The internet is crowded with unhelpful misconceptions about what causes hair loss in men, and the truth is, there are loads of causes and only a few solutions. So, if you’re looking for answers, you’ve come to the right place.
It’s time to dispel some hair loss myths. Here, we’ve compiled a list of hair loss myths which you can dismiss for good.
“I’ve got too much Testosterone.”
It’s a widespread theory, but testosterone is not actually to blame here. Rather, the hormone responsible is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is made as a byproduct of testosterone and is known to cause baldness in men.
Studies have shown that hair loss has been experienced by men with both high and low levels of testosterone, so it’s really a non-issue.
“My snapback is suffocating my hair”
Ask anyone with a receding hairline, and they’ve likely tried to cover up their hair loss with a hat in the past. Beanies, snapbacks and baseball caps are a quick-fix solution to hide that bald patch you’ve found yourself developing, but people also believe that hats are a cause of hair loss too.
Fortunately for hat wearers, your hair will not suffocate underneath your hat. Your hair follicles will get all the oxygen they need through the bloodstream.
You’re safe to wear whatever hat you want! It won’t impact your hair growth.
We won’t judge your fashion choices, either.
“It’s Mum’s fault”
Hair loss is not strictly passed down through the maternal side of the family. You can stop looking for pictures of your mum’s dad now. It’s not his fault.
Genetics do still play an important role here. Interestingly, your genetic predisposition to experiencing hair loss in your lifetime influences the extent to which DHT affects your hair follicles, and it can come from both sides of the family, so don’t go pointing the finger at mum too soon.
“I’m balding because I’m stressed”
Traumatic and stressful periods can trigger hair loss, but this is usually never really permanent.
Issues such as stress and nutrient deficiency can cause some people to experience a type of temporary hair loss called ‘Telogen Effluvium’ (say that five times fast), where your hair follicles will stop regenerating new growth for a while.
Everyone’s triggers are different. Sometimes it can be a stressful period at work or the loss of a loved one. Other times it might just be something you might consider fairly trivial. There’s no shame in losing your hair due to stress.
The good news is that stress-induced hair loss will usually grow back soon after you get yourself back on your feet. If it doesn’t, the cause is likely something else.
“Hair loss only happens to older people”
False! Men can actually develop Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) from as early as their teen years, so there really is no limit on what age early signs can begin. Hair loss affects roughly 30% of men before 30, so unfortunately, MPB knows no age, or boundaries for that matter.
It is true that more men tend to experience hair loss as they grow older, but there’s no set age where you’ll start to see your hairline receding.
