hair loss myths Archives - Miami Hair Institute

January 1, 2018

Top 3 Hair Loss Myths

Hair Loss Myths These days, it can sometimes seem like telling fact from fiction and true from false is harder than ever. You could go on the internet and search for the answer to “What is 2 + 2?” and it’s likely you’ll find at least one source telling you the answer is “5.” When it comes to hair loss, there are a lot of myths out there, many of which go back centuries.

If you are concerned about losing your hair or are considering doing something to restore your hair to a fuller, more youthful state, make sure you know the truth behind these three hair loss myths:

It’s Your Mom’s Fault

Perhaps the biggest myth about hair loss is that it is inherited from your mom’s side of the family. People grow up believing that if their mom’s male relatives are bald or have thinning hair that they are destined to follow in their footsteps. This is simply not the case.

The strength and vitality of your hair are based on your genetics, it’s true. But the genes which factor into hair loss come from many places, including your father’s side of the family. This “polygenic” basis for hair loss means that you should look at all the different branches of your family tree if you are trying to see into your hair loss future.

Thinning Hair = Higher Testosterone Levels

While men experiencing hair loss may want to take comfort in the idea that it is a sign of robust testosterone levels, there is simply no link between baldness and high testosterone. That said, it’s easy to see why there may be some confusion on this point.

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a derivative of testosterone that is in fact scientifically linked to hair loss. But it’s not the amount of testosterone that is the issue, but rather the level of DHT fastening to hair follicle receptors in the scalp. Typically, due to genetics or other hormonal changes, hair follicles develop a sensitivity to DHT and begin to miniaturize. This process shortens the hair growth cycle and eventually causes them to stop growing new hairs.

Hats Kill Hair

If hats caused hair loss, every baseball player would be bald. This enduring myth is absolutely false. Wearing hats frequently will not have any impact on the strength of your hair or accelerate the rate at which you lose hair. If, however, you wear extremely tight hats a lot, that can cause stress on your follicles and lead to a condition called traction alopecia. But it’s not the hat that is causing the damage, it’s how you wear it.

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, know the truth about hair loss and we know how to help men and women restore their hair and their confidence. We evaluate each hair loss patient with a comprehensive and proven methodology, obtaining a detailed medical history, performing an in-depth scalp examination using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and if indicated, blood tests to detect any underlying imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to the hair loss problem. With this information, we can determine the cause of hair loss and the most effective treatment option.

To schedule your personalized hair loss evaluation, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

April 17, 2017

4 Hair Loss Myths Everyone Should Ignore

Hair loss myths seem to circulate around social media, no matter how much concrete and credible information is readily available. Unfortunately, the popularity and sheer temptation of self-diagnosis is difficult to overcome. Once you notice those few extra strands on your pillow or in your shower drain, placing blame on genetics, stress, diet, haircare or an underlying illness can be your initial (and often accurate) reaction. While these are the most common hair loss causes, outlying and unrelated factors are frequently accused of initiating excessive thinning or shedding.

Here are four hair loss myths that you should never believe:

Women Don’t Have Genetic Hair Loss

Not only is female pattern hair loss (FPHL) a result of genetics, it’s one of the most common causes of women’s hair loss. According to the American Hair Loss Association, women account for nearly 40 percent of all hair loss victims. Keep in mind, androgenic alopecia – the clinical terminology for hereditary hair loss – does not affect men the same way it does women. Male-pattern baldness is more targeted with noticeable balding around the hairline, temples or crown. FPHL is more diffuse, causing a general thinning across the scalp. One of the first signs of FPHL is a widening part, though individual cases vary.

Tanning Causes Hair Loss

Contrary to popular notion, UV radiation is not linked to hair loss. This myth is rooted in the misconception that sunshine damages hair follicles to the point where they shut down and fail to cycle through the hair growth stages as usual. While excessive sun exposure could lead to damage, breakage and skin cancer, you don’t have to worry about it affecting the volume of your hair.

Balding is Linked to High Testosterone

At the pinnacle of all hair loss myths is the belief that balding men have more testosterone running through their systems. Although inaccurate, it’s easy to see where this fallacy lies. Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a derivative of testosterone that is scientifically linked to hair loss. Researchers say that the amount of testosterone isn’t the issue, but rather the level of DHT fastening to hair follicle receptors in the scalp. Typically, due to genetics or other hormonal changes, hair follicles develop a sensitivity to DHT and begin to miniaturize. This process shortens the hair growth cycle and eventually causes them to stop growing new hairs.

