Hair Loss Myths

Below are some common hair loss myths.

Myth: Losing an average of a hundred hairs per day is normal. Don’t worry about it.
Fact: It’s true only if you don’t have MPB (male pattern baldness). Everyone loses some hair each day. Some hair loss is a normal part of human hair growth.When a hair is released from a hair follicle, new hair growth should replace the lost hair. If you are experiencing male hair loss, the follicles which produce hair are in the process of shrinking. At this stage the hairs being produced are thinner and shorter. As time progresses these follicles die and no new hair are produced to replace the lost hair, and extensive hair loss begins.

Myth: You can increase the number of hair follicles by using drugs or other methods such as hair loss products.
Fact: No. The number and diameter of your hair follicles is completely out of your control. It is hereditary.

Myth: Cutting or shaving hair can cause faster hair growth, with more thickness.
Fact: No. Hair grows at an average rate of one centimeter a month. Because each hair shaft is slightly thicker at its base compared to its tip, hair can temporarily appear thicker for about a week after it has been cut.

Myth: Wearing hats can cause hair loss.
Fact: Unless the hat is worn so tight as to cut off circulation to the hair follicles, wearing a hat does not cause hair to fall out. Instead, hats can contribute positively by blocking the sun and preventing sunburn. Wearing a hat for too long especially in hot and humid climate, however, can contribute to the excretion and accumulation of sebum and oil on your hair.
Sebum is a waxy substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands in your skin onto hair follicles. Over time, sebum can react with cholesterol to create a hardened sebum plug that cuts off oxygen circulation to the hair follicles and cause it to fall out. Sebum plug can also accumulate dirt and become a breeding ground for bacteria thereby contributing to hair loss.

Myth: Blow drying and frequent washing causes hair loss.
Fact: Unless they are done excessively, blow drying and washing your hair frequently will not cause hair loss.
However, heat damaged hair is often brittle and prone to shedding. Too much heat can also permanently damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Similarly, physical damage to hair due to overaggressive shampooing or toweling can lead to a hair loss condition called traction alopecia. Similarly, coloring hair, perming, and styling - when done properly - do not lead to hair loss.

Myth: There is nothing you can do to prevent or treat hair loss.
Fact: This last myth is probably the most misunderstood thing about hair loss. In the past, this was true - there was nothing that could be done about hair loss. But now, with advances in science and hair loss product research has increased understanding about the nutritional needs of hair, men and women no longer have to live with hair loss treatment.