Hats Off: Separating Fact from Fiction in Hair Loss
They say that wearing a hat can cause premature baldness, but is that true? Read more to learn about hats and hair loss and if there really is a correlation now
Hair loss and male pattern baldness are as prevalent as they are poorly understood. Even with billions spent on stopping baldness and so much effort invested, some common myths continue to persist – like myths about hats and hair loss.
To try something – anything – to stop baldness, people are willing to try everything and blame anything for their baldness. You can’t blame them – two out of three men will experience some hair loss by their 60th birthday.
The question remains: do hats cause hair loss? Will going bare-headed today keep your scalp covered in the future?
Keep reading to find out.
Hats and Hair Loss: Another Myth
Hats get a bad rep in the hair loss research community, but there’s no scientific evidence of a correlation between hats and hair loss.
The theory states that pressure and irritation from hats put excess strain on your hair follicles, potentially leading to premature hair loss. However, your hat doesn’t damage your hair follicles any more than your wife or girlfriend’s ponytail does.
When do hats become a problem? Wearing a dirty hat on repeat can lead to scalp infections. Regular scalp infections do accelerate hair loss if pre-existing conditions are already present. To prevent buildup, put your hat in the wash on a regular basis or rotate your hats frequently.
Hats may also become a problem if the headwear fits improperly. A tight band can increase heat or decrease blood flow to your scalp. Wearing a hat that’s ill-fitted may lead to temporary hair loss in confined areas. This loss may become permanent, but likely only if other factors are also at play.
If you love wearing hats and are still worried about hair loss, wear a well-fitted, clean hat to protect your scalp and hair follicles. Additionally, if you’re experiencing significant hair thinning, consider scalp micropigmentation. It’s perfectly fine to wear a hat after scalp micropigmentation too. Choose something that fits comfortably and is clean to protect the treated area and maintain optimal results.
What Do We Know About Hair Loss?
Hair loss may happen as a result of one or more of half a dozen reasons.
Research suggests that male pattern baldness – the most common type of hair loss – may occur when the progenitor cells in your scalp, which make hair, go haywire or are faulty.
In some cases, the fault is a lack of progenitor cells. In others, these cells don’t function as intended.
However, progenitor problems aren’t the only cause. Hair loss also receives contributions from age, genetics, illness, and how well you take care of your hair and scalp.
The overuse of heat tools – like curling irons and hair straighteners – contribute.
Your Hat Is Your Friend
Skipping a hat now doesn’t mean you’ll protect your hair later in life. Unfortunately, it’s not just hats and hair loss — a combination of factors plays a role in baldness. None of those include hats.
If you do lose hair, it likely will be hair you were already meant to lose as a result of genetics, illness, or faulty progenitor cells.
Are you experiencing hair loss and want to turn it around? Click here to learn more about how to defy hair loss with scalp micropigmentation.
Book your scalp micropigmentation consultation today.