Can Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?
If you wear hats often, you must have heard people tell you that the hat will give you hair fall.
But can wearing a hat cause hair loss?
Well, maybe. However, there isn’t much scientific evidence to back up the theory.
Many factors are known to contribute to hair loss.
Age, heredity, hormonal imbalance, medications, etc., are some common causes.
Understanding Male Pattern Baldness, or Androgenic Alopecia, has been the subject of extensive research.
It affects one in every two men over the age of 40.
Yet, hardly any of those studies have researched if wearing hats might lead to hair loss.
Continue reading to learn more about the link between wearing hats and hair loss.
Hats and hair loss
A study investigated the impact of different environmental factors on hair loss in 92 pairs of identical twins.
It was revealed that the twins who wore hats experienced less hair loss in the area above their forehead than those who did not wear one.
However, Dr. John Anthony, a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist, said that wearing tight or hot hats could lead to decreased blood flow to the hair follicles.
This reduced blood flow could stress the hair follicles and cause hair fall.
Such hair loss, he says, is mostly temporary but could possibly become permanent over time.
They are not created after birth.
The average number of hair on a person’s head ranges between 80000-150000.
What causes hair loss on the scalp?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, losing about 50-100 strands of hair daily is normal and natural.
It does not result in thinning or hair loss as new hair is also growing at the same time.
You may start to lose hair if there is an imbalance in the process of hair loss and growth.
You might also experience hair loss when the hair follicles are replaced by scar tissue, possibly due to wearing tight hats.
But that is unlikely to happen.
Some known causes of hair loss include:
Hormonal changes
Hormones impact many body processes, including regulating the hair growth cycle.
Pregnancy, childbirth, thyroid issues, menopause, etc., can all affect the hormone levels in the body.
This might cause your hair to fall out.
Genetics
If you have a family history of hair loss, it is more likely that you might suffer from it too.
Genetics is the most common reason for hair loss in people.
Medical conditions
Conditions such as Psoriasis, Diabetes, Lupus, etc., can lead to hair loss on the scalp.
Ringworm, a type of fungal infection, can also lead to hair fall.
Stress
High-stress levels can lead to a lot of conditions that cause hair loss.
Alopecia areata is one of the most common conditions which is triggered by stress.
Another such condition is Trichotillomania, in which people have a tendency to pull out their hair in an uncomfortable or negative situation.
Hair styles and treatments
Over-styling or excessive hair treatments can also cause hair loss.
Styles such as cornrows and tight ponytails can cause traction alopecia.
It is a type of gradual hair loss caused when a pulling force is continuously applied to the hair.
Medications and supplements
Sometimes, consuming some medications might also lead to hair fall as a side effect.
Treatments for Cancer, Arthritis, Gout, heart conditions, etc., may cause you to lose your hair.
Hair loss and thinning are possible side effects of radiation therapy for the head.
Takeaway
In conclusion, wearing a hat does not directly cause hair loss.
But, as a preventive measure, wear hats that fit properly and clean them regularly.
If you are experiencing hair loss, seeking medical advice is recommended.
It is important to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.
Caring for your hair and scalp can help maintain healthy hair and reduce the risk of hair loss.
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