Top Hair Loss Myths - Are they really true?

By Dr.Dimitrios Ziakas, M.D., DHI clinic UAE

Dubai UAE, November 17, 2015: If you are in a constant tizzy that you’re losing hair, you probably want to know just what exactly is “happening under the hood”. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, statistics reveal that around 40 to 50 per cent of men and women will suffer from hair loss by age 50. But along with the facts also come the myths. For years, there have always been various factors that people often blame for hair loss, from holding the maternal side responsible to worrying that wearing hats/caps can cause baldness, we often believe these myths. And while we can't stop our hair from going gray or thinning, there are natural ways to keep our hair healthy. Consuming the right foods, such as salmon, sunflower seeds, prunes and sweet potatoes, can help grow healthier and stronger hair. Let us look at some of the most common myths we’ve heard about hair loss:
 
Myth #1
 
Washing your hair too much can cause thinning.
 
Fact: You don’t need to wash less in order to prevent your hair from thinning. Cleansing your scalp regularly does not affect the root. If you worry about the strands on the shower floor, don’t stress as they have probably come to the end of their natural cycle anyway. When washing your hair, it is normal for a few strands to fall out as during the process, you’re only getting rid of particles that are already loose from your scalp. 
 
Myth #2 
 
Hair thinning only happens with age.
 
Fact: As sad as it may seem, you’re never too young to start losing hair. If hair loss genetically runs in your family, it can be witnessed as early as it your teens. In women for example, if your ponytail doesn’t have the normal volume that it used to, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that you have a health condition, it might be in your genes. However, always be aware that the effect of hair thinning is often seen to be long-lasting; hence it’s best to treat the issue as soon as possible. 
 
Myth #3
 
One of the signs for genetic baldness is seeing large amounts of hair fall out
 
Fact: In contrast to popular belief, going bald is not due to massive amounts of hair falling out, but rather by hair of normal thickness gradually being replaced by finer, thinner hairs – a process called “miniaturization.” If large patches of hair start suddenly falling out, it is time to see your doctor.
 
Myth #4
 
Hair loss is permanent 
 
Fact: Sometimes, shedding of hair is a temporary phase. In many instances it has been noticed that after delivery, many women often lose hair as their hormones try to adjust to their pre-pregnancy phase. However, it will regrow within a couple of months. Another fact seen is women, as compared to men, are that they often lack nutrients such as iron and zinc, which are very essential for strong hair. Hair loss can be put off by consuming rich nutrient foods such as oysters, beans and so on, or even take up supplements as well.
 
Myth #5
 
Wearing a hat makes you go bald
 
Fact: People who believe that wearing a hat is one of the prime causes of hair loss think that it prevents the scalp from breathing. When in reality, hair follicles receive more oxygen from the blood stream, rather than from the air.
 
Hair loss can be an emotional and traumatic experience for both men and women. However, there are many different hair loss treatments available.