Tag Archive for: male pattern hair loss

Debunking the Myths About Hair Loss

Happy Head board-certified dermatologists are debunking the myths about hair loss. It's never too late to treat it.

Legend has it that Samson, the biblical hero, needed his hair to give him his strength. After his hair loss, Samson was said to have lost his superhuman power. Although this tale has no basis in reality (no, your hair does not give you power), the Samson story may have added to the myth that long, thick hair was proof of virility and fertility. While most people know that the hair on your head is not directly related to your strength and power, there are other hair myths that remain. In this article, we’ll focus on debunking the myths of hair loss and affirm some facts along the way. 

What Are the Facts & the Myths About Hair Loss? 

Losing your hair can be caused by a myriad of factors, so preventing hair loss takes a multi-pronged approach. One example is a person’s diet. While specific vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy hair, a poor diet won’t make you bald. It can, however, cause your hair to start thinning. Using the right hair products, consuming hair-friendly nutrients, and taking a proactive approach to hair growth, to prevent hair loss, can even help regrow your hair. Let’s explore seven common myths about hair loss. 

1. Your mother is the reason for your hair loss. 

The myth that you inherit baldness from your mother is false, at least half the time. While it’s true that genetics play a major role in male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness, you can inherit the condition from either of your parents. Androgenic alopecia, for example, is a hair loss condition with strong genetic links. But where that genetic link comes from is not that easy to explain. 

For example, men get their X chromosome from their mother and the Y chromosome from their father. And although the gene most associated with baldness – the AR gene – is found on the X chromosome, there are 63 other genes responsible for hair loss. You may be surprised that only six of those genes are on the X chromosome. So, you might blame your mother for a lot of things during therapy, but hair loss shouldn’t be one of them! (01)

2. Baldness only happens with age. 

Middle-aged adults do not have a monopoly on hair loss. Studies show that about 16% of young adult males ages 18 to 29 have moderate to severe hair loss, so losing hair can happen at any age. Some men can start losing hair in adolescence. 

People who have a genetic predisposition to hair loss start losing hair as early as their teens or twenties, decades before most people expect the loss to occur. The signs are there decades before they may notice. So, if you suspect you might be losing your hair, it’s always advisable to consult a professional as soon as possible. 

3. Hair suffocates under a hat. 

Some people will tell you that wearing a hat leads to hair loss because headwear can “suffocate” your hair. First of all, your follicles and hair strands do not breathe. Therefore, you can’t suffocate the hair off your head. 

You can, however, experience traction alopecia if your hat or hairstyle constantly pulls at your hair. Over time, repeated pressure or friction may lead to hair follicle damage or hair loss. In addition, a tight fit can restrict blood flow if worn daily, which may prevent vital nutrients from getting into hair follicles. While wearing a hat is fine, make sure to wear one that’s not constricting or abrasive to your scalp. 

4. Only men experience severe hair loss. 

Hair loss, even balding, is not a condition isolated to men. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women also struggle with hair loss. Because, for all genders, the cause is typically genetic. Also, both men and women see thinning hair with age. The difference is how the person loses their hair. (02)

Men tend to lose hair in a very specific area, like at the hairline or the top of the head. On the other hand, women lose hair evenly and diffusely throughout the scalp. And, unlike men, women have historically had more options to disguise their hair loss in the form of wigs, weaves, and other cosmetic measures to cover baldness. In short, women also experience severe hair loss — albeit with significant differences. 

4. Stress causes baldness.

Does stress cause baldness? This myth is a little tricky. While stress by itself doesn’t cause baldness, it does cause hair loss. Telogen effluvium, a common hair loss condition, occurs due to severe and persistent stress. Anything from job loss to illness can trigger a stress response, which may result in hair loss. 

Telogen effluvium is also known as “club hair” due to the shape of hairs at the root. Hair loss happens throughout the head and does not typically cause complete baldness. The condition can impact any person at any age as long as they’ve experienced significant stress or sickness. Fortunately, in most cases, hair loss during telogen effluvium grows back after the stress has resolved. (03)

5. Men who go bald have too much testosterone. 

Although it may provide some comfort to think you’re losing your hair because you’re too manly, the truth is not that simple. Elevated levels of testosterone do not lead to baldness. However, testosterone does play an indirect role when it comes to hereditary hair loss. 

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a sex hormone that’s converted from testosterone. Hair follicles are affected by DHT. And some people are genetically inclined to have follicles that are exceptionally sensitive to the hormone, causing hair follicles to shrink in size and unable to grow healthy hair. (04) To combat the conversion of Testosterone into DHT, you need a custom hair treatment that targets the hormone. 

