Hair loss predominantly affects men, but women can experience it, too. About two out of three men in America can expect to experience balding by the time they reach age 60. In fact, American men alone spend up to $1 billion per year to combat balding, and many come away wondering if it’s a lost cause.

Male pattern baldness is triggered by faulty hair-producing cells in the scalp. These cells are unable to reach a mature stage in order to fully function and produce hair. Current hair loss research is focused on examining these cells to see if there’s a way to return them to an active, functional state.

Here are some common myths about hair loss:

• Balding happens when you’re old: While most men can expect some balding by age 60, it’s actually quite common for men to start losing their hair in their teens, twenties and thirties. Unfortunately, the earlier it begins, the more likely it is to be more severe.
• Your mother’s side of the family is responsible for your hair loss: Don’t blame your mom too much—while the X chromosome carries the primary hair loss gene in Greensboro, NC, there can be a lot of other factors that contribute to your hair loss. Research suggests that if your dad is balding, you’re more likely to experience it as well.
• Wearing a hat or helmet can cause hair loss: Good news, athletes and sports aficionados! As long as your hats are clean (yes, that means washing and rotating them frequently), wearing a hat won’t affect your hair. However, if you haven’t washed your baseball cap since you scored the winning run in high school, you’re putting your scalp in danger of infections. Scalp infections, in turn, can accelerate hair loss.
• Rogaine and other treatments can prevent hair loss: If you catch your thinning hair early, medications like Propecia and Rogaine can seem like godsends. However, they only slow hair loss and thinning. They can also come with severe side effects (like loss of libido) that may make them less attractive.
• Get rid of your hair products to stop balding: Don’t worry—you can still use gel and other hair products. On the other hand, if you’re frequently teasing or curling your hair, you could be speeding up the balding process. The more you manipulate your hair, especially with tools, the more likely you are to see some additional or accelerated hair loss.

Ultimately, your genetics will play the biggest part in how fast your hair thins. Taking care of your scalp can help prolong your hair’s lifespan.

Fight genetic hair loss in Greensboro, NC

Not ready to say goodbye to your full head of hair? We can help. Raveen Hair Replacement is a hair replacement and treatment specialist. We know how disturbing it can be to lose your hair.  From wigs to hair replacement techniques, we can help you combat the factors that are causing your hair loss and restore your beautiful, healthy hair. Call us today to find out more!