Hair loss affects approximately one-third of the population, which means a significant amount of men struggle with receding hairlines and excess shedding. Because so many people are dealing with hair loss, it also means a lot of people are talking about it. Unfortunately, there are many myths about hair loss that aren’t accurate. Here are some of the top myths that we can blame the internet for before we get to the truth.
The Sun Can Cause Hair Loss
Many men make the mistake of trying to stay out of the sun because they assume UV rays are bad for their hair. Fortunately, excessive sun exposure doesn’t have much of an effect on your hair follicles, which means you don’t have to try and sit in the shade the next time you spend time outdoors.
Hair Loss Treatments Don’t Work
Infomercials selling hair loss products have given hair loss treatments a bad rap in past years and have prompted many people to believe there’s no hope the moment they begin to experience excess shedding. Fortunately, hair loss products have become more advanced in recent years, making it easier to find solutions to maintain a full head of hair as you get older. Some of the key ingredients to look for include Minoxidil, collagen, and biotin.
Hair thickening shampoo can also reverse the effects of hair thinning and stop it in its tracks. The products promote volume and remove build-up present in the hair and on the scalp to ensure the hair can grow back thicker and healthier. Look for products that target DHT and eliminate it to prevent the problem from returning.
Only Older Men Suffer from Hair Loss
It’s a common assumption that only older men in their 70s experience hair loss, but the problem can begin at an early age for some people. Those who have a family history of hair loss can begin to notice their hair thinning or their hairline receding in their 20s or 30s. One-quarter of men even start to bald before the age of 21. The progression of hair loss can be slow at times, which can cause many men to fail to notice it until it becomes more severe.
It’s also a problem for women, especially after they deliver a baby and have a change in hormones. Excessive shedding typically occurs a few months after giving birth and can continue for several months. Although men tend to have hair loss near their hairline, women lose their hair across their entire head and have a lot of thinning that is present.
Men Who are Bald Have Increased Testosterone Levels
It can be easy to make the mistake of linking bald men to having a lot more testosterone. Some people assume men who have hair loss also have a stronger sex drive. Research shows that the testosterone levels of men who are bald are actually the same as men with full heads of hair, which debunks this claim.
Washing Your Hair Leads to Hair Loss
Too many people go too long in-between washing their hair out of fear that they’ll pull out more strands as they get clean. This is one of the most common myths because hair is prone to coming out in the shower when you rinse it. This is not due to the shampoo but because the hair has already been shed and is sitting loose on your scalp. The hair can go dormant and fail to grow, which is why you’re noticing more strands fall out.
Your Stress is Causing Your Hair to Fall Out
When you’re already stressed, it can be stressful to think your anxiety is causing all of your hair to fall out. Although there is a bit of truth to this myth, normal stress won’t cause you to go bald. Severe stress caused by trauma can typically lead to hair loss, especially if there was a death in your family or experienced a tragedy. Long-term suffering or illness can also trigger you to lose your hair.
Getting stuck in traffic on your way to work or trying to manage your kids each day won’t make you experience additional hair loss. You can relax and feel at ease knowing it will take a lot more trauma to have a change in your hair growth.
If you happen to go through a challenging time in life, like a chronic illness or job loss, the hair loss is typically only temporary. You can expect it to begin to regrow after a few months.
Hair Loss is Permanent
This leads us to our last myth: hair loss is permanent. You can let out a sigh of relief knowing hair loss is not always permanent, and there are many treatment methods available to restore hair growth. The only time it’s permanent is if it’s a genetic condition. Otherwise, eating disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal changes can also be resolved to ensure you get your full hair of head back.
With accurate knowledge, it can be easier to understand the cause of your hair loss and the best ways to treat it. You no longer have to skip washing your hair or fail to try different treatment products due to common myths you’ve heard in the past.