Top 3 Hair Loss Myths

These days, it can sometimes seem like telling fact from fiction and true from false is harder than ever. You could go on the internet and search for the answer to “What is 2 + 2?” and it’s likely you’ll find at least one source telling you the answer is “5.” When it comes to hair loss, there are a lot of myths out there, many of which go back centuries.

If you are concerned about losing your hair or are considering doing something to restore your hair to a fuller, more youthful state, make sure you know the truth behind these three hair loss myths:

1. It’s Your Mom’s Fault

Perhaps the biggest myth about hair loss is that it is inherited from your mom’s side of the family. People grow up believing that if their mom’s male relatives are bald or have thinning hair that they are destined to follow in their footsteps. This is simply not the case.

The strength and vitality of your hair are based on your genetics, it’s true. But the genes which factor into hair loss come from many places, including your father’s side of the family. This “polygenic” basis for hair loss means that you should look at all the different branches of your family tree if you are trying to see into your hair loss future.

2. Thinning Hair = Higher Testosterone Levels

While men experiencing hair loss may want to take comfort in the idea that it is a sign of robust testosterone levels, there is simply no link between baldness and high testosterone. That said, it’s easy to see why there may be some confusion on this point.

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a derivative of testosterone that is in fact scientifically linked to hair loss. But it’s not the amount of testosterone that is the issue, but rather the level of DHT fastening to hair follicle receptors in the scalp. Typically, due to genetics or other hormonal changes, hair follicles develop a sensitivity to DHT and begin to miniaturize. This process shortens the hair growth cycle and eventually causes them to stop growing new hairs.

3. Hats Kill Hair

If hats caused hair loss, every baseball player would be bald. This enduring myth is absolutely false. Wearing hats frequently will not have any impact on the strength of your hair or accelerate the rate at which you lose hair. If, however, you wear extremely tight hats a lot, that can cause stress on your follicles and lead to a condition called traction alopecia. But it’s not the hat that is causing the damage, it’s how you wear it.

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, know the truth about hair loss and we know how to help men and women restore their hair and their confidence. We evaluate each hair loss patient with a comprehensive and proven methodology, obtaining a detailed medical history, performing an in-depth scalp examination using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and if indicated, blood tests to detect any underlying imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to the hair loss problem. With this information, we can determine the cause of hair loss and the most effective treatment option.

To schedule your personalized hair loss evaluation, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.