Let's address the elephant in the room for a moment: Hair loss happens. In fact, hair loss is so common more than 85% of men and almost 33% of women will experience the effects of it at some point in their adult lives.
So, why is it still so difficult to find accurate, fact-based information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for hair thinning, hair loss, and every stage in between?
At Ben's Lab, we're here to demystify the hair loss process once and for all, so you can stop settling for fear-based hair loss myths and start taking actionable steps toward supporting a healthy hair growth cycle and preventing serious hair loss at the source.
Without further ado, here are the top 6 hair loss myths, debunked by modern science.
Myth: Hair loss is caused by having too much testosterone.
Many assume that because men experience higher rates of pattern baldness, it must be linked to their testosterone levels. This assumption is not entirely correct. If this were true, you might wonder, "If people, both male and female, have higher levels of testosterone when they are younger, then why do people lose their hair when they are older?" The answer lies in the conversion between testosterone and DHT.
Fact: DHT is one of the main causes of pattern hair loss.
As our bodies get older, our hormone levels change, disrupting the natural cycle of growth for your hair. The primary hormonal change that can cause hair loss is the increase in DHT production.
DHT is a derivative of testosterone, which is converted by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, increasing as you age. From there, DHT binds to androgen receptors on the scalp, leading to miniaturization and eventual loss of hair. Although testosterone also binds to these receptors, DHT is much more potent and can bind with five times the affinity, making it difficult to restore healthy hair growth.
Myth: Women don't experience hair loss because they lack male testosterone.
Sure, men and women experience different hormone levels, but the truth is that they produce both testosterone and estrogen on a daily basis. This means that not only do women produce the same testosterone that results in DHT, but they're also at risk of developing female pattern baldness, which is commonly overlooked in many hair loss discussions.
Simply put, ladies are not immune to the implications of losing hair.
Fact: Women can also experience hair loss from DHT.
Surprisingly, women actually have higher levels of testosterone than estrogen. If you break things down unit by unit, normalized levels of testosterone in women are between 15 and 70 ng/dL, while levels of estrogen in women (premenopausal) are between 3 to 40 ng/dL (30 and 400 pg/mL).
As we said, female pattern hair loss is more common than many realize and is also linked directly to an increase in DHT production. Although testosterone levels aren’t as high in women as they are in men, androgenic alopecia still affects a significant amount of women, approximately 30 million women in the United States.
Myth: If my dad is bald, I'll likely go bald too.
Speaking of genetic hair loss, it's a common belief that if your dad is experiencing male pattern baldness, you will too. Now, this hair growth idea may not be entirely false, but further research has pointed out that there is no singular gene that determines whether you'll go bald or not.
There are some genetic factors that can point to the likelihood of a receding hairline or bald spots, but the source of this predisposition to hair loss is actually linked to your mom's genes, not your dad's.
Fact: Some types of hair loss can be hereditary.
Let's be real: Genetics are complicated. Some of us are born with genes that create more hair than others, while some of us are burdened with pattern hair loss. Unfortunately, pinpointing which gene in particular is the cause of hair loss is a challenge. One study found as many as 63 genes that play a role in androgenic alopecia, which can be inherited from either of your parents
Notably, the AR (androgen receptor) gene, found to have one of the strongest associations with hair loss, sits on the “X” chromosome, which is inherited directly from your mom.
So, instead of worrying about your dad's hair falling out, you may want to pay closer attention to the men on your mom's side of the family tree.
Myth: Wearing hats leads to hair loss.
Now, this hair myth has been around since the dawn of fashion. If you're a fan of baseball gaps and beanies, you'll be happy to know that there is no evidence that your favorite accessories cause hair loss. But if you want to make sure your healthy hair lasts, you should still take some precautions when it comes to your headwear.
Fact: Dirty or tight headwear can disrupt hair growth cycles.
Dirty hats may be a threat to your existing hair, but excessive tension from tight hats can actually impact hair growth. When a hat is too tight, it cuts off blood flow to the hair follicles, disrupting the natural hair growth cycle. So, even though wearing hats doesn't cause hair loss, you should still make sure your favorite accessories fit properly and are clean.
Wearing dirty hats isn't just a hygiene issue. It can also cause infections directly in the hair follicles, which can lead to potential loss, cause split ends, and leave the hair shaft dry and brittle.
Myth: If you use too much shampoo, your hair will fall out.
There is a lot of debate surrounding the role of hair products in the hair loss process, but there has yet to be any concrete evidence to prove that the cleansing agents in shampoo can actually make your hair fall out. Just in case you've ever panicked when seeing the amount of hair that comes out each time you shower, rest assured that this type of shedding is a normal part of growing new hair.
As of now, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) doesn’t list any shampoos, or shampoo ingredients, as common causes of hair loss. While many argue that popular cleansing agents like sulfates lead to thinning hair or even permanent hair loss, this is little more than a marketing tactic used by shampoo brands that claim to stop hair loss.
Fact: Good hygiene supports healthy hair growth.
Just like having healthy skin and a healthy body, your showering habits can have a big impact on the long-term health of your hair. Practicing proper hair care, including washing your hair, using conditioning treatments, and avoiding hair damage from heat styling, can all contribute to healthier hair, regardless of how much shampoo you use.
Myth: There’s no point in treating hair loss.
Even if genetics are not on your side and you’ve already encountered signs of pattern hair loss, you can still take preventative measures. In fact, there are plenty of preventative treatments available to deter severe hair loss and stimulate healthy hair growth in the areas where hair loss has already occurred.
Fact: Hair loss can be suppressed if you act fast.
While severe pattern baldness is nearly impossible to reverse without surgical intervention, taking preventative action can preserve healthy hair and protect your scalp against further hair loss. The sooner you take action to address hair loss, the better your chances are of retaining a full, healthy head of hair.
Combat Hair Loss With Ben’s Lab
Now that we've set the record straight on these hair myths, let's get to what you really want to hear: How do I prevent hair loss? We believe that the best approach is one that is backed by science, clinically tested, and safe to take long-term. That's why our drug-free supplements and topical hair products have been carefully formulated and tested to combat the root causes of hair loss, give support to a healthy scalp, stimulate hair growth, repair hair follicles, and more.
To get your hands (and your head) on the innovative hair loss solution you've been looking for, visit our online store today.