Eight Myths About Hair Loss
Newspaper Article: Published in “Expressen”
There are many myths surrounding hair loss. But what actually causes some people to lose their hair and can it be prevented? In this article, Cem Arel, founder of the app Hair Back App, tries to sort out what is true and false.
First let’s clarify that the most common cause of hair loss is heredity. As many as 60–70 percent of those affected have it in their genes. This hereditary hair loss is difficult to prevent.
The other 30-40 percent can be related to mental stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, illness and mental imbalance. It is usually called temporary hair loss and you can to some extent influence those factors yourself by having a good lifestyle.
– So my best tip is to sleep properly, exercise and move often and eat well – avoid processed food, says Cem Arel.
But are there any everyday habits that can cause hair loss – that can make the situation worse or improve? Which myths are true and which are false?
Myth 1: Only men suffer from hair loss
– It’s not true. 20 percent of those affected are women. But while men usually inherit their hair loss, women’s hair loss can more often be related to stress and hormonal changes after giving birth or during menopause.
Myth 2: Hair loss is mom’s fault.
– There are those who believe that it is the woman’s genes that cause hair loss. But that is not true. The inheritance can come as much from the father’s side as from the mother’s side.
Myth 3: Wearing a cap increases hair loss.
– It is true that hair needs to breathe and a cap or hat can make it more difficult if you sweat a lot. But it doesn’t make you lose your hair because the hair follicles on your scalp need oxygen, which comes from your blood, not the air.
Myth 4: You lose hair or get deeper folds from ingrown hairs.
– Tight hairstyles, such as a very tight ponytail or knot, wear and tear on the hair. It can also affect the hairline if you always wear it tight. Then it is better to have a slightly looser hairstyle.
Myth 5: Vitamins can improve hair growth.
– If you suffer from a vitamin or iron deficiency, certain vitamins can give your hair an improved quality. However, they cannot prevent hair loss or give you more hair. Instead, invest in a balanced diet and a good lifestyle.
Myth 6: You lose hair by straightening or curling your hair.
– Using flat irons or curling irons means unnecessary wear and tear on the hair. It’s not good, but if the hairs are tearing and falling off, it’s not a sign that you’re actually losing your hair. It grows back.
Myth 7: Hair oil, wax and other hair products can increase hair loss.
– Yes and no. Oil can clog the hair follicles, which is not good. On the other hand, massaging oil into the scalp can have a stimulating effect, which is good. But there is no evidence that hair products cause hair loss.
Myth 8: You lose more hair when you brush your hair.
– Brushing your hair often does not cause hair loss. We lose 50-100 hairs a day which is completely natural. The hair that gets caught in the hairbrush is just hair that you were about to lose naturally.
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