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The Long History of Hair Loss

By on October 10, 2012

Throughout history, hair loss has always been an issue that both men and women have faced. From generation to generation, information and practices have been passed on to prevent and deal with hair loss. But not all of them are true. While some have scientific evidence to back it up, the rest are merely misconceptions. Let us go through some of the information and distinguish which among them is fact, and which ones are just hair loss myths.

One of the most common myths is that hair loss can be acquired from the mother’s side of the family. It is a known fact that the X chromosome, which comes from the mother, carries the hair loss gene. But as recent studies have suggested, loss of hair is no longer limited to the maternal side. Both the genetic make-up of the mother and father can contribute. There has also been evidence there is a higher chance for men with bald fathers to develop hair loss than those who don’t.

Another hair loss myth is that increased testosterone levels contribute the loss of hair. Although there is a link between loss of hair and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, it is not the amount that affects baldness. It is actually the hair follicle’s sensitivity to the hormone that causes the loss of your crowning glory. DHT causes the follicles of your hair to decrease in size and gradually disappear. If elevated levels of the hormone are the reason for hair loss, then all of one’s body hair should deplete, and not just the ones found on the head.

The third hair loss misconception is that baldness is something that happens to old people. This is generally true. Hair tends to fall out as we age, but there are incidences of hair loss in individuals as young as twenty or thirty years old. It is also assumed that only men suffer from hair loss. This is also a myth since as statistics shows that as much as forty percent of females experience hair thinning and loss.

Wearing hats is also said to cause hair loss. It is believed that head wear can cut the circulation to the head, therefore decreasing the blood supply to the follicles of the hair. This is a myth since it would require a really tight hat to cut off circulation. Use of filthy hats, on the other hand, can infect your scalp and hasten the thinning of your locks, so it is best that you wash your caps regularly.

The last of the myths on hair loss to be discussed is that frequent washing and use of hair products can accelerate hair loss. This myth has to be debunked because neither washing your hair or use of sprays and gels affect the loss of hair. Frequency of use has nothing to do with it either. Same goes with hair coloring. It is assumed that the chemicals on such products harm the hair, but as long as they are used properly, they will not cause any problems.

It is evident that there are plenty of hair loss myths out there. It is important to know which is true and which are incorrect. Knowledge on hair loss is imperative for you to take care and maintain your crowning glory.