For some reason, the topic of hair loss is a haven for medical misinformation and old wives’ tales. Your friends and family mean well, of course, but if you find yourself trying a bizarre hodge-podge of home remedies, maybe it’s time to seek out some professional hair restoration services. Speaking of, our own Dr. Wolfeld was recently on the Today Show, where he busted a few of the most prominent myths surrounding hair loss. We’ve broken them down in plain speak for you below. Spoiler alert: stop blaming mom!
1. Hair Loss is Inherited from the Mother’s Side
This myth is the result of an oversimplified view of how genes are recombined when people have children. Yes, one of the genes responsible for pattern baldness is found on the x chromosome, which only the mother contributes, but there are several other factors in play. The father’s side of the family can influence hair loss in the same manner, because we now know that there are several genes involved in hair loss. Whether you’re looking at hair loss from both sides of the tree or neither, environmental factors can always flip the equation, which brings us to myth #2.
2. Hats Cause Hair Loss
Here’s an interesting case of circular logic: People who are losing their hair often wear hats, so it’s believed that hats cause hair loss. In reality, hats do not promote hair loss processes when worn like a sane person. Like other structures in the body, hair follicles depend on nutrients and hormones delivered through the bloodstream – they don’t need to be sunned like a plant. If you ratchet that hat on tighter than a camel’s behind in a sandstorm, however, you may experience some hair loss (traction alopecia) after a while. This form is typically reversible, but only if you loosen the cap.
3. I’m Too Old for Hair Restoration
Before any procedure, big or small, it’s imperative that you are thoroughly screened by a professional to make sure you’re a suitable candidate. When it comes to our cutting-edge, robot-assisted hair restoration treatment, age is not a deal-breaker when you are otherwise healthy enough to undergo the procedure. The transplant doesn’t involve any heavy anesthesia (just a mild numbing agent), and as long as you have donor hair, you may be eligible.
4. I’m Too Young to Go Bald
Taking a look at the other end of the spectrum now, young folks are often floored by the realization that they are losing their hair, often as early as the early 20s or even teenage years. “This can’t be regular balding,” many think, “It has to be some rare condition or a medication side effect.” While both of those issues are often in play, millennials can indeed experience full-blown, irreversible hair loss like the rest of us. An interesting piece by Healthline does a nice job of laying out the many factors that contribute to this growing trend, including:
- Protein deficiencies (vegan diets are more popular)
- Stress caused by school, crippling debt, work, etc.
- Hormonal shifts
- Autoimmune diseases
- Metabolic disorders
The bad news? This can technically happen to anyone at almost any age. The good news? We at least know to avoid the above risk factors when possible, and if that doesn’t work, hair restoration technology is now better than ever.
5. Excess Testosterone Causes Hair Loss
Let it be understood, gentlemen, that this is not a “go ahead” to abuse testosterone replacement therapy or any other form of testosterone-boosting treatment/supplement. The link between high testosterone and hair loss, however, can be crossed off the list of possible concerns for testosterone supplement users. It was once believed that a surplus of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the active form of testosterone, contributed to male pattern baldness. The real problem, however, is the ability of your hair follicles to put this important hormone to work.
Knowing what information to avoid is only half the battle. If you want to get your hair restoration procedure done right the first time, find the first expert certified in both plastic surgery and hair restoration. Dr. Wolfeld will address all of your concerns prior to the procedure so you can make the choice in confidence.