Overview
Hats are a common fashion accessory used for many centuries, for the classic gentlemen in top hats to the stylish cap wearers of today. For those suffering from hair loss, it can be used to bring comfort in the insecurities that it brings.
You may be torn wondering whether wearing a hat is making things worse. In this article, we'll outline everything you need to know to put your mind at rest.
So, does it cause hair loss?
Research states wearing a hat does not cause hair loss - although wearing a tight-fitting hat over long periods of time can induce traction alopecia.
What is traction alopecia
Unlike other forms of alopecia (alopecia areata or androgenic alopecia), Alopecia UK states "traction alopecia is caused by the strain of hair follicles causing the follicles to become damaged or pulling out clumps".
Traction alopecia is caused by the constant pulling on the hair follicles. Traction alopecia may be due to a variety of factors: Hair is pulled out from its roots as it grows or the scalp is pulled downward, causing the hair to grow into a different plane than its normal growth direction. Nonetheless, hair follicles are pulled apart in this situation.
The cause of traction alopecia can be due to a number of factors, such as a weakened follicle that is unable to produce hair, a genetic predisposition, thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies or even a reaction to a medication.
The symptoms of traction alopecia include patches of hair loss, hair thinning, and a decrease in the amount of hair. The other visible signs of traction alopecia are redness/irritation or patches of hair missing. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it can be quite uncomfortable for the person suffering from it.
There are two main types of alopecia: Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) and Non-Androgenic Alopecia (NAA).
AGA is caused by the male hormone, testosterone. It’s most common in men over the age of 40, but it can affect women too. AGA is characterized by thinning hair on the top of the head, known as the frontal scalp. It usually starts in the front and progresses to the sides. It’s not a life-threatening condition, but it can be very frustrating.
NAA is caused by changes in the body that are unrelated to testosterone. NAA can affect anyone, but it’s more common in women than in men. It’s also not a life-threatening condition.
Hair loss can be treated with a variety of treatments. For example, if you have NAA, you may be able to treat it with topical products, like minoxidil, which can help stimulate hair growth.
For AGA, there are a number of medications that can be used to slow or stop the progression of hair loss. These include minoxidil and finasteride. If you’re interested in treating your hair loss, you should first talk to your doctor to diagnose the exact issue.
So if hats don't, what does cause hair loss?
It is healthy for us to lose hair as it is the body's way of ridding older hairs for healthy new ones to take their place. The NHS says it is typical for us to lose 50 to 100 hairs every single day, although some people may lose more hair than the normal rate.
There can be many contributing factors to hair loss from genetics to environmental factors such as stress, poor diet, the use of supplements such as creatine, the ageing process, smoking, pollution, and brushing your hair excessively.
Stress can cause hair loss because the body can't produce enough of the hormone DHT, which is the main cause of hair loss.
Hair loss can also be caused by the ageing process. As we age, our bodies produce less of the protein keratin, which is vital for the hair to grow. This can cause hair loss because the hair becomes weaker and more prone to breakage.
In addition, the hair follicles become thinner, leading to a receding hairline.
Medications are the third most common cause of hair loss. This includes medications for high blood pressure, depression, and thyroid problems
Heredity is another common cause of hair loss. This is when a person inherits a gene that makes their hair fall out.
Hormonal imbalance can also lead to hair loss. This happens when your hormones are out of balance. This is common during pregnancy and menopause.
In a similar manner, smoking also reduces blood flow to the scalp and tends to damage the cells. Eventually, it can make you go bald.
Lack of iron may also cause hair loss in men and women. This is common in women who have heavy periods and men who are athletes.
Wearing a Hat may Lead to Baldness: A Myth or a Fact?
The myth that a dirty hat causes hair loss has been around for years. Many people have believed it. Some even think that the hat causes baldness. However, this is a very old wives' tale. There is no evidence that supports the idea that a dirty hat causes hair loss. It is a myth that is based on superstition.
