Free Online Assessment
CALL US
WHATSAPP
- Dr Suhail Alam
- Reading Time: 8 Mins
If you are searching the internet for “ Does wearing a hat make you go bald “ you will find some varying information, some claiming it does, some claiming it doesn’t. Like many other hair loss myths on the internet, the myth that wearing a hat causes baldness is not backed up by any significant science.
Hair loss caused by wearing a hat isn’t completely made up, but it’s not a factor of male pattern baldness and is usually connected with traction alopecia. I’m sure you have questions so let’s read on as we answer all the questions you have and uncover the true cause of hairloss when wearing hats.
Key Takeaways
- Wearing a hat daily does not cause male pattern baldness, hair loss from hats is more often associated with traction alopecia.
- The science behind hair loss when wearing hats is not very strong, but existing studies show the opposite of the popular myth that exists.
- To protect yourself from hair loss when wearing hats it’s important to wear a loose fitting, breathable hat and avoid wearing your hat for prolonged periods.
Table of Contents
Does Wearing a Hat Make You Go Bald?
So that we can cut right to the chase, explain the science and research and give you the tips to avoid hair loss when wearing a hat. Let’s get it out there right now, there is absolutely no reputable scientific evidence that shows a hat causes any real hair loss, and most experts in the field can agree on this.
Over the years there have been many wives tales and common internet myths around what causes hair loss. While some of these myths hold partial truth the majority are just simply not true. We have been asked many questions such as “ Is my poor sleep making me go bald? “ and while this is a contributing factor towards hair loss. The main cause of male pattern baldness remains the same, your hormones and your genetic predisposition towards hair loss.
So what is it then? And why do so many people attribute hats with hair loss? The real connection between the two stems from something called traction alopecia. And this condition can occur any time there is a significant sustained pull on your hair roots including styling your hair in a specific way and wearing a tight fitting cap.
What The Science Says About “ Do Hats Cause Hair Loss “
As we discussed above, if we are talking about do hats cause male pattern baldness? Then we can answer this question ourselves… no. Hats have absolutely no impact on our levels of DHT and our hormones so there is no possible link between the two.
Let’s take a look at a very popular and well funded study, this study was done on how environmental factors contributed to hair loss in 92 pairs of identical twins. The key takeaway from this study was the fact that the twins with daily hat use was associated with decreased temporal hair loss!
Studies have also been done on the causes behind traction alopecia, with nurses showing signs of traction alopecia when wearing pinned caps for prolonged periods of time.
Overall there is a lack of studies done in this section, and the reason behind that is fairly obvious, the connection just isn’t there with male pattern baldness and hats. Experts in the hairloss field often agree on the main culprit, in which we will discuss next.
The Connection Between Hats And Hair Loss
As we mentioned above the real reason a hat can cause hair loss is most likely the condition known as traction alopecia. While this condition is more often associated with tight hairstyles worn by women, shown by this study, it’s certainly something an extremely tight hat can promote.
Signs of traction alopecia often include,
- Itching sensation in the scalp
- Redness in the scalp
- Multiple broken hairs
- Sudden hair loss and thinning
Hats To Promote Healthy Hair
Ensuring proper blood flow and circulation to the scalp is crucial for nourishing hair follicles and promoting optimal growth. When hats are excessively tight, they can restrict this essential circulation, leading to a reduction in blood flow to the scalp and creating a stagnant environment.
While this may not cause a significant amount of hair loss, it can lead to your hair not looking its best. And do you remember what we spoke about earlier? A hat that’s too tight can cause traction alopecia.. Something you definitely want to avoid.
Let’s take a look at our top 3 tips for wearing hats..
Choose the Right Fit: Choose hats that fit comfortably without being too tight. A snug but not constricting fit ensures proper blood flow and circulation to the scalp, maintaining a healthy environment for hair follicles.
Prioritise Breathable Materials: Select hats made from breathable materials such as cotton or linen. These materials allow air to circulate freely, preventing heat and moisture buildup on the scalp, which can contribute to hair issues like breakage and irritation.
Avoid Prolonged Wear: While hats can be a stylish accessory, it’s important not to wear them for extended periods, especially if they’re tight-fitting. Take breaks from wearing hats throughout the day to give your scalp and hair a chance to breathe and maintain optimal circulation.
By following these tips, you can enjoy wearing hats while also supporting the health and vitality of your hair.
Options In The Battle Against Hair Loss
We specialise in helping people like you who are suffering from hair loss. Our lead hair loss Doctor Suahail Alam, has helped thousands of men and women regain their hair confidence.
We offer some of the most advanced treatments in the UK for hair loss, if you want to find out more about how we can help you feel free to use the links below.
Summary
Thanks for stopping by and reading our blog, we hope you have found the information you required. We covered how wearing hats is not associated with male pattern baldness and the more likely cause is traction alopecia. Gave you the science behind it, along with tips at how to protect your hair while wearing hats. Below you will find some further faqs and answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can wearing a hat every day cause me to go bald?
Reputable scientific evidence shows that wearing hats does not directly cause male pattern baldness. Instead, hair loss from hats is more often linked to a condition called traction alopecia, which occurs when there's prolonged, excessive pulling on hair roots.
Are there specific types of hats that are safer for my hair?
Opt for hats with a looser fit and made from breathable materials like cotton or linen. These hats allow for better airflow, reducing the risk of scalp irritation and hair damage.
How long is too long to wear a hat without risking hair loss?
It's essential to give your scalp and hair a break from hats, especially if they're tight-fitting. Avoid prolonged wear and aim to take breaks throughout the day to allow your scalp to breathe and maintain your hair health.
Can tight hats cause more than just hair loss?
Tight hats can lead to discomfort and even contribute to a condition called traction alopecia, characterised by symptoms like itching, redness, and sudden hair thinning. It's crucial to prioritise comfort and avoid excessively tight headwear to promote healthy hair growth.
What if I'm already experiencing hair loss? Are there options to help regain hair confidence?
Our clinic specialises in advanced hair loss treatments, including PRP therapy, medications, and hairline transplants. Our lead expert, Dr Suahail Alam, has assisted numerous individuals in regaining their hair confidence, and we're here to help you, too, with your hair loss treatment.
About the Author
![How-to-Maintain-Healthy-Hair-[Tips,-Treatments,-and-Products]](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_lossy,ret_img,w_1175,h_516/https://aventusclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/How-to-Maintain-Healthy-Hair-Tips-Treatments-and-Products.jpg)
