A good hat can be both functional, and a fashion statement. But can it also be to blame for your hair loss? We get a lot of different questions from concerned readers who want to do what’s best for their hair, especially when it comes to preventing the early stages of balding. One of the most significant concerns for balding men is whether or not wearing hats has any effect on their hair loss. It’s a good question, but the answer may not be what you expect…
Hair loss is predominantly driven by the body’s reactions to certain things, like stress, hormone levels, and genetic factors. As men grow older, their bodies produce different levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), also known as androgens. These androgenic hormones react with the hair follicles on the scalp, causing them to shrink and grow in shorter cycles. However, the shedding phase is left unaltered. The net effect is that hair loss happens faster than it can be replaced, resulting in male pattern baldness.
How Do Hats Affect Male Pattern Baldness?
In general, wearing a hat can actually be good for your health! Since over 70 percent of body heat escapes through your head, wearing a warm hat can keep your ears and head from getting cold in the winter. By preventing heat from escaping through your head, your entire body will stay warmer and your body temperature will remain regulated. Wearing a hat with a brim will keep sun and sweat out of your eyes in warmer months. It will also minimize exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. And for some, wearing a hat will keep others from noticing thinning hair. But are those hats the cause of hair loss in the first place? No!
Hats may put some strain on your hair, but not in a way that could cause male pattern baldness. Some people worry that hats restrict the amount of blood flowing to their hair follicles, starving them of nutrients until they die. However, there is no research to support this theory, and it is highly unlikely, given that our bodies have blood vessels all over the scalp. If this were true, the hat would need to be tight across the entire scalp, and you would probably notice your skin turning shades of blue as well.
Wearing a dirty hat can lead to scalp infection, however, which in turn accelerates hair loss. But that is the extent to which hair loss and hats are connected, experts say. With so many benefits associated with wearing a clean hat, you might want to sport one more often. Just don’t let hair loss be the reason that you never take that hat off!
If you notice loose hair when you take your hat off, try to relax. It’s normal to lose up to 125 strands of hair each day. Don’t inspect your hair for thinness immediately after you take your hat off either. Hats can redirect the hair follicles, so the hair looks thinner than what you’re familiar with seeing in the mirror.
While covering your scalp with that hat might be a temporary fix to a hair loss dilemma, there are long-term solutions that will boost your confidence, with or without a hat on. Hairline Ink is dedicated to bringing you real facts and real results! Our team of experts have years of experience in advanced scalp micropigmentation techniques, restoring the confidence of men and women who suffer from balding. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or get a free quote!
