Hats & Hair Loss: Does Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?
If you’re experiencing hair loss then you’re not alone. Both men and women can experience hair loss at some point in their lives.
While male-pattern baldness is normally inherited, it begins later in life. Some can be affected by it in their 20s as well. This is when you’ll notice a receding hairline. This article will explore the facts about hats and hair loss. Read on to discover these facts and how to avoid hair loss.
Does Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be due to medical conditions, age, heredity, medications, and hormonal changes. While there isn’t enough science yet to back this idea, some believe that there’s a connection between receding hair and hats. Is this a reasonable concern? Let’s look into the research.
Exploring Research
One study takes a look at 92 pairs of identical twins and how environmental factors can impact hair loss. The study finds that wearing a hat reduces the amount of hair loss. Other factors include money spent on hair loss products, exercise, and drinking.
Other specialists state that if your hat is hot or tight it can decrease the blood flow to your hair follicles. A decrease in blood flow can cause stress on your hair follicles which leads to hair loss.
Another reason is due to traction alopecia. This is when there’s constant tension or pulling of your hair that leads to hair loss.
While this hair loss might be temporary, it can become permanent over time. In order to avoid this, choose looser-fitting hats.
The Symptoms of Hair Loss
You might notice gradual thinning on your head as the first sign of hair loss. For men, hair receding on the forehead is most common. For women, they often notice a broadening in the part of their hair.
Next time you take a bath, check the floor to see how much hair you lose. If it seems more than usual, that’s a sign of hair loss. Be mindful of the hair in your brush as well. More hair in your brush than usual can mean hair loss.
Check for any bald spots or patches on your scalp. This can occur first before total balding.
The Causes of Hair Loss
Certain hairstyles can lead to hair loss. This is because of the pulling from hairstyles such as cornrows or pigtails. It’s known as traction alopecia.
Medications
Certain medications can cause hair loss. This includes medications for depression, gout, high blood pressure, cancer, heart problems, and others.
Hormonal Changes
Thyroid, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can all cause hormonal changes to your body. One condition known as alopecia areata is where your immune system causes patchy hair and ringworm.
In order to avoid infections to your scalp, it’s important to wash your scalp each week, but not too much. If you don’t wash it enough it can lead to the overgrowth of oils, and too much can strip your hair of natural oils. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 2-3 times per week.
Telogen Effluvium
This is where your hair stays in the natural shedding phase. Your hair falls out in handfuls within this stage. The good news is this condition is normally temporary. If you think you might be suffering from this, it’s vital you speak with a doctor. Some reasons for this can include:
- Childbirth
- Certain medications
- Thyroid problems
- Extreme weight loss
- Surgery
- Major stress
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen Effluvium is when a large amount of hair falls out fast. You might notice hair falling from your head or other parts of your body. This can include your eyelashes and eyebrows. Causes can include:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Chemotherapy
- Fungal infections
- Radiation
In order to reduce the amount of hair loss, you can have your scalp cooled during the procedure. When you stop chemotherapy, your hair will begin to grow back within a few months.
Nutritional Deficits
If you’re using extreme diets then you might notice a decrease in the amount of iron, vitamins, and protein in your diet. Deficiencies with vitamins can lead to hair loss.
Birth Control
When you’re using birth control pills, the shot, ring, etc. you might notice hair loss. Hair loss after stopping can also occur. If you’re at an increased risk of hair loss, speak to your doctor about taking non-hormonal types of birth control.
Ringworm
This fungal infection can lead to hair loss. It leads to temporary bald areas on the head. Symptoms are:
- Itchy and red patches
- Oozing blisters
- Ring-like patches
- Brittle hair
Your doctor might prescribe an antifungal medicine if it doesn’t go away on its own. An antibiotic might be an option as well.
Dandruff
If you have an itchy or inflamed scalp, avoid scratching it since that can cause more hair to shed. Dandruff can be treated with specialized shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione. Ensure that you keep up with this special shampoo in order to decrease your dandruff.
Seborrheic dermatitis is harder to treat. It’s due to a buildup of yeast and oil. If you’re experiencing this, you’ll want to see a dermatologist.
Stress
Physical or emotional stress can lead to hair loss as well. Stress can cause a temporary pause on hair growth.
Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditions can attack your hair and make it fall out. Certain medications given to those with autoimmune conditions can cause hair loss as well.
Steroids
Taking anabolic steroids can increase hair loss. The good news is that once you stop taking it then your hair can grow back.