Hair Loss is Inherited from Your Mother’s Side

If you tell a friend you’re worried about going bald, they’ll probably tell you to check your maternal grandfather’s locks first. However, your mother’s side of the family isn’t the only piece of your genetic makeup that puts you at a greater predisposition of developing androgenic alopecia. You’re just as likely to inherit hair loss from your father’s side, so consider all relatives before you stress about the future.

Only qualified hair loss specialists and dedicated physicians can formally diagnose a hair loss condition. At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we invite those concerned about thinning or shedding to undergo a comprehensive hair loss evaluation at our South Florida clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 305-925-0222 today.

June 20, 2012

What Causes Hair Loss?

6 Myths About The Causes of Hair Loss

There is plenty of confusion when it comes to identifying what causes hair loss. Some of the confusion is derived from loosely connected assumptions concerning genetics and having a “predisposition” to balding. This level of confusion is often perpetuated by the simple misunderstanding of how hair naturally grows, sheds, and regrows (as many individuals mistake the “shedding” phase for hair loss). An immense degree of fear and anxiety underscores the notion of losing one’s hair, spurring the creating of half-truths and myths to account for the phenomenon. This article has been created to sort fact from fiction and to help you learn more about the causes of hair loss.

Myth 1: Hair loss is hereditary (genetic).

This myth is only part false. Yes, some individuals are predisposed to hair loss due to a condition know as androgenetic alopecia. However, genetics are not the only factor at play when it comes to hair loss in men and women. What causes hair loss: Hormonal changes, overall diet, lifestyle, stress, and unexpected trauma may each play a role, depending on the unique circumstances of the individual.

Myth 2: If my mother’s side of the family suffers with balding or thinning hair, so will I.

This myth is derived from the knowledge that the X chromosome contains one of the primary genes for male pattern baldness. Since men inherit the X chromosome from their mother only, many assume that the “baldness gene” is something that may be passed from the mother’s side of the family.

Myth 3: If I find hair on my pillow, that means I’m going bald.

This “myth” can be true or false, depending on how much hair is found on the pillow. Rapid hair loss, or shedding, can be a sign of balding. However, it may also by a byproduct of your hair’s natural growth cycle if it is minimal. To get a better idea of the severity of the shedding, try the “Hair Pull Test.” Grab a clump of 50 to 100 hairs and hold it between the thumb and index finger. Then, gently but firmly pull away from the scalp with a stable degree of traction. If 2-5 hairs are obtained via the Hair Pull Test, you have nothing to worry about. If, however, 10-20 hairs are obtained in this manner, it may be a sign that hair loss symptoms are setting in. Please visit our Hair Loss Evaluation page to learn more about the tests that are available to confirm hair loss.

Myth 4: Wearing a hat conceals the hair from sunlight, damages the hair follicle, and causes hair loss.

This myth is 100% false. First, wearing a hat does not damage the hair follicle. Moreover, shielding hair from the sun does not stunt growth nor does it promote hair loss. At the opposite extreme, individuals may wonder if excessive sun exposure triggers hair loss by damaging the scalp. This myth is also false. So, enjoy the warm Miami sun, friends—research actually shows healthy amounts of exposure may strengthen the immune system by triggering all-natural vitamin D production!

Myth 5: Excessive brushing, combing, or styling of the hair may cause premature loss.

False. Neither brushing nor combing hair will cause “hair loss,” though hair may naturally fall out and collect on your comb/brush during the process. This is a part of the hair growth cycle, and it is perfectly normal. To learn more, please visit our page on How Hair Grows.

Myth 6: Eating well will help me keep my hair.

Unfortunately, this is not necessarily true. Eating a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients is essential in maintaining overall physical and mental health. For this reason, it is highly recommended that men and women of all ages take proactive steps towards “eating well.” However, no particular food groups or nutrient supplements have been scientifically proven to prevent hair loss.

Schedule Your Hair Loss Evaluation

At Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we understand that hair loss may have a profound affect on personal, social, and professional life. If you or a loved one suffers with hair loss—you are not alone. Nearly 2 of every 3 American males experiences hair loss by age 50, and an estimated 20 million American females experience symptoms of thinning or balding hair.

Contact our institute online to request additional information regarding hair loss causes, evaluations, and available treatments. We also invite you to call our practice directly at 305.925.0222.