Men usually put much stock in their hair, so when male pattern baldness starts to set in, it can eat away at a patient’s confidence and self-esteem.
At this point, they resort to either applying natural remedies, such as oils, vitamins and supplements, changing dietary and lifestyle habits or seeking some of the finest cosmetic services in Dubai.
Still, most men are not well-informed about the facts surrounding male pattern baldness. As a result, they fall prey to myths that can potentially lead them in the wrong direction regarding the appropriate treatment.
In this article, you can find out the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions about thinning hairlines and baldness.
Myth 1: You’re just getting old.
While hair loss symptoms can manifest as you get older, it is not an inevitable part of ageing. In fact, male pattern baldness can start in your 20s and 30s, and some men even experience hair loss in their teenage years. The earlier you spot a receding hairline, the more important it is to seek treatment to slow down or even reverse the process.
Myth 2: Wearing a hat causes baldness.
Men are often told to avoid wearing hats and other head apparel because they strain hair follicles, possibly leading to hair loss. However, this myth exaggerates the impact of hats on hair loss. It’s worth mentioning that dirty headwear can potentially cause scalp infections, which may worsen your condition. To ensure optimal hair health, remember to keep your hats clean.
Myth 3: Hair gel and hairspray lead to hair loss.
An extension of this myth, which is even more difficult to believe, is the notion that hairspray and gel are responsible for causing baldness. In reality, none of these hair products can contribute to balding, although they do have various effects on your hair for obvious reasons.
Some men may use styling tools such as curling irons which, while not directly triggering hair loss, could accelerate the process.
Still, try to exercise restraint when using products like hairspray and gel. While they may not directly cause baldness, they can lead to other issues, such as damage and compromised health of your hair strands and follicles.
Myth 4: Too many carbohydrates lead to hair loss.
This claim is entirely inaccurate. It is so far from the truth that the opposite holds true: Consuming red meat and carbohydrates provides essential nutrients to promote healthy hair growth.
Extensive research has been conducted on the correlation between hair loss and iron deficiency. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests a clear link between the two. Moreover, it is crucial to note that iron deficiency poses significant health risks regardless of its impact on hair loss. Therefore, addressing iron deficiency is imperative for overall well-being.
Myth 5: Stress can trigger hair loss.
Stress, in general, is never good for your health. It can lead to various physical and mental ailments, so learning effective stress management techniques is always recommended.
However, determining the impact of stress on hair loss is a bit complex. It boils down to this simple question: “Would you have lost your hair anyway if you weren’t under stress?” Physical or emotional trauma can indeed accelerate hair loss, but you wouldn’t lose any hair to any kind of trauma that you wouldn’t have lost naturally, anyway.
In other words, if stress causes you to lose hair that you otherwise would have kept, it’ll simply grow back.
That said, it does affect balding the same way weight changes (gain or loss) can also increase the probability of hair loss.
Myth 6: Your mother’s genetics are to blame for your hair loss.
Hair loss is influenced by a primary baldness gene, partially inherited through the X chromosome from the mother’s side. Still, genetics isn’t the only factor that contributes to hair loss.
Research suggests that hereditary hair loss is more prominent on the woman’s side, and while bald fathers often have bald sons, this is not always the case. These findings indicate a genetic factor, but it would be an oversimplification to solely attribute hair loss to the mother’s genes, given what science now knows about the causes of baldness.
The Real Culprit: Androgenetic Alopecia
Now that you’ve gotten to the heart of the myths, onward to the science. Male pattern baldness is scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia. It’s common in both males and females, however, although the female variant is less severe (and, of course, not known by the same nomenclature).
A typical symptom is a receding hairline that begins above both temples and follows an M-shaped pattern as it progresses. It develops into partial or complete baldness and, as mentioned earlier, can start as early as the teenage years.
A Final Reminder
Remember, while some of these myths may seem convincing, they are not based on solid evidence. Always consult a medical professional for hair loss concerns and treatments to effectively manage male pattern baldness and maintain a healthy head of hair.