Hair loss myths debunked

There are almost as many myths about hair loss as there are fake products claiming to cure it. Here are the most common myths debunked.

Genetic hair loss comes from your mother’s side

The most common myth and often believed to be true. Androgenetic alopecia certainly is genetic, although it could come from either side of your family, or even both. Genetics are a complicated matter!

Washing your hair too frequently causes hair loss

There is no evidence to support this. You’re certainly likely to notice hair falling out as you shower, given that we tend to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. If you’re worried it’s too much, it’s always best to see a doctor.

Stress can make you lose hair for good

Not necessarily. Stress-related hair loss can come in the form of telogen effluvium or trichotillomania (see separate article on other causes of hair loss), but should the underlying stress be managed (easier said than done, I know!) a reasonable recovery in time is seen in a lot of people.

Only men experience hair loss

Yet another myth! Although hair loss is more common in men, women can also experience this. There are differences in the appearances and treatment of hair loss, but it certainly does happen. Read the differences between hair loss in men and women.

Wearing a hat causes hair loss

Wrong! Some people worry that hats cut off the blood supply or oxygen supply to hair follicles, which simply isn’t true. This means you’re safe to keep wearing your favourite headwear!

You can slow down or reverse hair loss with lifestyle changes

This is a tricky one. Some lifestyle changes thought to achieve this include smoking cessation, stress management, and a balanced diet with adequate nutrition. These are healthy measures that we should all be doing and indeed can reduce the risk of many conditions beyond hair loss, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and lung diseases. However, there is no adequate evidence that these lifestyle changes alone can slow down or reverse hair loss. It is certainly recommended that we use these in addition to the treatment options available to us.