Myths and Facts About Hair Loss They Don’t Tell You!

A natural part of the hair cycle, hair loss is one of the most common concerns right now. It is only when you lose 50-100 hair strands in a day should you consider it hair loss. In addition, there are several causes, something we’ll explore shortly.

It is best to understand the difference between the myths and facts to not lose one’s patience. Especially when looking for a solution.

Hair loss is quite common due to several reasons, such as pollution, poor diet, etc. It matches the myths about this condition! Understanding the facts will help you stay clear on the issue and treat it properly.

Follow along as we bust some of these common myths, which even you may have heard!

10 Myths and Facts About Hair Loss You SHOULD Know!

Here’s a list of all the myths and facts that you must know before going for fad solutions that bank on such myths. Let’s have a look:

Myth 1: Frequent Shampooing Leads to Hair Loss

Yes, I know you fell for this myth, too. Well, contrary to popular (and widespread) belief, it's a myth! Moreover, shampooing removes debris from the scalp and any dirt that can promote the growth of microorganisms.

People often believe that shampooing can lead to hair loss, causing their hair to become drier and frizzier. So, here’s the truth.

 

Fact :- 

Regular shampooing isn’t the cause of hair loss in individuals. Using harsh shampoos, on the other hand, is a definite cause of hair loss.

Even aggressive washing can lead to issues. It is best to choose shampoos that are perfect for your hair type.

Myth 2: Wearing Hats Lead to Baldness

Hats do not suffocate the hair follicles, leading to misconception - many believe it to be the cause of baldness and hair loss. This is another one of the common myths about hair loss.

That’s far from the truth - you can face scalp issues with tight, dirty hats after wearing them for long periods.

In addition, you can have allergic reactions to the hat material, which may cause hair loss. So, when you wear clean hats made with breathable material (for example, cotton.) It will save you from harsh rays of the sun, such as UV light.

Fact :-

Hats are one of the best accessories that can help you prevent damage due to extreme temperatures. This is helpful, especially during the summers when the sun is higher in the sky.

Just ensure your hats are clean to prevent scalp infections.

Myth 3: Only Men Experience Hair Loss

You might have already heard that men are more likely to experience hair loss, but did you know they aren’t the only ones? Women experience hair loss as well! However, it is more noticeable in men, which is why the myth is prevalent.

There are various hair loss challenges that both genders face. This myth dismisses all of these challenges and the respective factors that come into play.

Fact :-

Hormonal, genetic, and other factors such as environmental factors can cause hair loss irrespective of gender. For example, the high testosterone levels in men cause higher levels of shrinkage in hair follicles, thereby leading to hair loss.

In addition, stress-related hair fall is a common cause of hair loss that does not get considered. The high percentage of men experiencing hair loss at some point is usually due to the difference in symptoms for women.

Women experience hair loss as hair thinning across the scalp. Additionally, it is less severe and less common than male pattern baldness.

Myth 4: Stress Is the Only Cause of Hair Loss

It is also seen that people believe stress is the only cause of hair loss, which can be misleading. Stress can be one of the contributors. However, it isn’t the sole cause. Various factors affect the severity of hair loss across genders.

Yes, some factors may affect one group more than others. However, a single factor is not responsible for the condition. Saying that everyone experiences hair loss due to stress alone would be disregarding the several other dimensions of hair loss.

Thereby leading to poor treatment further down the line.

Fact :-

Stress-induced hair loss is also known as telogen effluvium (no, this isn’t a spell from the Wizarding world.) The hair follicles enter their resting phase temporarily due to stress.

Other factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors have a significant role to play, too.

Myth 5: Hair Loss Is Always Genetic

Similarly, you shouldn’t just blame your genetics for hair loss - despite it being one of the strongest contributors. Just as you cannot ride a bicycle without two functional tyres, hair loss does not simply rely on genetic factors. It does not just happen due to a history of hair loss in the family.

If you take care of other factors, hair loss can be brought under control.

Fact :-

Hereditary factors contribute to hair loss. However, it is not the sole contributor. Hormonal changes (which again, can be due to several reasons - from lifestyle choices to underlying conditions), environmental factors, and medical conditions all play important roles.

Understanding the specific cause of hair loss requires expert analysis - an area we excel in!

Myth 6: Cutting Hair Makes It Grow More Faster

Okay, before we bust this myth for you, consider this. Does tree growth improve when you pluck its flowers or cut off the branches? Only when you care for the roots will the tree growth improve.

So, chopping off the ends of your mane will only help your hairstyle and not its growth.

Fact :-

Hair growth, as we know it, is all about the occurrence of new hair strands and the growth of hair from follicles. The hair growth occurs at the scalp and not at the end, which is the hair shaft.

With regular trims, you may get rid of the damaged hair. However, it does not help affect the rate of hair growth.

Hair growth can be improved by controlling external factors such as nutritional intake and handling stress, among others. Hair loss is mainly due to an imbalance in the above factors.

Myth 7: Hair Loss Is Irreversible

Well, the truth behind this myth depends on factors such as age, underlying conditions, and hormonal balance, among others. Hair loss is reversible in cases when the cause is stress or poor diet. In other cases, the reversibility can be difficult.

Fact :-

Hair loss is reversible when the underlying cause is due to nutritional deficiencies or stress. However, in cases of hereditary hair loss (severe) and conditions causing hair loss (alopecia, male pattern baldness, etc.), it can be difficult - but not impossible.

Especially with early detection, reversing hair loss is possible; however, in severe hair loss, the chances are bleak.

The best treatment option in latter cases includes a hair transplant, which provides guaranteed results and a significant boost to your confidence.

Myth 8: Coloring Your Hair Causes Hair Loss

Hair coloring is one of the most common ways to change your look. But some fear taking the step, thinking it is a significant contributor to hair loss. Permanent hair loss is only possible with the major factors listed above - using high-quality coloring products will not cause hair loss.

Fact :-

Using high-quality, clean products without the damaging effects of harsh chemicals will boost your confidence and not damage it or your hair. Using poor-quality products will not just affect your hair quality but will cause hair breakage.

Myth 9: Only Older Individuals Experience Hair Loss

That’s just ageism at its best if you ask me. With age, people experience natural effects of aging, which include slow hair growth, greying (low melanin production), and loosening of hair follicles.

Thus, there are a lot of factors that may lead to extreme hair loss, such as changes in your diet, underlying issues, hormonal changes with age, and genetics. So, if you or your loved one is experiencing extreme hair loss (>50 strands), an expert analysis is the answer.

Fact :-

Hair loss is common across age groups; whether middle-aged or elderly individuals, the factors for hair loss remain the same. Age-related changes are something that must be considered, as there are several changes that the body goes through - from hormonal to cellular.

Myth 10: Massaging the Scalp Can Prevent Hair Loss

A nice scalp massage is great for reducing stress - I don’t need to give you a thesis on it. If massaging your scalp could bring you results and reverse hair loss, there would be no patients with hair loss woes.

Scalp massage is great for boosting blood circulation, which is one of the many factors that promote hair growth.

 Fact :-

Scalp massages improve blood circulation, thus contributing to a healthy scalp. However, it does not completely prevent hair loss or reverse it. It can surely help improve the results of overall efforts to prevent hair loss.

Hair Loss Woes? We’re Here!

Understanding the myths and facts about hair loss is one of the best ways to approach this condition. When you target a condition with proper information, you are more likely to find better treatment outcomes.

At Yapita Health, we’re all about helping you make informed decisions. With our trusted network of experts, such as dermatologists in countries offering world-class treatment, rest assured, your health is our priority.