Hair Loss Myths

Hair loss myths which are not true

Due to all the available research and studies done over the years, there still exists a few myths about this heartbreaking condition which are not true but continue to prevail.

Listed below are some of the most common hair loss myths and why they are not true.

Myth #1 – Cutting hair will make it grow thicker

Cutting hair or shaving the head does not promote regrowth or thicker hair. 

In reality, hair is much thicker at the base than at the ends.  After cutting hair, it may appear thicker at first sight because the hair, after being cut is closer to the base and the thinner ends have been remove.

When the hair grows out to its full length, there is no change in diameter from the original hair and the difference in thickness is not noticeable.

Although cutting of the hair has no effect on hair growth rate or thickness, it helps keep hair healthy by removing damaged and split ends.

Myth #2 – Wearing caps or hats will cause hair loss

Hair loss may occur when a cap or hat is worn so tight on the head that it would block all supply of blood to the hair follicles.

Wearing a hat or a cap for a prolonged period of time in a hot or humid climate however, may lead to some amount of hair loss. 

In a hot climate, sweating of the scalp along with the excretion of sebum (the waxy substance on the scalp) may clog the hair follicles and accumulate dirt around it causing the hair to fall faster than it might normally.

Myth #3 – Male or Female pattern baldness comes from the mother’s side

Studies have shown that the gene responsible for male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness can be inherited from either side of the family and not necessarily from the mother’s side only. 

It used to be thought that hair loss came only from the mother's extended family.

Myth #4 – Head stands will cure hair loss

Standing on the head will cause a rush of blood to the head and the scalp which is good for healthy scalps and hair,  but it doesn’t necessarily stop hair loss.  Why?  The hair follicles need more than an increased flow of blood to preserve hair and keep it from falling out. 

It is good for overall circulation but it does not stop, prevent or cure hair loss.

Myth #5 – Washing the head under cold water cures hair loss

Washing of the head under cold water improves blood circulation to the scalp and helps close the hair cuticles for a shinier look but it has no effect in treating hair loss.

Myth #6 – Losing a hundred hairs a day or more is a sign of pattern baldness

Depending which hair loss expert you talk to, normal daily hair loss may be as much as 100 hairs a day.  Others say you should not lose more than 50.

Losing 50-100 hairs a day is not necessarily an indication of hereditary baldness.

This daily hair loss may actually be a process of replacing the dormant hair with new stronger hair occurs during the ‘shedding phase’ of the hair growth cycle. It is not permanent and new hair grows to replace the lost hair.

For people suffering from male pattern baldness, the hair that is shed during the normal shedding phase is replaced by shorter and thinner hairs and after a few cycles hair fails to grow at all. 

The key is to watch the hair closely as it goes through its cycles.

Myth #7 – Excessive use of hair products can cause hair loss

Hair products like pomades, mousse, wax, gels or similar do not cause hair loss. 

They do not do damage to the hair although they can over time build up on the cuticles and cause them to be dull from the build-up.  However, product buildup does not lead to hair loss.

Myth #8 - Hair dyes cause hair loss

Hair dyes may cause temporary hair loss since they contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to hair and they could act as the trigger to kick off hair loss that was already lurking.

The same is true of chemical perms, straighteners, relaxers or even keratin related treatments.