With conditions like female hair loss, there are so many myths and untruths in circulation that it can be difficult to know what to believe.
Unfortunately, some individuals or companies may wish to capitalise on the desperation of hair loss sufferers by playing on this ignorance of the facts. This is why it’s important to bust some of the most commonly believed myths about female hair loss and deal with the facts instead.
Hair loss myths: what’s true and what’s not?
• Hair loss is caused by wearing hats, toupes or wigs too much. Unless your headwear is excessively tight, this is untrue. Hair does not need to breathe – the follicles get all the oxygen they need from the bloodstream.
• Certain hairstyles can cause hair loss. This is to some extent true, as hair can start to fall out if it is constantly pulled too tight. This is called traction alopecia.
• Hair loss can be cured by massaging the scalp or washing hair in cold water. This is untrue – these methods may improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, but it won’t necessary cause the hair to grow back.
Instead of believing every hair loss myth you hear and worrying, hair loss sufferers need to focus on getting a proper diagnosis, finding the appropriate treatment and be patient.