Eight Myths About Hair Loss

There are many myths surrounding hair loss. But what is the real reason some people lose their hair, and can it be prevented? Here, Cem Arel, founder of the Hair Back App, tries to clarify what is true and false.

First, let’s make it clear: the most common cause of hair loss is heredity. A full 60-70% of those affected have it in their genes. This hereditary hair loss is difficult to prevent.

The remaining 30-40% can be related to psychological stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, illness, and mental imbalance. This is usually called temporary hair loss, and these factors can be influenced to some extent by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“So my best advice is to get enough sleep, exercise and move often, and eat well – avoid processed foods,” says Cem Arel.

But are there any everyday habits that can cause hair loss – that can worsen or improve the situation? Which myths are true and which are false?

Myth 1: Only men suffer from hair loss.

– This is not true. 20% of those affected are women. But while men usually inherit their hair loss, women’s hair loss is more often related to stress and hormonal changes after childbirth or during menopause.

Myth 2: Hair loss is the mother’s fault.

– Some believe that it is the woman’s genes that cause hair loss. But that is not true. The inheritance can come from both the father’s and the mother’s side.

Myth 3: Wearing a hat or cap causes hair loss.

– It’s true that hair needs to breathe, and a cap or hat can make it more difficult if you sweat a lot. But it doesn’t cause hair loss because hair follicles in the scalp get oxygen from your blood, not from the air.

Myth 4: You lose hair or get deeper hairlines from wearing hair up.

– Tight hairstyles, such as a very tight ponytail or bun, put a strain on the hair. It can also affect the hairline if you always wear it tightly up. It’s better to have a slightly looser hairstyle.

Myth 5: Vitamins can improve hair growth.

– If you suffer from vitamin or iron deficiency, certain vitamins can improve the quality of your hair. However, they cannot prevent hair loss or give you more hair. Instead, aim for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 6: You lose hair from straightening or curling your hair.

– Using a flat iron or curling iron causes unnecessary wear on the hair. It’s not good, but if hair strands break and fall out, it is not a sign that you are actually losing hair. It grows back again.

Myth 7: Hair products cause hair loss.

– Yes and no. Oil can clog hair follicles, which is not good. On the other hand, it can have a stimulating effect if you massage oil into your scalp, which is beneficial. However, there is no evidence that hair products cause hair loss.

Myth 8: You lose more hair when you brush it.

– Brushing your hair often does not cause hair loss. We lose 50-100 hairs a day, which is completely natural. The hair that gets caught in the brush is just hair that you were going to lose naturally.