Hair loss can be caused by a variety of things, but numerous myths and misconceptions about what causes it can also lead people to turn to potentially harmful “cures.”
To mark National Hair Loss Awareness Month, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has decided to debunk five of the biggest myths surrounding hair loss once and for all – from what causes missing hair to the stigma and cures for men and women.
This is part of the first myth that the expert wants to dispel: that hair loss only affects men. Women can also suffer from hair loss, sometimes even temporarily due to hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause.
This is because increased progesterone levels cause hair follicles to temporarily stop functioning, while female pattern baldness is a genetic form of permanent hair loss. Dr Grant addressed the social stigma women face due to hair loss, which has “a massive impact on their self-confidence”, and recommended products such as Regaine For Women, which contains 2% minoxidil.
This product targets both thinning hair and complete hair loss.
Dr Grant is on a mission to disprove the popular belief that stress is the main cause of non-genetic hair loss. He clarified: “Although stress can affect hair loss, it is one of many factors that can contribute to it. Conditions that lead to hair loss, such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, can be affected by high stress levels and our mental wellbeing can play a big role in maintaining hair, but it is simply not true that stress is the main cause of hair loss.”
He also stressed that various lifestyle and health factors, including diet, iron or vitamin D deficiency and age, play a significant role in non-genetic hair loss. However, Dr Grant warned against the misconception that hair loss is age-related.
He warned: “This statement is simply false, as hair loss can occur at any age, in both men and women. Androgenetic alopecia is usually genetic and can begin as early as puberty or in the early twenties.”
“This often first manifests itself in the form of receding hairlines before spreading to the rest of the head. Men and women need to understand that hair loss can occur at any age. Knowing the telltale signs – like receding hairlines – can help treat hair loss earlier and slow the process.”
Male pattern baldness, often the leading cause of hair loss in men, usually begins between the mid-20s and mid-30s, with the aging process worsening the condition. This type of alopecia typically occurs on the top of the head, while the sides and back of the head are largely unaffected. It also often runs in families, so while you can’t avoid genetics, there are treatments that can curb the progression of the disease and improve overall hair health.
Dr. Grant dispelled a common myth about hair loss, explaining, “Frequent washing can keep hair healthy and keep the area free of dirt and oil. It is normal to experience some hair loss when washing or drying hair. The average person naturally loses about 50 to 100 hairs a day.”
For those who are experiencing alarming hair loss, the advice is clear: get yourself examined by a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. What about the age-old belief that cutting your locks will cause them to grow back thicker and healthier?
Well, that’s just not true. The expert clarified: “It can, however, improve the appearance and make hair appear thicker through the loss of split ends – but it has no real impact on hair growth or health.”