6. Certain hairstyles will cause you to go bald.

Your mousse and gel routine will not cause baldness, no matter how many bottles of product you go through. That said, some hairstyles may cause your hair too thin. For example, heated hair tools and tight braids can cause breakage, causing thinner hair. Once stopped, however, hair typically grows back normally. 

Coloring, bleaching,  or perming your hair also does not cause you to go bald, though it may damage the hair and lead to thinning. In most cases, the hair grows back once the coloring or perming ends.  Remember, any hair products that cause severe scalp injuries can result in permanent bald patches. 

7. Brushing your hair will encourage hair growth.

The myth about brushing your hair 100 times before bed stems from a time when hair conditioner wasn’t available to the masses. In the past, women (and some men) spread hair oils throughout the scalp by brushing repeatedly. This activity kept hair from becoming dry and brittle. 

Happy Head products help promote hair growth and combat hair loss at the root. Choose from custom-made topical treatments to super strength orals and more at HappyHead.com.

These days, the right shampoo and conditioner do the job that brushing used to do. Maintaining clean hair and a healthy scalp prevents hair loss. Brushing your hair too much, on the other hand, causes breakage and hair loss. While it won’t make you go bald, it may thin out your hair. (05)

The Truth About Hair Loss

Throughout history, hair has always had a mystical quality. Whether it’s the lock of hair placed into a boiling cauldron or Samson’s powerful mane, humans have always assigned myths to hair. Now that we’re done debunking the myths of hair loss, you know your hair isn’t magical — hair growth comes down to science. 

Happy Head takes the mystery out of hair loss. All of our doctors are board-certified dermatologists specializing in hair growth. Our proprietary hair growth formula and hair care products were developed by world-renowned hair loss pioneers: Dr. Ben Behnam and Dr. Sean Behnam. Looking to prevent hair loss or regrow your hair? Take the questionnaire and get started your customized hair loss program today. 

Resources: 

(01) https://www.healthline.com/health/baldness-gene
(02) https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes
(03) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430848/
(04) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68082#Hair-growth-and-hair-loss
(05) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5419032/

 

Are These Ordinary Things Damaging Your Hair?

It’s not surprising that elements like chlorine and salt water can make your hair look dry and frizzy.  Or that flat irons, hair dryers, and other heat styling can cause heavy-duty breakage.  Bleach and highlights, well, no surprise there, either.  You’re probably careful about avoiding these known troublemakers, especially if your hair is thinning or balding.  After all, you want the hair that’s remaining to stay as healthy as possible.  It’s difficult to avoid things you don’t know can damage your hair, though.  You don’t know what you don’t know.  So, we’re here to fill you in on some very ordinary things that could wreak havoc on your tresses.  

Hard Water Can Cause Bad Hair Days

Finding the right shampoo and conditioner is usually top of mind when it comes to hair care.  But do you ever think about what kind of water you’re using to wash your hair?  Is the water coming out of your showerhead hard or soft?  Hard water isn’t harmful, but it can be harsh on your hair.  

First, let’s talk a little bit about what hard water is.  When you look at water, you usually see a clear liquid.  What you can’t see is the concentration of minerals and chemicals in the water.  The concentration of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, determines your water’s hardness.  The higher the amount of calcium and magnesium, the harder the water.  You may be unable to tell if your water is hard or soft.  A couple of signs that it’s hard are if your drinking glasses get cloudy or your hands still feel slippery after you’ve washed them with soap and water.  

Now, what does hard water mean for your hair?  One research study found that hard water can actually damage your hair. (01)  When hair samples were washed in hard water versus distilled water for 30 days, the distilled water samples were thicker and less crumpled looking.  If your hair is dull, brassy, has a green hue, breaks or tangles easily, check your water. 

If you discover that your water is hard, there are some things you can do to protect your hair.  One option is to use a vinegar rinse  or clarifying shampoo once a week.  Another option is to install a showerhead with a filter.  Whole house water softener filtration systems are also available.  Filters and water softening systems reduce the mineral concentration in the water, leaving your hair softer and silkier.  

Addicted to Hairspray or Gel?

Most of us were not born with that perfect hair we see in ads.  You know what we mean, that glossy, thick hair that falls exactly into the right place, even in the rain and wind.  So, we resort to the next best thing.  Hairspray or gel that freezes our hair in place and gives us that extra hold.  It works, right?  But is it really good for you?  

