Hair Loss Facts - Fiction vs Reality

Hair Loss Fiction

Hats Cause Hair Loss

Hair Loss Reality

In truth, hair loss “causes” hats.  When a person begins noticing pattern hair loss one of the simplest, most effective ways to disguise the problem is simply donning a baseball cap - and that’s why so many men and yes, even some women choose to do so.  

Hair Loss Fiction

Clogged Pores Cause Hair Loss

Hair Loss Reality

Think about this.  If you were to observe the homeless cohort in any city you’d find the rate of pattern hair loss closely mirroring that of the rest of the city’s population.  This, despite the fact that homeless people almost certainly have far less opportunity to regularly wash their hair than others.  Clogged pores may cause acne and other skin dermatoses, but pattern hair loss does not happen to be among the issues observed.  

Hair Loss Fiction

Pattern Hair Loss Is Irreversable

Hair Loss Reality

Actually, until quite recently, this was one frequently believed story that happened to be true.  Fortunately though, in recent years many options have become available to slow, arrest and even reverse the onset and progression of common pattern hair loss.  These options are more fully explored in various sections of this website.  

Hair Loss Fiction

Poor Nutrition Causes Hair Loss

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Hair Loss Reality

Unless one is profoundly deficient in key vitamins hair loss is unlikely to occur due to nutritional deficits.  In fact, there are three primary drivers influencing the disorder.  Genetics, age and circulating hormones.  Genetics, because the disorder is linked to a number of well-described genetic markers.  Age, because prepubescent children do not experience pattern hair loss.  Circulating hormones, because certain metabolites of steroid hormones are tightly linked to androgenetic alopecia (AGA) aka common pattern hair loss.   Absent any of these three and pattern hair loss is not going to occur. 

The Take Home Message

There are many misconceptions, old wives tales and outright fabrications when it comes to hair loss.  As an interested party — and one who is risking a precious resource “i.e. your own hair!” it behooves you to become an educated consumer.  Get the facts before you act.