Hair loss and thinning are two different things resulting in decrease in overall mass. Hair loss is a fast process depending on causes like genetics, family history, hormonal changes, medical condition, use of certain medications and nutritional deficiency etc. while thinning is a gradual process and progresses with aging. It is the early stage of baldness and is caused by sensitivity of dihydrotestosterone hormone DHT leading to fragile follicles and fibers and decrease density. Many people think that caps, hats and scarves tied on head cause thinning and ‘Does wearing a hat cause hair thinning?’ is the mostly asked question by individuals suffering from shedding.
Scientific evidence about hair thinning and hats
Little research conducted on hats research relationship with thinning. There is not any scientific evidence supporting this myth. For seeking the answer of ‘Does wearing a hat cause hair thinning?’ A study was conducted on 92 pairs of identical twins to investigate the effect of different environmental factors on hair loss including hats, alcohol usage, exercise duration and products. It was found that less baldness at the frontal area is seen in individuals wearing caps than those who did not wear caps. Thus concluding that hats are not the major cause of thinning.
Myth
People mostly consider that shedding is linked with putting on caps and inquire about Does wearing a hat cause hair thinning?’ Hats, itself, have nothing to do with hair fall and it is an urban myth that wearing hats lead to shedding.
Factors linked with wearing hats that lead to hair thinning
For those interrogating, ‘does wearing a hat cause hair thinning?’ It should be noted that certain factors associated with wearing caps can lead to shedding. But it should be kept in mind that this type of thinning is temporary and reversible and can easily be managed by medications e.g. finasteride (propecia) block the production of DHT hormone thus reversing shedding.
Tension on follicles: Females with certain hairstyles i.e. tight ponytails and braids that create tension and pull back them are more likely to shedding. This type of baldness is called friction alopecia caused by rubbing of hat against scalp giving bald spots
Tight hats: Wearing hats are not a cause of shedding but wearing tight hats for long duration cause indentation of scalp leading to hair fall.
Long duration: Tightness induced for long duration is the causative factor as it damage the follicles causing baldness.
Irritation and inflammation: Tight hats can cause inflammation to scalp that contribute to speed up the loss.
Material, dyes and fabric of hat: They are playing their part to damage the hair. Any reaction to scalp caused by them, can lead to scarring and alopecia
Genetic factors: Individuals who are genetically predisposed to baldness, if wear tight hats constantly for a long period of time can suffer from inflammation that causes shedding.
Sweating: Sweating is the causative factor . The salt found in sweat is the cause of physical irritation that cause shedding of hair
Decrease blood flow: Wearing hats for long duration decrease blood flow that stress follicles which in return damage them causing shedding.
The above mentioned factors are not the real causative factors of baldness or in other others we can say that they are not the risk factors of male pattern baldness. In the most commonly asked question ‘Does wearing a hat cause hair thinning?’ The word thinning is not the actual baldness. Male pattern baldness and traction alopecia caused by hats are two different things. In male pattern baldness, above the temporal region, hairline is receding and shedding is seen on the crown region while traction alopecia is seen in individuals wearing tight hats for long duration and bald spots are seen
Male pattern baldness is pain less and scar less condition while traction alopecia is associated with pain and scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go bald from wearing hat?
No, hats can not cause baldness rather these protect from ultraviolet damage to the scalp and thus protect from skin cancer.
Does wearing a hat slow down growth?
No, hat wearing has no relationship with slow growth as nourishment comes from healthy blood supply under the skin or dermis to the follicle.
Can I get a consultation regarding the damage of my hair from a hair expert in Lahore Pakistan?
Yes, you can get a free consultation from our hair specialist in Lahore Pakistan regarding the nature of damage and how to prevent and regrow hair. To get an appointment you may call or WhatsApp +92-333-430-9999
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