Risk Factors
Those who are at a greater risk of hair loss include those with poor nutrition, stress, genetics, and age. Avoid a significant weight loss since that can lead to it as well. Medications for lupus and diabetes can cause hair loss.
The Different Cycles of Hair Growth
Your hair goes through 3 cycles, telogen, anagen, and catagen. The anagen phase is the growing phase. This can last for a few years.
The resting phase is the telogen phase. It lasts for a few months. When this phase ends, your hair falls out.
The categen phase is also known as the transition phase. This is when your hair follicles shrink for about a few weeks.
Your eyebrows, arm, leg hair, and eyelashes have an anagen phase of only a month. Your scalp’s anagen phase can last for many years.
How Common Is Hair Loss in Women?
While men are more likely to experience hair loss, many women suffer from hair loss as well. It’s normal to lose up to 100 pieces of hair per day. Pay attention to how much hair you lose each day to figure out what’s a normal amount.
Preventing Hair Loss
One study finds that eating a Mediterranean diet might help reduce your risk of androgenic alopecia. This is male or female pattern baldness. It might also slow its onset as well.
During this study, participants eat salad greens, parsley, and basil for more than 3 days per week. They have plenty of fresh herbs and raw vegetables with this diet.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A has retinoids which are vital in increasing hair growth. It might also help with sebum production. Sebum production is important in order to maintain a healthy scalp.
Vitamin D
A vitamin D deficiency is found to be associated with nonscarring alopecia. If you treat the deficiency, then your hair might regrow. You can speak with your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement every day.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as B7 or vitamin H, is important for the fatty acid synthesis in your body. Hair loss might occur if you have a deficiency in biotin. Avoid taking too large of a dose since too much biotin isn’t healthy either.
Ginseng
Some believe that ginseng might promote hair growth on your scalp. As far as a specific dose, more studies need to be done. Talk with your doctor about taking a ginseng supplement.
Hair Processing
Keep in mind that dying your hair or perming it can lead to damage to your scalp or hair. Speak with your hairstylist about alternatives such as organic dyes. Some of them might not contain peroxide, ammonia, or para-phenylenediamine.
Limit Hot Tools
Limit or avoid the use of hot tools such as straighteners and curling irons. They can cause damage and breakage to your hair. Instead, choose natural hairstyles more often.
Limit Tight Hairstyles
Limit or avoid tighter hairstyles that pull your hair such as cornrows or pigtails. Choose to wear your hair down more often.
Use lightweight conditioners and shampoos since they won’t weigh your hair down as much. Also, reduce stress in your life and eat a healthy diet.
Growing Thicker Hair
While you can’t change the texture of your hair follicles, you can make them appear thicker in order to reduce hair loss. Add more eggs to your diet since they’re high in protein. You can also consider using a hair treatment that contains eggs.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has omega 3 which is essential for your health. If you want to use olive oil on your scalp, first heat the oil to body temperature. Next, massage it onto your scalp and hair. Leave it on for about 30-45 minutes. Rinse it out with olive oil and a mild shampoo.
Good Nutrition
If your hair is unhealthy, it might be a sign that you’re not getting proper nutrients. First, include salmon in your diet. This is because it has plenty of fatty acids and protein. Incorporate nuts as well such as almonds or walnuts. Beans such as pinto, black, and green are a great option as well. Greek yogurt has a good amount of protein.
Aloe
Many think that aloe is beneficial for your hair, skin, and scalp. You can apply aloe oil to your scalp and hair. Buying products that contain aloe are an option as well. Find creams and gels you can apply to your hair and scalp.
Castor Oil
Another option is to use castor oil since it has fatty acids and vitamin E. Vitamin E is great for hair health. Rub the castor oil over your scalp and hair until it’s coated. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before you rinse it out.
Hair Loss Covering Tips
If you’re uncomfortable with your hair loss and are waiting for it to grow back with growth products, you can massage your scalp to encourage blood flow. Blood flow can stimulate the hair follicles and scalp.
Consider adding layers to your hair to hide a receding hairline or bald spots. Choose shampoos that don’t have sulfate detergents. Look for ones that add volume as well.
You can cut your hair into a bob and wear your hair in a side part in order to hide bald spots as well. Choose curly hairstyles since that’ll make your hair appear thicker. Tousled hairstyles are a great option as well.
Now that you’ve explored this guide on hats and hair loss, you should have a better idea if it’s a cause for concern or not. Remember that if you do wear hats, choose those that are looser fitting.
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