Top Five Myths: Hair Loss
Top Five Myths: Hair Loss
Hair loss can be a sensitive and emotional topic for many people. It's natural to want to find out what causes hair loss and how to prevent it, but unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions out there that can mislead people and even harm their hair health. In this post, I'll be debunking the top five myths related to hair loss and providing accurate information on what really causes hair loss and how to prevent it.
Myth #1: Washing less often is good for your scalp.
This is a common myth that has been perpetuated for years, but the truth is that washing your hair regularly is actually good for your scalp. When you wash your hair, you remove excess oils, dirt, and debris from your scalp, which can help to keep your scalp healthy and free from irritation and infection. If you don't wash your hair often enough, your scalp can become oily and irritated, which can lead to dandruff, flakiness, and poor hair quality. So, rather than washing your hair less often, it's important to find a good balance, and the right products that work for you and your lifestyle, I’d recommend washing every other day for optimal scalp health.
Myth #2: Genetic hair loss only comes from your mother.
It's true that genetics play a significant role in certain types of hair loss, but it's not as simple as just inheriting it from your mother. Hair loss can be inherited from either parent, and it can be a combination of several different genes. In fact, the genetic component of hair loss is so complex that it's difficult to predict who will experience hair loss and when it will occur. One can even trigger their genetic hair loss to worsen if not taking proper precautions.
Myth #3: Clogged or blocked follicles cause hair to shed prematurely.
This is another common myth that is not supported by scientific evidence. “Clogged” follicles caused by product buildup, sweat, and excessive heat from your head do not cause hair loss. When a hair falls out, a new hair is already growing behind it and will emerge from the skin. However, the quality of that new hair is another matter. The temperature of the scalp and sweating do not cause hair loss, but they can create an environment that allows bacteria and fungus to thrive, leading to oily dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, an oily and flakey scalp condition. However, these conditions do not cause hair to fall out. Wearing a hat daily can lead to hair loss due to friction, but wearing a hat itself will not cause hair loss. This is called Traction Alopecia.
Myth #4: Poor circulation in the scalp is a reason for hair loss.
The hair follicles on your scalp require a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen to remain healthy and produce new hair. There is generally good circulation in the scalp and there’s no evidence that poor circulation causes hair loss unless it’s due to miniaturized hairs and the surrounding blood vessels in regard to Androgenetic Alopecia. However, a daily scalp massage can be beneficial for stress relief and relaxation which can be positive on your overall health. Low-level laser therapy is proven to be more beneficial to help stimulate hair growth on a cellular level than massaging your scalp to increase blood flow.
Myth #5: Brushing hair will cause more hair to fall out.
Brushing your hair is not going to cause more hair to fall out. In fact, brushing your hair can actually be good for your hair health, as it helps to stimulate the scalp and distribute the natural oils produced by your scalp. However, it's important to use a brush that is clean and gentle on your hair and to be careful not to brush too hard or aggressively, as this can cause breakage and damage. Normally, hairs that come out while brushing are already in the Telogen (shedding) stage of the hair growth cycle so it is important not to stress when you see hair coming out. If you think you are shedding more than normal, it doesn’t hurt to ask a professional for their opinion.
With that, I hope to have illuminated some truth about hair loss — because it’s a complex issue that can have a variety of causes. It's important to be cautious of myths and misinformation, and to consult with a Trichologist or other medical professional if you're concerned about hair loss. By taking care of your scalp and hair, you can help to prevent hair loss and maintain healthy, strong hair.
