here are many hair loss myths abound. Lets sought out the facts from fiction. Most people turn to the Internet to find the answers, but unfortunately, there is a lot of false information out there. Several common discussion topics have varying, even contradicting, information. So how does one know what is fact and what is fiction? The following answers to the most frequently asked questions will dispel some of the false information floating around.

Hair Loss Myths 1: Pattern baldness originates from the maternal side: Fiction

Pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the leading cause of hair loss. It ails men and women alike, but one of the hair loss myths abound is that it only originates exclusively from the Mom’s genes. This genetic condition can actually come from either or both sides of the family, since the defunct androgen receptors at the root of PB are passed through the X chromosome. Women have XX while men have XY, so both parents are able to pass baldness to their offspring.

Hair Loss Myths 2: Working out too much can cause male hair loss: Fiction

Many believe that too much exercise raises testosterone levels. Testosterone gets converted into DHT and then causes hair loss. It’s true that an intense workout can slightly increase testosterone, but this increase is short-lived and not significant enough to cause hair loss.

Exercise and Hair Loss, hair loss myths — (Creative Commons) It is a myth that exercise can facilitate hair loss

Some hairstyles and harsh products lead to hair loss: Fact

Traction alopecia is especially common among African American women. Frequently worn, tight hairstyles lead to this type of hair loss, which manifests in anterior and posterior hairline recession. The tight pulling force of braids and ponytails eventually causes serious damage to the scalp. This results in a permanent loss of hair. Harsh chemicals and products like dyes, bleaches, and relaxers often exacerbate traction alopecia by further weakening the tensile strength of the follicle. Rogaine and transplantation are the best hair restoration treatment options for traction alopecia. But a related hair loss myth is that the use of hats causes hair loss. This is incorrect.

Sexual activity causes male hair loss: Fiction

Similar to the mythology about working out causing hair loss, this hair loss myth stems from the concern about raised testosterone levels. However, the increase in testosterone from sexual activity is not enough to affect hair loss.

Stress can cause hair loss: Fact

Severe physical or emotional trauma that stresses the body can cause hair to fall out. One of the main manifestations of stress-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium. This temporary condition extends the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. Thus it takes longer for new hair to grow in and a thinning scalp is the result. Hair restoration should occur on its own, since stress hair loss is usually temporary.

Hair Loss Myths and Facts: What is Fact and What is Fiction?