Doctor debunks five most common hair loss myths

Hair loss is a common experience for tens of thousands of people at different stages of life, but it is also accompanied by stigma and shame that can make it difficult to talk about.

However, the reluctance to speak openly about hair loss and the conditions that lead to it mean that people tend to believe certain myths around it.

For instance, some people may think hair loss only affects men or old people, or that cutting their hair will make it grow back thicker.

In conjunction with National Hair Loss Month this August, Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy is ready to shed light on these myths.

He aims to provide people with accurate information, as well as “correct support and advice on the potential factors influencing hair loss and available treatment options”.

These are the five most common hair loss myths:

Hair loss only impacts men

While it’s true that hair loss is especially common among men, with two in three men experiencing male pattern baldness to some extent during their lifetime, women can also be affected by hair loss at certain life stages.

"Hormonal changes, including pregnancy or menopause, are just some of the ways women can experience hair loss - making this myth completely untrue," said Dr Grant.

"While pregnant, women’s progesterone levels increase, this hormone can make hair follicles temporarily stop, leading to some falling out. Female pattern baldness is another type of hair loss that is permanent and is often linked to genetics.

"Additionally, women can experience hair loss through illness, with conditions such as thyroid disorders, lupus or cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Hair loss among women can have a massive impact on confidence and therefore avoiding stigmas is crucial."

To help combat hair loss in women, Dr Grant points to products such as Regaine for Women, an over-the-counter solution that contains 2% Minoxidil.

"Clinical trials of this product revealed it helped stop hair loss in four out of five women, targeting thinning hair and helping restore confidence in women suffering from hair loss."

Only old people experience hair loss

Hair loss can actually occur at any age, for both men and women, Dr Grant said. "Androgenic alopecia is usually passed down through genetics and can begin as early as the teenage years or early twenties. This often appears as a receding hairline at first before spreading to the rest of the head.

"Male pattern baldness typically begins between ages 25-35 and will accelerate with age. This is categorised as hair loss on the top of the head while the back and sides remain unaffected. Unfortunately, as it’s hereditary, it cannot be prevented. Instead, treatments are available to slow the process and promote positive hair health.

"Men and women need to understand that hair loss can strike at any age, understanding the telltale signs - such as a receding hairline, can allow people to treat hair loss earlier, to slow the process."

Stress is the main factor that influences hair loss

While stress certainly can and does impact hair loss, it is just one of many factors that contribute to the condition, Dr Grant explained.

"Conditions that lead to hair loss such as Alopecia Areata and Telogen Effluvium can be impacted by high stress levels and our mental well-being can play a massive role in the maintenance of hair, but it’s simply not true that stress is the main cause of losing hair.

"Ultimately, various lifestyle, health and other aspects all contribute. Primarily, hair loss conditions are passed down genetically while some experience it as a natural part of the ageing process. For others, diet can have an influence, with deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron or vitamin D playing a role."

Cutting hair makes it grow back thicker and healthier

The idea that cutting your hair will make it grow back thicker and healthier is an old wives’ tale. The reality is that cutting your hair has nothing to do with how much of it grows back.

However, the myth may have begun because cutting one’s hair can improve the appearance, making it seem thicker due to the loss of split ends. But, at the end of the day, it has no real impact on the growth or health of hair, Dr Grant said - genetics plays a much bigger role in influencing hair thickness.

"Instead, by adopting a well-balanced diet and choosing supplements that support hair growth, such as biotin, people can potentially get their hair to improve in thickness. Shampoos such as Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo contain caffeine, zinc and niacin to stimulate the growth of new hair while strengthening existing strands and slowing hereditary hair loss. The product should be applied to the hair and scalp for 2 minutes each day and works from the very first wash."

Washing your hair too much leads to hair loss

Whenever you wash your hair, you will likely notice some hair shedding. This may lead some people to think that washing your hair too often can lead to hair loss - but this simply isn’t true.

Dr Grant said: "Many modern-day shampoos include gentle chemicals that promote cleanliness and avoid damaging hair or the scalp. Frequent washing can maintain healthy hair, keeping the area clean of dirt and oil.

"It’s normal to experience some minor shedding when washing or drying hair, with the typical person losing around 50 to 100 hair strands naturally every day.

"If people are experiencing extreme hair loss following a bath or shower, it’s likely that other factors are influencing this. Overall, I strongly recommend seeking advice from a GP to determine the root cause of hair loss and discuss appropriate treatments."

Read more about health and wellness:

• These are the worst areas in England for your hair and skin (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• One in 10 men worried their hairline will end their relationship (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)

• Can heartbreak lead to hair loss? (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)