Misconceptions abound concerning hair loss and the factors that contribute to it. Due to the number of urban legends and outright falsehoods floating about in the world today, it can be challenging to differentiate between facts and myths. The following is a list of popular hair myths and their facts.
The myth: Anxiety and stress are linked to hair loss in certain people
Even though it’s a startling statement, research has shown a correlation between stress and hair loss. If you discover that a significant amount of your hair is falling out, it may cause you to worry even more, which can contribute to a pattern of loss and feelings of anxiety and stress. It is important to remember that it is typical to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs daily, meaning hair shedding is normal.
The myth: The more you wash your hair, the more likely it will fall out
This assertion is not true; the reverse is the case. If you notice that your hair seems greasy daily, you should wash it to prevent extra sebum from clogging your follicles. This loss is not related to the frequency or length of your showers. Even though taking a shower won’t cause your hair to fall out, you should still take care to only use hair care products that won’t aggravate or damage the scalp.
The myth: When your hair is wet, brushing it will cause even more of it to come out
As was the case with the preceding belief, brushing damp hair does not cause more hair to fall out than brushing it when it is dry. Wet hair is more stretchy than dry hair, and it also possesses a higher likelihood of splitting, which implies that when your hair is wet, it will feel like more of it is falling out than it is since it will break more easily. Brushing does not directly induce hair loss; instead, it simply collects hair on its way out.
The myth: Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can contribute to increased hair loss
Our routines indeed have a greater influence. Even though it’s true that each hair has a unique life cycle—growth, maintenance, and eventually falling out—the roots of your hair can be affected by several different things.
In addition to being detrimental to your overall fitness, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can cause your hair to lose its luster and, in some situations, contribute to lasting harm or loss by hastening the hair’s natural aging process. This action can make your hair more susceptible to breakage and loss.
The myth: Constantly using hair products like gel, spray, or mousse, as well as wearing hats, might lead to baldness
The factors that influence the shaft do not necessarily affect the scalp. This statement can be true or false. Even though using certain items may cause harm to your hair, this does not necessarily mean that using them will cause you to lose more hair. However, if you consistently wear headgear or use excessive products such as sprays, gels, and mousses, your scalp could become greasy.
The myth: Biotin is effective in preventing hair loss
When someone is going through any hair fall, they usually turn to biotin, which is a supplement that is marketed as a magical cure for any hair health problems. However, it is unlikely to have much of an effect.
Despite the widespread belief that biotin is an excellent treatment for hair thinning, there isn’t much data to back up this claim in the scientific community. It is highly improbable that a lack of biotin is the cause of hair loss because it is so uncommon.
The myth: Too much testosterone promotes hair loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that promotes hair loss in men, is generated from testosterone. There is a widespread belief that an individual’s testosterone level is connected in some way to their rate of hair loss. There is, in fact, no correlation between the two, regardless of whether their testosterone concentrations are high, low, or normal. However, whether or not a person’s follicles possess the genetic tendency to be sensitive to DHT decides whether they will lose their hair.
The myth: An excessive amount of shampooing has been shown to promote hair loss
Being concerned about hair loss is unnecessary simply because you enjoy washing your hair regularly with shampoo. Washing your hair leads dead hairs to fall out, which is a natural occurrence, given that most people lose between 100 and 150 hairs daily. A portion of it happens for no discernible reason other than that you are washing your hair, which usually takes place while you are in the shower.
As the hair follicle root prepares to develop a new hair shaft, shampooing eliminates hair shafts that have already separated from the follicle and are ready to come out. Additionally, the opposite of washing your hair frequently will not promote hair loss on its own.
The myth: There is no correlation between the foods you eat and the state of your hair
The food you consume daily affects not only the state of health that your body is in but also the state of your hair. Telogen effluvium, also known as excessive hair shedding, has been related to several causes, including deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and thyroid problems. The dermatologist will be able to aid you in simply addressing any vitamin deficits you may be experiencing.
The myth: Ponytails do not present any health risks
The problem is that even though your slicked-back ponytail and top knot could look great, they can sometimes lead to unintended hair loss. Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that can be caused by using hairstyles that place an excessive amount of tension on the hair. Some examples of these styles include heavy hair attachments and stiff ponytails. Scarring and irreversible hair loss are two potential outcomes of this condition.
Conclusion
There are many causes and triggers of hair loss. However, make an appointment with your dermatologist if you are concerned about hair loss or think it is more severe than usual.