Although your hair does not define you, it can assist in expressing who you are. Between cuts, colors, and styles, it can signal how you want people to perceive you or even what you’re going through. And this is one reason why hair loss is a topic that affects people of all ages and genders. With varying opinions from family and friends plus an endless supply of information online, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. So how do you know what’s true about hair loss, and what isn’t? We are here to assist and definitively dispel some common hair myths. Let’s get started.
Myths about hair loss: true or false?
1. Hair grows faster if you cut it
FALSE: Cutting your hair affects the shaft, but not the follicle, which is the part responsible for growth and premature loss. Getting rid of split ends can make your hair look healthier, so getting a new cut may make you feel like it’s falling out less. But a trim doesn’t actually affect new growth or loss.
2. Greasy hair falls out more often
True: When your scalp becomes excessively oily for an extended period of time, more hair may shed. This is because oil, or sebum, can impede the follicle’s new growth. What can I do? Make sure to focus on your scalp when washing to help curb sebum and dirt build-up, using gentle products that are suitable for your hair type. And if you’re concerned about density, reach for a shampoo designed for thicker, fuller-looking hair.
3. Washing your hair too much makes it fall out more
FALSE: Not only is this not true, it can actually be the complete opposite! If your hair feels greasy, wash it as frequently as necessary to prevent excess oil from clogging your follicles. Also, the hair that falls out while you wash was already going to fall out, so it has nothing to do with how you shower!
4. Brushing your wet hair will cause it to fall out
False: Contrary to the previous myth, brushing wet hair does not make it fall out more. But, hair is more elastic when it’s wet and has a greater tendency to split. As a result, it might appear as though more is coming out, despite only being broken. Brushing your hair doesn’t actually cause hair loss; rather, it gathers hair that is already falling out and is about to shed.
5. Baldness is brought on by wearing a hat all the time or using mousse, gel, or spray
False: Your scalp is not always affected by things that affect the hair shaft. Applying certain products may damage your hair but that doesn’t mean they will increase hair loss. But if you are always wearing a hat or make excessive use of products like sprays, gels, and mousses then your scalp may become greasy, which as we saw before, can be problematic.
6. We shed more of our hair in the fall
TRUE AND FALSE: Hair does drop out naturally in fall, as it’s the season when your hair works the hardest to renew itself. This could be because summertime brings more stressors to hair, like the sun, pool, and beach, which weaken growth follicles and break strands. Therefore, even though the fall season may bring about more shedding, some of it may be due to previous exposure to external aggressors rather than the season itself.
7. Stress and anxiety can cause hair loss
True: Stress has been linked to hair loss, even though you don’t need another thing to worry about. And when you notice that a lot of your hair is falling out, it can cause even more stressful feelings — becoming a worrying cycle. The bright side? Hair loss due to stress is usually temporary.
Keep in mind that it’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. However, if you’re concerned about the amount of hair you’re shedding or think it’s happening more than usual, book a visit with your dermatologist.
8. Your hormones can cause hair loss
True: hormones are involved in the hair growth cycle, so they are considered one of the main risk factors for hair loss in both sexes. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormone are hormones that can cause hair loss.
9. Smoking or drinking can damage your hair
TRUE: Your habits have more of an impact on your hair than you might think. Although every strand of hair has its own life cycle (growth, maintenance, and loss), some lifestyle factors can also affect your roots. Drinking and smoking are bad for your physical health as well. They can make your hair look dull and, in some cases, cause damage or loss by speeding up the natural aging process of the hair.
10. All hair loss is permanent
FALSE: Think thinning hair can only get worse? Fortunately, this is not always the case. While there are more than 100 distinct kinds of alopecia, also known as hair loss, it is essential to keep in mind that the majority of them can be treated. More hair shedding than usual can be caused by illnesses, surgeries, and changes in weight. But once things are back to the status quo, it should grow back.
How can you take action now? Commit to a daily hair care routine focused on density, strength and vitality. And remember, what your hair looks like doesn’t define you — your overall health and well-being always come first.