Hair loss can affect anyone at any age, and numerous causes exist. Stress, hormones, and genetics all play a part, but could your choice of hats affect your hair growth? So many myths surround hats and hair loss, so getting some facts is reassuring.
Fact #1: Hats Don’t Stop Oxygen Getting to Your Hair
Your hair is a complex part of your body. Each strand is made of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (among other constituents), which come together to form keratin, a strong, fibrous protein. Your hair needs water and oxygen to stay healthy, which is where the myth comes from that hats stop oxygen from getting to your hair.
However, hair doesn’t get its oxygen from the air. It comes through your blood supply, straight to the follicle of every hair on your head. No matter how tight-fitting your hat is, you can’t stop oxygen from reaching your hair.
You can help your hair by drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. This helps nourish your hair from the inside and could even prevent certain kinds of hair loss.
Fact #2: Hats Cause Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss specifically caused by pulling, tugging, or other types of physical strain on the hair follicles. Tight hairstyles such as braids can cause this, and over many years, can cause permanent hair loss or scarring of the scalp.
Some people may fear that a tight hat that pulls the hair when taking it off could also cause traction alopecia. They may even notice a few stray hairs inside their hat and panic. However, the occasional tug of a hat getting caught on your hair is not the same as constant pulling on the hair follicles. There is no evidence that hats are linked to traction alopecia.
Fact #3: Hats Could Prevent Some Types of Hair Damage
Whether in the summer sun or keeping warm on a frosty winter’s day, a hat can be your hair’s best friend. Hats can protect your hair from some air-borne pollutants that could dull your shiny locks. They keep your scalp warm, which can help with circulation, ensuring your hair retains a good blood supply.
Perhaps more importantly, though, hats can help protect hair from harmful UV rays from the sun. Sunlight can cause hair to become brittle, dry, or even lose some of its color. Hats are a line of defense against sun damage, helping you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about hair loss or hair damage as much.
Make sure your hats fit well and are comfortable, and if you’re experiencing hair loss, rest assured that it’s unlikely your hat is the culprit. Talk to a specialist at Custom Hair Tampa Bay about what could be behind your hair loss and the treatment options available. Get in touch by clicking here, to find out more.
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