iAremyhair believes in giving our customers ample information so that they can make wise decisions regarding hair loss treatment.
For this purpose, we will be introducing a series of topics that offer insight and objective viewpoints. Topics range from basics of hair to hair loss causes to treatment options to other related and interesting issues.
To ensure that our readers get the most out of our newsletters, we have condensed information from established publications and online reference materials such that each topic can be easily digested. iAremyhair invites you on this journey and welcomes your comments.
Hair loss is caused by decreased blood flow.
False. Standing on your head has no impact whatsoever on hair loss. Growing hair does require significant amount of blood flow but hair loss occurs before the blood flow decreases. After you lose hair, blood flow to your scalp decreases because you just don't need it with no hair up there. Decreased blood flow to the scalp is the result of and not the cause of hair loss.
If you don't see hair in the drain, you aren't balding.
False. You don't go bald because your hair is falling out; you go bald because your normal, thick hair is gradually being replaced by finer, thinner hair in a process called miniaturization. Massive hair loss appearing in the shower drain should alarm you but progressive hair loss is more subtle and presists over time. You may lose far more hair than you'll ever see in the shower drain which is usually the case with female hair loss.
Losing an average of a hundred strands per day is nothing to worry about because it's normal.
True and false. If you don't have male pattern baldness, that's true because the hairs that fall out will soon be replaced by new hairs. However, if you do have male pattern baldness, losing the 'normal' hundred strands a day is a concern as many of those hairs are shed by follicles that are dying. New hairs that grow from these follicles will be progressively thinner until one day, there will not be any growth at all as these follicles will eventually die.
Sexual activity grows hair.
Undetermined. Unfortunately, there is no truth as yet to the idea that the more sex you have, the less hair you'll lose! And the same goes for the rumours that the chemicals released during sex can affect hair loss. Science has yet to uncover any proof with regards to this theory. But it doesn't mean that you can't continue with your experimenting.
Split ends will travel.
True. Uncut split ends can travel up the hair shaft towards the roots. Tresses that are not tended to, over time, may develop splits that migrate and split all or part of the entire hair. Some ends can actually tear multiple times so that your split ends have splits. The only successful treatment for removing split ends is with a scissors. While some hair care products may temporarily merge split ends together, this fix only lasts until your next shampoo. Keep in mind that damaged ends tends to grow slower than healthy, well-maintained, trimmed hair.
Sleeping with a wet head causes scalp fungus.
False. Scalp or fungal diseases can't be caught from sleeping with wet scalps. Scalp fungus or infections requires prior involvement with infected sources such as humans, tainted hair care tools or animals. As an example, ringworm can be spread by infected animals.
Smoking causes grey hair.
True. Research findings have shown that smokers are four times more likely to have grey hair than nonsmokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively linked to accelerated hair loss.
The use of steroids can cause hair loss.
True. Research has proven that anabolic steroids raise the levels of baldnessinducing male hormones. For those who are genetically prone to hair loss, this can speed up the loss in as little as 3 to 6 months. While this loss may be reversed, it can be permanent.
Wearing a hat causes hair loss.
False. Hair follicles get oxygen from the bloodstream, not the air, so you can't suffocate your hair follicles just by wearing a hat. Hair loss will not occur as long as you don't regularly wear a hat that's too tight that restricts circulation. Hats that fit too tightly on the head can cause thinning around the sides of the side where traction is applied to the hair.
Washing hair daily dries it out.
False. The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will actually add moisture, body and beauty to your hair. The key is to find the right shampoo that is suitable for your hair. Also, it's possible to clean your hair with water only, diluted shampoo or conditioner only. When deciding whether to wash your hair on a daily basis, consult with your hair professional who will advise you according to your hair type and texture.
Reference Materials
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip1135.htm
http://www.hairlosslearningcenter.org/content/cures/hair-loss-myths.asp
Rassman, William R, M.D. and Bernstein, Robert M, M.D. "Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies" USA : Wiley Publishing, Inc, 2009. Kobren, Spencer David, "The Bald Truth". USA : Pocket Books, 1998.
