Hair loss: top 20 myths on hair balding

Myths on Hair Balding #1: Hair balding is due to over exposure to the sun

Let’s not blame the sun for hair balding, there are other reasons to hair balding like stress and lack of necessary nutrients. But if you’re out in the sun for a long period of time, UV rays can damage your hair. Over exposure to the sun can make you hair brittle and dull, but it’s nothing a trim and hair spa can’t take care of. You can also cover your hair with a scarf or a cap to avoid hair damage, eat a balanced diet and exercise.


But hair balding is not linked to UV rays.


Myths on Hair Balding #2: Only men are susceptible to hair balding

It’s an archaic view that hair loss only affects men, haven’t you heard women complain about hair loss? Hair balding or hair loss does not discriminate on basis of gender. The main factor that causes hair loss in women is due to hormonal changes or thyroid problems. It can also be a result of daily worries of balancing house work and office life. With their hectic schedules women tend to eat less or skip a meal, which are also perpetrators of hair balding.


Myths on Hair Balding #3: Clogged pores cause hair loss

If you thought acne only affects the skin, think again, acne is caused by clogged pores. Both hair loss and acne are due to hormonal changes but they are not linked together. Skin care and hair care, diet and de-stressing methods are a few ways to prevent hair loss and male pattern hair balding.


Myths on Hair Balding #4: Caps and hats cause hair balding

Earlier we mentioned that to prevent hair damage cover your hair with a scarf or a cap. But then you must have thought of someone telling you, caps are a cause of hair balding. The logic used is that, sweat and heat make you lose hair or that the cap loosens your hair follicles or that the cap prevents the hair from breathing.


You ought to know that hair gets oxygen from the hair follicles and does not cause any damage. But a dirty and soiled cap can lead to hair infection and hair loss.


Myths on Hair Balding #5: Hair loss is from your mother’s side

Hair loss is heredity, but you can’t only blame your mom for it. If hair balding is in your genes then it could be from your father’s side too. Science says that predominant genes are mostly from your mother’s side but if your dad is balding, then there are chances that hair balding can happen to you too.


Heredity baldness can be explained as hair thinning and not by hair loss. Hair balding is the result of hair thinning.


Myths on Hair Balding #6: Stress causes hair balding

We have mentioned that stress is one of the causes of hair loss; this is true to a point. Stress only speeds up the process of hair balding and hair loss in you. It is normal to lose 100 strands of hair in a day, but it is a problem if it does not grow back. If your bodyweight increases or reduces in a short span of time, it can lead to hair loss.


Myths on Hair Balding #7: Hair balding is linked to old age

It is common to see older men with bald heads, but what does it mean when a much younger man or woman begins to shed hair? Hair balding can start in your teens, and is common among 20-30 year olds. This doesn’t mean you are old, especially if you are healthy and can function like a person of your age. If you are disease free without any complaints, then there you have it, hair balding is not linked to old age.


Myths on Hair Balding #8: Hair gels and hair sprays cause hair loss

In India, hair gels and sprays are deemed as causes of hair balding, while hair oil is respected and talked about in the highest regard. Hair oil is good for the hair, but most people prefer using hair gels to style their hair as it is not greasy to handle. The problem lies in overuse of mechanical equipments like curlers and straightners. Regular and frequent use of these hair styling tools can leave your hair damaged. Therefore, it is safe to use hair gels and sprays as they will not cause hair loss.


Myths on Hair Balding #9: Lack of blood supply to the head causes hair loss

We advise you not to stand on your head to increase the blood supply to the head; it will only make you woozy. It is not true that lack of blood to the head will cause hair loss. But it is interesting to know that lack of blood supply only happens when hair starts falling. It is naive to say that decrease in blood to the head results in hair loss.


Myths on Hair Balding #10: Daily or frequent shampooing causes hair loss

Contrary to popular belief, if you shampoo less often there are higher chances that hair fall is greater. When you don’t wash your hair often with shampoo, dirt or dandruff builds up leading to greater loss of hair. In case hair fall is intense, then you should change your shampoo, pick a milder shampoo for your hair. But do not neglect washing your hair when needed.


Myths on Hair Balding #11: Hair Loss due to testosterone

They say high level of testosterone causes hair loss and hair balding in men. Hair balding is recognized by hair thinning rather than hair fall. What causes the hair to thin is DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is what makes the hair follicles thin and then disappear. When hair follicles of certain parts of your scalp come in contact with DHT, it makes the hair thin.


Myths on Hair Balding #12: Propecia and Rogaine prevent hair loss

It is true that these hair loss treatment drugs prevent hair loss. What it actually does is that it slows down hair loss and is not responsible for growth of hair follicles. But Propecia can regrow hair to an extent. These drugs work well when the person first starts noticing thinning of hair. However, these drugs will not bring back a hair line that has already seen its peaks disappear.


Myths on Hair Balding #13: High intake of Carbs results in Hair Balding

Carbs have nothing to do with hair loss; au contraire carbs provide nutrients for healthy hair. Red meat is also a good source of iron which is great for strengthening hair. It can also lead to re growth of hair.


Myths on Hair Balding #14: Active sexual life leads to hair balding

They say that those who are sexually active can lose their hair. This is a completely baseless myth with no scientific backing whatsoever. We repeat: There is no link that hair loss is caused due to increased levels of testosterone or frequency in ejaculation.


Myths on Hair Balding #15: Cold water prevents hair balding

While a cold water shower can improve the circulation for blood supply, it definitely cannot help in re-growth of hair. Cold water shower is also a great way to de-stress and the best way to cool down in summer, but - once again - it is a false assumption that such a shower will help you prevent hair loss.


Myths on Hair Balding #16: Massaging and brushing reduces hair loss

It is believed that massaging the scalp and brushing your hair improves the blood supply, but apparently these procedures only hamper the hair. If you brush your hair often, it will break it, even certain hair styles can damage the hair causing hair fall.


Myths on Hair Balding #17: Oil application for hair loss

Many feel that inadequate oil application leads to hair loss or thinning. This is not true. Oil application only helps if accompanied with a massage. But if your hair is falling avoid massage as it could further irritate your hair follicles and scalp.


Myths on Hair Balding #18: Shaving and trimming for better hair growth

Many men shave off their heads, so that growth improves. Hair cutting and shaving have no impact on the hair follicle. Once the damage is done, it cannot be reversed by treating the ends of the hair follicles with any cutting or trimming treatment.


Prevent Hair Fall

Losing hair is heart breaking for men and women. The sight of balding in your heydays can be a nightmare except that you are living it. But there are ways and measures that you can implement daily and weekly. Find out the 25 best and effective ways of prevent hair loss and strengthening your hair.