Hair loss is a universal problem – nearly 60 percent of the men in the world deal with some form of hair loss. In addition, 50 percent of the women around the globe are also fighting hair loss. This article presents the most common hair loss myths and mistakes.

A receding hairline is a tragedy.  It causes emotional distress, shatters confidence, and evokes despair. Many people believe that hair loss is irreversible; well, that’s not true. The advanced technologies, such as the Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), have made it possible to combat and reverse hair loss. LLLT is changing the lives of people and is helping them regain their hair and self-confidence. 

However, the myths about hair loss lead many people to different experiments. The ineffective practices only make the problem worse. If you are also experiencing hair loss, now is the time to bust these myths and avoid mistakes leading to hair loss. 

Bursting the Common Hair Loss Myths

The misconceptions about hair loss limit the effectiveness of hair reversing treatments. We understand that fighting hair loss is a stressful journey. However, you cannot mitigate the problem or find any remarkable difference in your hair health with ineffective practices. Before learning the ways to reverse the damage, it is important to clear your concepts about hair loss in the first place. 

• Direct exposure to Sunlight causes Hair loss

Sun is the source of light, energy, and vitamin D. However, staying under the scorching sunlight for a long period makes you feel like your scalp is on fire. Many people blame the sun for their receding hairline. Well, sustained sunlight exposure does not damage the hair follicles; perhaps, you are not providing your scalp enough moisture. 

• Wearing Hats accelerate Hair loss

Wearing hats causes your hair to fall out is another misconception. While hairline treatment experts dismiss this belief, wearing dirty hats can havoc your hair health. It can cause scalp infection, which can eventually accelerate hair loss. 

• Shampooing contributes to Hair recession

Washing your hair with shampoo does not damage your hair. Rather, it helps you in removing the debris and pollutant accumulated in the scalp. However, regular use of chemical-infused shampoos can cause scalp inflammation. Also, over shampooing can strip the natural oils produced by your scalp so try to limit washing to every other day.

• Increased Testosterone levels causes Balding

In case you don’t know, testosterone is a steroid hormone that regulates the sex drive in men, develops bone and muscles, and distributes fat. Many people think that men with increased testosterone levels (sexually active) are prone to hair loss. However, it is not testosterone but its byproduct Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that contributes to hair thinning. 

• Growing age weakens Your Hair Follicles

If you think that only older people experience hair loss then you are mistaken. Many studies have revealed that growing age is not the only contributor to hair loss. According to the American Hair Loss Association, many Americans can begin to experience hair loss as early as in their 20s and 30s. Some people may even experience pattern baldness by the age of 35. 

Why Your Hair Starts Shedding?

Now that you have learned about the common hair loss myths, it is important to unmask the actual culprits. The hairline starts receding due to two main factors – DHT production and sensitivity to androgenic hormones. 

Men begin to experience the loss when an enzyme 5-AR transforms testosterone into DHT; the change takes place at a conversion rate of 10 percent every day. As a result, the hormone shrinks the hair follicles and affects the hair growth. 

The process that starts from hair thinning leads to a point where the hair growth eventually stops. Women experience less hair loss compared to men due to low levels of DHT. However, women are more prone to hair and scalp dryness than men. Other factors that contribute to hair loss include:

• Your genes can make you prone to pattern baldness. There are 287 genetic regions that can lead to baldness or androgenetic alopecia. 
• Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues, anemia, eating disorders, and iron deficiency also contribute to hair loss. 
• Blood thinners, birth control pills, and certain other medications disrupt the hair production. The hair follicles become weak, and the strands start to fall out. 
• Emotional and physical stress affects the hormone levels in your body. The hormonal imbalance can lead to hair loss. However, the loss is temporary, and it goes away when you overcome the stress.

Mistakes to avoid to Prevent Hair Loss

Today, there are many treatments that can help reverse hair loss. However, certain mistakes can cause the problem to resurface. It is important to learn about these mistakes so that you can prevent the damage in the first place.

• Over drying your Hair

Women often use blow dryers, hair straighteners, or flat irons without allowing the hair to dry after a shower. It is important to wait until the hair is 70-80 percent dry. Vigorous toweling also damages the hair follicles and scalp. Make sure to use a soft towel and pat your hair gently. In addition, avoid over-drying the hair.

• Using Chemical-infused Shampoos Daily

We have already mentioned that shampooing is not harmful to hair. However, using shampoos and conditioners with every shower can affect the organic structure of your hair. It does not mean avoiding the shower; you can wet and soak your hair with water. It is better to shampoo your hair on alternate days. 

• Over combing your Hair

 One common mistake that people often do is over-brushing or excessive combing. Enthusiastic hair brushing exerts stress on your scalp, which eventually damages the hair follicles and roots. The best way to groom or shape your hair is to use your fingers. 

• Growing Long Hair

While long hair looks beautiful, it can add stress on the hair roots and follicles. Furthermore, long hair reveals the balding areas of the scalp more quickly. If you have thin hair, it is better to keep it short in length. 

• Excess use of Hair styling products

Men and women both use hair gels, sprays, and mousses for styling. However, overdosing your hair with these products can strip your scalp of the natural oils. 

Regrowing your hair is possible. However, it is important to take good care of your hair and avoid such mistakes that can lead to hair loss.

The Most Common Hair Loss Myths FAQs