Hair loss myths
Several pervasive hair loss myths about male pattern hair loss are more urban legends than factual. The following are some of the more common and debunked hair loss myths.
Myth #1:Â You inherit hair loss from your mother
Genetic hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia, is responsible for more than 95% of male hair loss. For decades people commonly believed men inherited hair loss genes from their mothers. And it was thought that all you had to do to determine the future fate of your scalp coverage was look at your grandfather on your mother’s side.
We now know hair loss can be inherited from either side of your family. While it is true that most hair loss genes are on the X chromosome, which is inherited from the mother, several hair loss genes on the Y chromosome are inherited from the father. A Scottish research team had found 287 genetic regions tied to balding, with a majority of these regions on the X chromosome. Furthermore, it has been discovered hair loss and hair density are polygenic traits hair loss meaning a single gene does not determine them.
Hair loss gene expression may skip generations and may have different effects on different siblings in a family. The more people in your family with hair loss, increases your risk of suffering from hair loss. Look to your siblings and first cousins to get more of an idea of your hair loss risk.
Myth #2: Too much testosterone causes hair loss
Contrary to the myth, studies have shown that there is no difference when comparing the measured levels of testosterone between balding men and those who are not losing their hair. DHT, a byproduct of testosterone metabolism, is the main culprit implicated in androgenic alopecia, and in actuality, only a small percentage of testosterone is converted to DHT. And although 95% of male pattern hair loss is androgenic, elevated levels of testosterone or the mere presence of DHT itself do not cause male pattern baldness. Androgenic hair loss, however, is determined by the follicle’s sensitivity to DHT, and your genetics determines this sensitivity of the follicle.
Myth #3: Hat-wearing causes hair loss
Many men wear a hat as part of their style and to protect themselves from harmful UV rays. Many also choose to wear a hat to conceal a thinning and receding hairline, which is why hat-wearing may have become associated with causing baldness.
There is also the idea that the scalp needs to “breathe.” However, wearing hats does not “suffocate” the hair and cause hair loss. Scalp hair receives oxygen from the blood supply feeding the follicles, not the ambient air around your head. The hat would have to be worn so uncomfortably tight that it cuts off circulation to the scalp and its follicles for hat wearing to decrease oxygen levels in the scalp. This does not occur with the typical day-to-day wearing of a hat. Traction alopecia is another possible mechanism of hair loss from wearing excessively tight headgear, but this is not likely. There are no well-performed studies that have shown that hat-wearing causes balding.
That said, dirty hats can be a source of infection that can contribute to hair loss, so it is necessary to clean your hats regularly to remove the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and debris.
Myth#4: Hair loss is only for old people
Male pattern baldness can occur at any age after puberty but most often starts in the 20s. It has been estimated that about 15-20% of men in their 20’s have moderate to extensive hair loss. Androgenic alopecia is a progressive condition, and it continues as men age once it starts. Hair loss is most active between the ages of 20 and 50. Typically, the younger the onset of balding, the more advanced the hair loss is when they are older.
Although the incidence and extent of hair loss increase with age, not everyone experiences hair loss as they reach maturity, and age alone is not a trigger for hair loss.
Myth #5: Styling products cause hair loss
Using styling products does not cause permanent hair loss. However, if they contain harsh chemicals, they can damage and weaken the hair shaft. Strong chemicals are found in hair dyes, hair straighteners, and perms. These chemical treatments can give the appearance of hair loss due to hair breakage, but the follicle will continue to produce hair. Many hair gels contain alcohol which can be drying to the hair and scalp, also making hairs prone to damage and breakage. Improper use of styling gels may irritate the scalp contributing to temporary hair loss.
Permanent hair loss, however, can be caused by certain hairstyles that produce excessive pulling and tension on the follicles, causing traction alopecia, such as tight braids, ponytails, or man buns.
A well-balanced diet and proper hair care and hygiene will keep your locks healthy. And if your mane needs the help of styling products to keep it in check, you can reach for that hair gel and confidently know that it will not cause permanent hair loss.
Myth#6: Stress causes baldness
There is some truth to this myth that lies in the fact that stress can trigger temporary hair loss, but it does not cause permanent hair loss. High emotional and physical stress can induce a temporary hair loss known as telogen effluvium, where the hair follicles are “shocked” into the resting phase. The hair loss will resolve once the stressful event passes, and follicles will resume regular growth cycles. However, the stress in no way impacts the development of male pattern baldness, a chronic condition determined by your genetics that causes permanent hair loss.
Myth #7: Vitamins can help stop hair loss
No vitamin or mineral supplement will regrow hair without an actual nutritional deficiency. Heavy marketing tactics are what is to thank for this pervasive myth. Despite advertising claims, vitamins can only help regrow hair if you are actually deficient in those particular nutrients.
Yes, specific vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy hair, but at most, they may positively affect hair shaft quality. They do nothing to reverse or halt hair loss due to androgenic alopecia. These hair vitamin supplements do not alter the genetic propensity for hair loss. They do not block the production of DHT, nor do they block the effects of DHT on sensitive hair follicles.
Eating a healthy, varied diet will help avoid nutrient deficiency and will help you keep the hair you have.
Myth #8:Â Shampooing makes you lose hair
This myth likely came about from all the stands found in the drain trap of the shower. However, shampooing does not lead to hair loss. We usually shed about 100 to 150 hairs daily as the follicles enter the resting phase as part of the normal hair growth cycle. However, these hairs are simultaneously being replaced by hair growing from follicles transitioning from a resting stage to a growth phase. The act of shampooing removes a percentage of the hair that has already detached. Keeping your hair and scalp clean will help prevent inflammation that can contribute to certain types of hair loss.
Myth #9: Sun exposure causes hair loss
Long periods of exposure to the effects of heat and UV rays can damage the hair making it brittle and more likely to shed or break, but it does not cause balding.
Myth #10: Masturbation causes hair loss
Just as this activity does not cause you to grow hair on your palms or make you blind, it has not been shown to cause hair loss. Masturbation or any sexual activity does not have a detectable effect on testosterone or DHT levels. Similarly, this activity does not cause significant protein loss that would impair hair growth.
Myth #11: FDA-approved hair loss medications worsen hair loss
Minoxidil and finasteride work by promoting the anagen or growth phase. They function by moving hair from the resting telogen phase to the anagen phase. As these medications stimulate more follicles to transition from anagen to telogen, they shed the hair shaft. The use of these medications can temporarily increase shedding due to this mechanism. For this reason, using these medications for a minimum of 6 months is necessary to see any benefit of increased hair thickness and density.
