7 Hair Loss Myths Debunked

If you’re a man who is beginning to show signs of balding or already in the process and just looking for answers, there are somethings we need to debunk on the subject. Firstly, male pattern baldness is also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is quite common amongst men and far more likely to occur the older a man gets. A lesser known fact is that men typically lose their hair when three main factors interact: genetics, age, and hormones. The reasons why men are prone to balding has been hotly debated for generations and there’s been some myths that have taken hold. Here are 7 hair loss myths debunked that you should know.

1. You Got It From Your Momma

Studies have shown that a specific gene tied to baldness is found on the X chromosome. Science tells us that sons get their only X chromosome from their mother. So naturally, one would be led to believe that because of this, that is where our baldness stems from.

Despite where we predominantly get that gene from, this genetic trait can be passed down from either side of the family and can even skip generations.

2. The More You Stress, The Balder You Get

No gentlemen, stress does not play a role in hair loss. Keep in mind that a significant traumatic event can cause you to lose your hair temporarily, but that can be reversed by having establishing a healthier hair routine.

According to studies, there is potential that intense stress hormones can lead to a pause in the hair growth cycle, which can lead to hair shedding for a certain amount of time. However, stress cannot cause your hair to fall out indefinitely.

3. Too Much Vitamin D Causes Baldness

It is true that spending prolonged periods in the sun can make your hair lighter and drier. It may even cause it to break off slightly and yes, too much fun in the sun can be very damaging, but it does not affect male pattern baldness. If you plan to soak up hours of sun this summer, a deep conditioning mask is your best bet to keep your hair well moisturized.

4. Your Hair Will Thin Out If You Wear Hats Too Often

We all love to wear hats, and other than a bad case of hat head, wearing a hat does not thin out your hair. Wearing a hat too tight can pull your hair out, but this is not the same thing as genetic hair thinning.

The medical term traction alopecia is a form of acquired hair loss that results from prolonged or repetitive tension on the scalp hair. This hair loss caused by repeatedly pulling on your hair and putting too much pressure on the hair follicles can be reversed by avoiding chemicals and aggressors that add stress to your strands.

5. Over-Washing Your Hair Causes Hair Loss

When you hop in the shower and start the “rinse, lather, repeat” shampoo cycle, it will cause several strands of your hair to shed. Hair shedding when washing and drying your hair is entirely expected. After a thorough wash, you’re likely to see hair strands all around the bathroom. This is likely why so many people are convinced that regular washes can cause permanent hair loss.

If there is a lot of hair loss when you’re in the shower, that likely stems from your hair being damaged by chemicals or something else adding pressure to your follicles.

6. Baldness Due To Too Much Testosterone

Male baldness is caused by a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics. It is made through the conversion of androgen, which is responsible for hair growth. Testosterone itself however, is not linked to male pattern baldness.

7. Masturbation Causes Hair Loss

This wild myth arose due to many people being worried about losing protein as you ejaculate. Somehow, people began to associate that with the eventual loss of hair. People also worry that masturbating causes higher testosterone levels and, in turn, encourages pale pattern baldness. However, as mentioned above, testosterone itself will not directly promote hair loss.

Gentlemen, while there are a number of reasons for hair loss, these 7 myths are not among them. It is recommended that you speak to a healthcare professional if you are experiencing alarm or discomfort.

Information in this piece has been sourced from https://www.manual.co/health-centre/daily-health.

Feature image credit Towfiqu barbhuiya