JUNE 2006: Balding myths

Keep your head when it comes to hair loss

by Laurie Nash, Another Look Hair Institute

Think you know what causes baldness? Take a look at these common myths and be in the know about hair growth.

Taking a look at major league football and baseball players who remove their hats or helmets and reveal a receding hairline, or bald head, may lead one to believe that hats or helmets cause hair loss.

The truth of the matter is: It doesn't.

That's just one of the many common myths we hear a lot about. Here are a few more:

Shaving your head causes hair loss.
Nope. It doesn't make it thicker either. Nor can it affect your hair pattern. This is because your hair is dead when it comes out of the scalp, so it can't be influenced.

Baldness comes from your mother's side.
This is true, but it can also come from, your father's side. Which ever one of your parents hair looks like yours, then look at that side of the family.

Too much brushing?
Again, no. It's also important to note that decreased circulation of blood to the scalp doesn't cause any additional hair to fall out, either. Plus, you can never brush your hair too much—or at least brushing doesn't cause hair loss.

Taking extra vitamins will reverse balding.
While taking vitamins and minerals are a great way to stay healthy, taking extra amounts will not reverse balding.

Here are some interesting stats about hair loss:

Did you know that 7 percent of women that visit dermatologists have alopecia. Alopecia (al-oh-PEE-shah) is a highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body.
It's more common for women who are between 15-29 years old to have thinning hair than any other ages.