5 Myths About Hair Loss

As hair loss professionals, people often share pre-conceived ideas of what causes their hairloss. Here's information that will help clarify the 'root' of the matter.

Myth: Your hair loss will be determined by your mother’s side of the family.

Fact: Some studies have found that the mother’s genes are expressed slightly stronger when it comes to hair loss but genes from both sides of your family affect your likelihood to experience hair loss. Plus, just because you may carry hair loss genes does not necessarily mean they will be expressed. So, don’t fret when you look at your family tree, everyone has an entirely unique genetic make-up.

Myth: Over shampooing causes hair loss.

You may notice hair in your shower drain and worry that shampooing is the culprit. Hair follicles have natural on and off cycles and it is normal to lose 100-200 strands a day. Actually, shampooing your hair is a wonderful time to stimulate your hair follicles by gently massaging your scalp. This increases blood flow and allows for healthy hair growth. If your hair seems dry after shampooing, use a conditioner to minimize breakage.

Myth: Hair loss is linked to old age.

Hair loss can occur at any age. While it is common for hair to thin as you age some men and women notice hair loss in their 20’s and 30’s. Additionally, there is a common condition called Alopecia Areata where young adults and children experience hair loss, sometimes resulting in complete baldness.

Myth: There is no cure for hair loss.

There are medications that can slow or even stop hair loss such as the Spectral line of products that Images International offers. Also, the FDA approved laser therapy has been proven to be effective to stop or slow the thinning of your hair. The objective of these therapies is to stimulate the hair follicle to keep it producing healthy hair strands and early intervention is best. Once a hair follicle is dead it will no longer grow hair.

Myth: Stress causes hair loss.

Every day stress of traffic jams, crying kids or horrible bosses is not linked to hair loss. There is a slight bit of truth to this though. Stress can cause hair loss if it is a sudden and severe. This is a condition called Telogen Effluvium and it is caused by major physiological stress like childbirth, prolonged illness or crash dieting. Typically hair growth returns as the body returns to a homeostatic point.