In the past, people believed that wearing a dirty hat caused hair loss. They believed that if a man wearing a hat that was soiled or had a few hairs stuck to it, his hair would start falling out.
This belief was based on the fact that men were thought to be more susceptible to scalp problems than women. Women are naturally less prone to scalp problems, but they are still susceptible.
However, it is also a fact that wearing hats can cause temporary weight loss due to numerous reasons as discussed below.
Does wearing a dirty hat cause hair loss?
This question is pretty self-explanatory. Wearing a dirty hat causes a buildup of bacteria on the scalp, which then clogs up the pores. This blocks the blood flow to the follicles, causing them to shrivel up. Eventually, the follicles will die off, leaving bald spots on your head. Eventually, you may see a temporary hair loss.
If you wear a dirty hat for long enough, it will cause your hair to fall out. This is because the hat collects dirt and grime from the air, which gets transferred to your scalp. It also can make your hair itch and become irritated.
If you wear a hat that is too dirty, you can end up with dandruff. This is because it can cause the scalp to become dry. It also increases the chances of getting head lice.
To prevent this, wash your hat regularly. Also, if you are concerned about hair loss, you should always clean your hat after wearing it.
Is wearing a hat every day bad for your hair?
Wearing a hat every day is bad for your hair. It can cause it to become dry and brittle. Wearing a hat on a regular basis can also cause hair loss.
A hat is designed to keep your head warm. That's great for the winter months, but in the summertime, hats can be hot and uncomfortable, especially if they are tight-fitting.
Hats don't allow your hair to breathe. When you cover your hair with a hat, it traps the heat and prevents the air from circulating. This can lead to hair loss and thinning.
Your hair needs air to grow. When you wear a hat, it keeps the air out of your hair. That means there's less air for your hair to breathe. The result? Dry, brittle hair.
When you wear a hat, you're covering your scalp with a layer of dead cells. The dead cells prevent your hair follicles from growing. They also prevent moisture from getting into your hair. This can lead to dryness and breakage.
If you don't have enough moisture in your hair, it can become weak and brittle. It may even start to fall out. Soon, you will see an increased hair loss.
It's not just the hat that's causing the damage to your hair. It's also the fact that you're not washing your hair as often. When you wash your hair, you remove the dirt and oil that accumulates in your hair. Without that, your hair becomes dry and brittle.
If you want healthy hair, don't wear a hat every day. If you must wear one, make sure you wash it at least once a week.
Does wearing a hat cause damage to your hair follicles?
Some people think that wearing a hat can cause damage to your hair follicles, and they're not wrong. Wearing a hat can cause the hair follicles to dry out, which can lead to hair loss. But, there are ways to avoid this.
First of all, you should wear a hat that's not too tight. Make sure that it doesn't press down on your scalp and cause unnecessary pressure. Also, make sure that you don't wear a hat for long periods of time. If you do, your hair will start to feel tight and uncomfortable, which could lead to hair loss.
So, if you want to avoid this, you should always try to refrain from wearing a hat for long periods of time. This will help to prevent your hair from drying out.
But, if you still want to wear a hat, you should only wear a hat that's not too heavy. If your hat is too heavy, it could weigh down your hair and cause it to dry out. So, make sure that you're wearing a hat that's not too heavy, and that it fits properly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many reasons why you may be losing hair, scientists do not believe that wearing hats cause hair loss, although wearers should be cautious of the tightness as it may in fact lead to pulling hairs or traction alopecia.
The most common reason for hair loss is stress. Stress can cause your body to produce more cortisol, a hormone that can make your hair fall out. It can also cause you to have a lower testosterone level, which can affect the way your body grows and sheds hair. Therefore, it is advisable to control your stress levels within certain limits to prevent your hairline from receding before time.
If you are concerned about hair loss and looking for a solution, first speak to your doctor to establish the route cause. Afterwards, you can seek treatment.
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