If you worry about losing your hair, you naturally want to know what factors can contribute to the problem. You may have heard or read warnings about how tension can damage or loosen hair. Do these concerns mean that you should never wear hats again for the sake of your scalp? Let’s examine the facts behind hat-wearing and hair loss.
Why Most Hair Loss Occurs
Everybody loses about 100 hairs daily due to the body’s natural hair growth and replacement cycle. You might not notice this pattern until your hair falls out faster than the follicles can replace it. This problem, alopecia, can have such innocent causes as heredity and natural aging. Other common causes include chemotherapy, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, scalp infections, psoriasis, scar tissue formation, and sexually-transmitted diseases.
Where Hats Enter the Picture
In addition to the well-known causes noted above, some worry that wearing a hat will trigger or hasten their hair loss. This concern seems reasonable because extreme tension on a hair’s roots can encourage the hair to fall out. Doctors and hair loss specialists sometimes see this problem in people who habitually pull their hair back into tight braids, cornrows, or other such styles, a form of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Some people also notice that constant friction from socks or other clothing causes hair loss in a specific body part.
In most cases, these worries don’t apply to hat wear. A hat that fits comfortably on your own probably won’t create enough friction or traction force to promote hair loss. Wearing a hat on a sunny day can protect your hair by providing a barrier against pollutants, allergens, and UV rays.
Even so, a few exceptions apply to this general rule. For instance, if you have an allergy to the materials in your hat, your scalp could respond with an inflammatory reaction that causes hair to fall out. If you have to wrap your hair into a tight braid or bun so it will fit inside your hat, you could give yourself a case of traction alopecia.
Safe, Healthy Hat-Wearing Tips
Smart hat-wearing habits start with careful hat shopping. Read the label to see whether the hat’s materials might trigger an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity. Make sure it fits securely but not too tightly.
Everyday hygiene and hair care can also help you wear hats without losing hair. Keep your scalp free of any sweat or dirt that might cause inflammation. Avoid tucking or wrapping your hair into tight styles that might result in traction alopecia.
You may need help with a hair loss problem regardless of your hat-wearing habits and preferences. If so, contact Genesis II today so we can provide you with the lifestyle advice and hair-loss management options you need. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Photo Credit: MEHRAX Via Pixabay
