Hair Loss Myths Vs Facts
Discover the root cause of hair loss, its impacts, and treatment options in this comprehensive guide. Uncover common myths and scientific facts associated with hair loss.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common condition with various underlying causes, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact reason. Many misconceptions surround hair loss, and understanding its true cause is crucial before starting treatment. While genetics is often blamed, the cause and type of hair loss can differ from person to person.
This article reveals the facts and debunks the most common myths regarding hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hereditary or genetic hair loss is the most common cause worldwide, affecting almost 50% of people. In medical terms, it's called androgenic alopecia. It is also commonly known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness.
This type of hair loss develops gradually. In men, a declining hairline characterises it, while in women, gradual hair thinning takes place before hair falls.
Apart from genetic factors, a few environmental factors also contribute to hair loss, such as:
Air pollution and sun exposure cause damage to hair strands.
Poor nutritional intake can also lead to the weakening of hair strands.
Chemicals and bleach from colours and styling treatments can damage hair.
Common Myths About Hair Loss
While facing hair loss, it is important to address the root cause before choosing the right treatment option. People often fall for the common myths associated with hair loss and try self-care treatments that may worsen the conditions.
Some of the common myths about hair loss are:
People falsely believe that hair loss is only inherited from the maternal side. Genetic hair loss can be inherited from either parent. No scientific evidence shows only the mother’s genes contribute to hair loss.
Many people think that wearing hats causes hair loss. While hats may affect hair temporarily, they do not lead to permanent hair loss.
People believe that washing or shampooing hair frequently causes hair loss. However, there is no clinical evidence to support this.
Facts About Hair Loss
Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to hair loss. There are several underlying causes of it, such as:
Severe stress or traumatic events can cause hair loss. It is temporary and can last for months.
Medical conditions like anaemia, thyroid disease, and diabetes can cause hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that affects the immune system and causes hair loss and scalp infections.
Hair loss is also a side effect of many medications used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure.
Diet plays a vital role in maintaining hair health. Poor nutrition, sudden weight loss, and deficiency of essential nutrients can increase the risk of hair loss.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
Certain diseases cause hair loss, which must be treated. If the side effects of some medications cause hair loss, it may be cured some months after the medication is over.
Medications are available to treat hair loss caused by genetic factors. Minoxidil, an over-the-counter medication, is available in liquids, foam, and shampoos. To see tangible results, men should apply it twice daily, and women should apply it once daily.
People also take prescription medications for hair loss. Finasteride, available as oral pills, is one such prescription drug for men. It has been proven to reduce hair loss in some men. Other oral medications include spironolactone and oral dutasteride.
Surgical options like hair transplants and restoration surgery utilise existing hair to cover bald spots on the scalp. In this process, a dermatologist or surgeon removes a patch of hair or a strip of skin with multiple hair strands and transplants it to a bald spot. Hair loss, if caused due to genetics, may persist even after surgical procedures.
Consult Top Dermatologists For Hair Loss Treatment
Strategies to Prevent Hair Loss
Hair loss caused by genetic factors is not preventable. But adopting these practices might help in minimising hair loss caused by other factors:
Hair should be loosened occasionally, avoiding tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails.
Frequent touching or rubbing of the hair should be avoided, along with pulling or applying excessive pressure.
Excessive use of styling products, such as straighteners, heated combs, chemical relaxers, and bleaching agents, can damage and weaken hair, so their usage should be limited.
Blow dryers may weaken hair follicles, so it's best to pat dry hair after washing.
A balanced meal should be maintained, with a focus on protein and iron to meet nutrient requirements.
Emotional Impact of Hair Loss
Hair loss can affect a person’s mental well-being, ability to work or study, and overall psychological state. It can even lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social phobia.
In many circumstances, social phobia, avoidance, or fear of gatherings may arise due to fear of being judged on appearance. Criticism by people may lead to depression and anxiety that arise from social gatherings.
Symptoms of anxiety and depression can be reduced by therapy and medications. Research suggests that coping with hair loss is a wiser choice rather than focusing on psychological treatments.
When to Seek Professional Help?
It's best to seek professional advice in case of sudden, unexpected hair loss. They can determine the root cause of hair loss and can suggest effective remedies or medications. The doctor may ask a few questions regarding physical conditions and medical history.
Providing a family history and explaining the symptoms to the dermatologist is vital so that they can effectively identify the cause of hair loss.
Conclusion
Genetic hair loss is prominent among the masses, but some underlying issues still lead to hair loss. Identifying them early on can help reduce hair loss through various treatments and medications. Avoiding false beliefs and understanding real facts before applying any remedies or prevention strategies is important.
A nutrition-rich diet and proper hair care practices can help prevent hair loss. Professional consultation should be sought if any signs of unexpected hair loss are noticed, as early treatments tend to be more effective.
Consult Top Dermatologists
Consult Top Dermatologists For Hair Loss Treatment
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(250+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Usha B K
Dermatologist
4 Years • MBBS,MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), DNB (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), Fellowship in Trichology
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Mayuri Jain
Dermatologist
11 Years • MBBS, MD Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Delhi
Dr Mayuri Jain Clinic, Delhi
Dr. Kavitha Killaparthy
Dermatologist
23 Years • MBBS,DIPLOMA(DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY,LEPROSY)
Hyderabad
JDS Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad
Consult Top Dermatologists
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(250+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Usha B K
Dermatologist
4 Years • MBBS,MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), DNB (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), Fellowship in Trichology
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Mayuri Jain
Dermatologist
11 Years • MBBS, MD Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Delhi
Dr Mayuri Jain Clinic, Delhi
Dr. Kavitha Killaparthy
Dermatologist
23 Years • MBBS,DIPLOMA(DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY,LEPROSY)
Hyderabad
JDS Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad
