to maintain the hygiene of the scalp by properly cleaning the scalp regularly and wearing a clean hat to avoid any infection. Scalp infection may cause hair problems and hair loss.

Some dermatologists also explain that for proper blood circulation, one should not wear a hat that’s too tight, that can suffocate hair, or restricts cooling. One may also suffer from the irritable scalp and if you are living in hot/warm weather with humid conditions, it is not advisable to wear a hat 24/7.

Myth: Exposure to the sun leads to baldness

This is not true, as the sun may cause tanning of the surface or pigmentation but it is not related to your hair loss problems. Instead, sunlight gives you thicker and healthier hair.

Myth: Hair loss is associated with high testosterone levels

It is not entirely true. Dihydrotestosterone hormone (DTH) is a hormone related to hair loss. Approximately 10% of testosterone is converted to DTH and enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is responsible for this conversion. High levels of DTH make hair follicles more susceptible to miniaturize and contribute to hair fall.

Even though DTH causes male pattern baldness in men, hair loss has been observed in men with both high and low levels of testosterone. This is because the DTH level in men is independent of the level of testosterone in the body. The amount of DTH collected at the scalp is responsible for hair loss and hence bald person does not necessarily have high levels of sex hormone but has a high level of enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.

Myth: Excessive use of hair products can cause hair loss

This is partly true as hair products such as curling iron, hair spray, hair straighter, etc. may damage hair. Too much heat of curling rod or hair straighter can cause weakening of hair or hair products with harmful chemicals can also damage the hair follicles. But no amount of hair product can lead to baldness. You may lose some hair strands but it is temporary. To avoid hair damage, select hair products that contain fewer chemicals, clinically tested, and approved.

Myth: Smoking increases hair loss or smoking hair loss myth

This is partly true as smoking and drinking can damage overall health, and not just hair growth. It speeds the aging process but it is not directly related to hair loss.

Myth: Protein-rich diet is the ideal solution for healthy hair

This is true. Protein-rich food provides the right amount of nutrients to the hair follicles, the result is healthier hair. Amino acids rich in protein sources are excellent for promoting hair growth. Fish oil with a good amount of Omega 3 can prevent hair loss problems and promotes regular hair growth.

Myth: Surgical treatment is the only solution for hair loss problems

Even though surgical treatment offers effective and lasting solutions for many hair loss problems, that is not the only solution for you. Many surgical options are costly and invasive. Instead, you can understand the cause of hair problems and get the best advice from a hair expert for your particular condition.

The non-invasive treatment options such as Hair Regrowth Treatment involves using the body’s natural growth factors to stimulate hair follicles and manage hair loss problems with little or no side effects. Similarly, low light laser therapy is another non-invasive treatment that uses low light therapy to stimulate cellular activity in hair follicles to minimize hair loss while promoting hair growth. If you are looking for hair loss treatment options, consult a professional expert, and learn about suitable treatment for your hair loss problem.