COMMON MISSCONCEPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR LOSS

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There is so much conflicting information in the hair loss and hair care world that it is hard, as a consumer, to determine what to follow and what to avoid. Here are some common myths about hair loss and what you need to know.

Myth: Baldness is inherited from your mother’s side of the family

Although it is commonly said that hair loss is inherited from the mother’s side, it can actually come from both sides of the family. Therefore, if you see a strong family history on either side, hair loss is a possibility. It is also possible for parents to not display hair loss but to carry the associated gene so it is best to look at multiple family members when evaluating this. It is also not a foregone conclusion that you will have hair loss if either parent is affected!

Truth: Hereditary hair loss can come from both sides of the family.

Myth: Washing and shampooing your hair too often can cause hair loss.

This idea has been circulating more and more and it is false! Showering is the most common time that we notice loss but these hairs were already either disconnected or falling out and the action of shampooing can facilitate gathering them together. Additionally, optimal frequency of hair washing can vary from person to person. Some people need daily washing and some can wash every few days. It is best to examine what works best for your scalp and to ensure that you are washing hair at least once a week to maintain a healthy scalp environment! Dirt, oil, pollutants, and product build up between washes and can lead to folliculitis and flaking.

Truth: There is no clinical evidence to support that washing your hair can cause hair loss. The frequency of hair washing can vary from person to person.

Myth: All hair loss is permanent.

Some types of hair loss are reversible. Some examples are alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks hair follicles. Depending on severity and the start of treatment, hair loss can be reversed. Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles transition from the growing phase to resting phase causing increased shedding of hair in a short period of time. The trigger for this can be physical or emotional. Fortunately, hair does usually grow back in this condition. In male and female pattern baldness, hair loss is usually not reversible but there are options to slow progression.

Truth: Hair loss is not always permanent. It is important to get a proper examination and diagnosis for your hair loss in order to slow progression or reverse loss, when applicable.

Myth: Supplements increase hair growth.

The hair supplement industry is expected to experience tremendous growth over the next 10 years. That being said, hair growth supplements can make misleading claims such as “clinically tested” which does not guarantee that significant clinical testing and evidence have been undertaken and could be the opinion of one dermatologist. It is important to delve deeper into products that state these claims. One vitamin commonly implicated in hair loss is biotin and it is included in many supplements but has only been shown to help when there is a biotin deficiency. Additionally, too much of certain vitamins can lead to hair loss. We have also seen that two patients can have a vitamin deficiency and both may not experience hair loss. Therefore, it is best to test levels on individual patients and discuss correcting deficiencies or inadequacies once both hair loss and type of hair loss have been confirmed.

Truth: This is a complicated topic. In a patient with a verified vitamin deficiency or inadequacy alongside hair loss, determining the necessary vitamin and taking a supplement can be helpful. There are a lot of hair growth supplements on the market that are not worth the associated cost and can lead to toxic levels of some vitamins. It is best to talk to a specialist about which supplements have the best data and which ones are best for your individual case!