Hairspray or gel probably won’t make your hair fall out.  They could, however, dry out your hair and cause breakage.  Alcohol, ethanol, parabens, and fragrances tend to cause the most damage.  Also, formulas that clog your hair follicles could make it harder for new hair to grow.  If you can’t live without something to give your hairstyle a little extra hold, look for products that contain all-natural and hydrating ingredients such as argan oil and biotin.  

What about sea salt sprays?  They’ve become popular for adding volume and texture.  Are they okay since salt is a natural ingredient?  Yes and no.  In moderation, sea salt spray is fine.  Too much, however, will have the same drying effect as you get when swimming in the ocean.  Salt strips the moisture out of your hair.  

Stressed Out?  Here’s An Excuse to Treat Yourself to a Massage.

It’s not surprising that stress takes a toll on our minds and our bodies.  Headaches, digestive issues, heart disease, and more have all been linked.  This one may surprise you, though.  Hair loss can be directly related to stress.  Think about it.  When you get stressed, your body reacts involuntarily by getting tense.  Your blood vessels constrict, and there isn’t as much oxygen flowing to your scalp and hair follicles as usual.  And when your hair follicles don’t feel the love, they can’t sustain or produce healthy hair.  The technical term is called telogen effluvium.  Fortunately, stress-induced hair loss can resolve itself over time.  Meanwhile, a good massage, 30 minutes a day with a meditation app, or a brisk walk may be just what the doctor ordered.

Avoiding Your Barber or Stylist

Growing your hair out?  Too busy to get in for a haircut?  You may want to squeeze in time for an appointment.  When you go too long between visits, you can end up with split ends.  Split ends mean that your hair is more likely to break higher up near the shafts.  The longer you wait between cuts, the higher the damage to your hair strands.  Trims every four to six weeks will help keep your hair healthier and stronger.  

It May Be Time to Change Your Pillowcases

This one may seem far fetched but stay with us.  Switching to silk pillowcases may help keep your hair healthier.  If your pillowcases are cotton, the fibers could be rough.  If that’s the case, your hair rubbing against the fibers could cause tangling and breakage.  You know what it takes to get a knot out of your hair.  Extra brushing and yanking leads to breakage.  The fibers themselves could also cause breakage.  Cotton is known for absorbing oils as well. Silk pillowcases do a better job of allowing your hair’s natural oils to stay on your head where they belong rather than on the pillowcase where they could cause acne.  

Yet Another Reason to Quit Smoking

If you’re a smoker, you probably don’t want another lecture on quitting.  You’ve heard it all, or so you thought.   Did you know that smoke from cigarettes can damage your hair follicles?   When you smoke, your body is exposed to toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde and arsenic.  These and additional toxins damage the structure of your blood vessels. Some of those blood vessels affect your heart.  Other vessels lead to your head and scalp.  When the blood vessels are exposed to the toxins and shrink, the blood flow to your hair follicles is reduced.  That means new, healthy hair can’t be produced.  Existing hair may fall out.  

Your Genetics May Be Working Against You

If you notice that your hair is thinning or balding, you may be experiencing androgenetic alopecia, male or female pattern hair loss.  It’s a genetic condition that affects a large percentage of the population.  Men who experience the condition see a receding hairline.  Women usually notice a widening part.  Hereditary hair loss can occur any time after puberty, so even people in their 20s may be affected.  The best way to know for sure is by checking with your dermatologist.  If it turns out that your hair loss is due to androgenetic alopecia, medications including Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, and Spironolactone are available to stop the shedding and stimulate hair growth.  The medications help enlarge shrinking hair follicles and prevent your hormones from converting to androgens that cause hair loss. 

Can Damaged Hair be Repaired?

If damage is already done, is there anything you can do to repair your hair?  Take heart.  All is not lost.  First, stop using any offending products.  If the damage is stems from smoking, stress, or other behavior, lifestyle changes will help.  If your hair is thinning or balding, it’s always good to consult with your dermatologist.  As mentioned, you may be experiencing male or female pattern hair loss or another type of alopecia that can be managed with the right treatment.  

Not sure what’s damaging your hair?  Our hair growth experts are here to help.  All of our doctors are board-certified dermatologists experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your hair.  They’ll be able to help you figure out if your hair is damaged from something you might not be aware of or if you have a form of alopecia that can be treated. We also offer customized treatments ranging from thickening shampoos and conditioners to prescription hair regrowth formulas.  Best of all, you can order from your couch and receive your delivery at your front door.   Get started now!

 

Resources:

(01) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30034190/