Hairy Myths

When it comes to hair loss, we’ve all heard numerous stories of miracle cures and treatments. One popular urban legend involves standing on the head to increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.

While there may be no harm in giving some folk treatments a try, it is still best to clear up some misconceptions about hair loss. Ezyhealth & Beauty speaks to Dr Eugene Hong, medical director of Electro Hair Regeneration Centre to set the record straight.

Myth 1 Balding is caused by excessive testosterone levels.

Not all balding is caused by testosterone. However, a hormone similar to testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes male pattern baldness as well as prostate enlargement. This can be treated with a medication that inhibits the enzyme which produces DHT.

Myth 2 Shaving makes hair grow back in huge amounts.

Each hair shaft is slightly thicker at its base compared to its tip. Hence hair can temporarily appear thicker for about a week after it has been cut. But cutting hair has no effect on hair thickness or on the number of hairs that will sprout from follicles.

Myth 3 Topical drug treatments will breed dependency and once you stop, hair loss returns.

Topical drug treatments do not breed dependency. It is only a treatment, rather than a cure. Obviously with the cessation of treatment, hair loss will continue at its genetically determined rate.

Myth 4 Black sesame and a high protein diet will help reduce hair loss.

Even though hair consists of mainly protein, healthy hair comes from a balanced diet. Besides proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, lipids (fats), and vitamins are necessary for both body and hair growth. It is possible that the ingredients stated above are present in black sesame, hence this particular myth.

Myth 5 The main cause of hair loss is oily scalp and this can be remedied by using the more expensive shampoos found in salons, rather than mass market varieties.

Contrary to popular belief, the main cause of hair loss is not oily scalps, but genetics. However, it is important to clean hair regularly to prevent infections, which can also cause hair loss. The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will add moisture and body to your hair. The key is to find the correct shampoo for your hair type, not the price.

Myth 6 Balding is caused by mother’s genes.

Male pattern hair loss usually begins at age 18 to 20; female pattern hair loss starts between ages 45 and 55. The hair loss gene does not get passed
down from mother nor does it skip a generation. In fact, there isn’t even a single hair loss gene. Researchers think pattern baldness is probably due to the interaction of several genes inherited from both parents.

Myth 7 Brushing hair frequently speeds up hair loss.

Excessive brushing can cause traction alopecia, meaning hair loss caused by too much pulling. As long as you use a good brush on your hair, daily brushing will not accelerate the normal loss of hair from scalp. If your hair is suffering from a hair loss condition like alopecia, brushing will only cause you to lose hair that will fall anyway. Excessive brushing is always discouraged