Hair loss myths
There are many myths that surround hair loss that can make the experience feel isolating and embrassing. But it’s important to remember that these myths are just that – myths!Here we’ve busted some of the most common myths with the cold, hard facts so that you can be equipped with the right information about hair loss when looking for a treatment that suits you.
MYTH: Your maternal grandfather (mother’s father) is a good indicator of whether you’ll experience hair loss.
FACT: For men, hair loss can be inherited from either side of the family. The most common hereditary condition, clinically known as androgenetic alopecia, appears as a receding hairline and a loss of hair on the top of the scalp.
MYTH: Hair loss is caused by stress
FACT: People experiencing hair loss might be experiencing serious physical or emotional stresses in their lives, causing their body to go into a kind of recuperation mode. This recuperation mode shuts off the need to reproduce hair in favour of other ‘survival functions’. If this does happen, it can take up to six months for hair to grow back, as the body needs time to begin reproducing and replacing the hair that was lost.
MYTH: Only men experience hair loss
FACT: While hair loss is more commonly in men, it does occur in women too. Often, women become anxious if they start to lose their hair, and the stress caused by this can make the situation seem much worse than it actually is. In terms of self-esteem and confidence, women who experience hair loss may become more closed off to others because they look at themselves as less attractive or feel they may be judged poorly because of their appearance. For women, hair loss may be a result of a change in nutrition, a switch in medication, menopause or after child birth. A hair loss specialist may be able to identify the cause of hair loss through a private consultation using Trichoscope technology.
MYTH: There’s nothing you can do about hair loss
FACT: There is a variety of hair loss treatments available. While some of these treatments may not restore a full head of hair as it was before hair loss, they will help improve the appearance of a natural and healthy hair and likely improve a person’s confidence.
MYTH: Hair loss is a rare condition
FACT: Hair loss can be very isolating, especially because its effects can weigh heavily on a person’s confidence. For both men and women experiencing hair loss, it is important to remember that you’re not the only one. There are many more people than you might initially think suffering from hair loss around the world, and the task is to find the treatment that works best for you and start feeling good about yourself again.
MYTH: Washing your hair too much, or not enough, causes hair loss
FACT: Again, there is no scientific proof that using too much or too little shampoo will impact the thickness of your hair. However, some silicone-based shampoos and heavy waxes may cause some hair loss or heavy shedding because of the way they block off the hair follicles, asphyxiating the scalp.
MYTH: Massaging your scalp can speed hair regrowth
FACT: While we all enjoy a good head massage, the promised follicle stimulation probably won’t achieve the amazing hair regrowth results you’re hoping for.
MYTH: Dandruff can cause permanent hair loss
FACT: There are a variety of shampoos and conditioners that can be used to prevent dandruff without increasing any chance of hair loss.
MYTH: Chemotherapy causes permanent hair loss
FACT: The agents used in chemotherapy treatments are designed to kill cancer cells, but in the process can also kill off healthy cells like those needed to grow hair. While people undergoing chemotherapy usually lose a large amount of their hair, once they have completed treatment the hair will likely grow back in six to twelve months. Hair growth stimulation can help encourage hair growth following chemotherapy.
MYTH: Heavy smoking or alcohol consumption causes hair loss
FACT: Research has not been entirely conclusive on the topic, there is some correlation between hair loss and heavy, long-term smoking or drinking.
MYTH: Recreational drugs don’t affect hair loss
FACT: Research suggests all known recreational drugs may increase the likelihood of hair loss
MYTH: Hair loss in men is a sign of reduced strength, energy and libido
FACT: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that hair loss is linked with virility, although it may affect your confidence.