The 9 Biggest Myths About Women’s Hair Thinning!

Hair thinning is so prevalent that many myths have developed throughout the years. Some women can be so desperate for a cure that they end up believing them. If you don’t want to waste your money on empty hair growth promises, then it’s best if you read these 9 biggest myths about hair thinning in women. 

Myth 1: Hair loss only affects a few women.

FALSE. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 50% of women around the globe suffer from noticeable hair loss. In the United States alone, about 30 million women suffer from hair loss. That's roughly 18% of the 165.92 million-strong females in the US. 

Myth 2: I’m young. I don’t have to worry about hair loss.

FALSE. While hair loss usually hits women in their 40’s, it can happen to younger females as well. This is especially the case for ladies with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which usually occurs during the reproductive years (20’s or 30’s). 

This metabolic condition is brought about by increased levels of androgens in the body. Not only does this disrupt the menstrual cycle, but it can also bring about a condition called androgenetic alopecia. Also known as female-pattern hair loss, it oftentimes affects the entire scalp. It may be reversed with PCOS treatment. 

Myth 3: Hair thinning is only obvious around the hairline.

FALSE. As mentioned, conditions such as female-pattern hair loss can lead to thinning across the entire scalp. 

The same can be said about telogen effluvium, the second-most-common hair loss problem seen by physicians. It can be caused by a variety of things, including diet, hormones, or extreme stress. While it often affects the top of the scalp, it can occur in other places as well. 

Myth 4: Solving one problem will fix my hair loss issues. 

FALSE. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of things. It can range from familial tendencies to stress, medications, hormones, even hairstyle. As such, focusing on one factor may not be enough to solve your problems. 

For example, you may have changed your hairstyle, but you failed to remove the stress that affects your hair growth. If you want to get to the bottom of this, then you need to consult with your dermatologist. 

Myth 5: My mom has thinning hair, so it will most likely happen to me.

TRUE. Yes. As with men, female-pattern hair loss is a hereditary disease. However, it’s also possible that you could get your hair problems from your father. Although this is the case, some interventions may help minimize the symptoms. 

Myth 6: Hair Care products will cure all my hair loss woes. 

PARTLY TRUE. Not all hair care products are good for the hair. In fact, some contain ingredients that can accelerate hair loss. As such, you need to be on the lookout for these harmful chemicals: sulfates, mineral oils, parabens, synthetic fragrances, synthetic fragrances, silicones, coal tar, even formaldehyde. They can damage your hair, leading to hair fall in the long run.

For best results, make use of hair care products that contain these beneficial ingredients:

• Coconut Oil - This can help make your hair more flexible and strong. 

• Palm, Jojoba or Olive Oil - Apart from moisturizing your locks, these oils can make them shinier as well. 

• Mango, Shea or Coconut Butter - This provides a protective barrier around the hair, keeping it protected against the harsh elements. 

• Hydrolyzed Keratin - This is a type of protein that makes up your mane. It can improve the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage. 

Myth 7: Wearing a ponytail can lead to hair loss.

TRUE. If you often wear your ponytail tightly, you may end up developing a hair loss condition known as traction alopecia. This occurs due to the ‘pull’ or force you put on your hair. 

Apart from tight ponytails, braids or buns can trigger hair loss as well. Although it’s unnerving, the good thing about this is it’s reversible. Just stop wearing your hair tightly and you’ll notice less hair fall soon. 

Myth 8: Hair dyes can lead to hair thinning.

TRUE. Just like hair care products, some dyes contain ingredients that are harmful to the hair. Even if your product has good ingredients, repeated dyeing may affect the integrity of your hair strands. 

According to a Dermatology Times report, hair dyes can lead to hair problems through several mechanisms. For one, it can weaken the hair shaft, making it prone to breakage-induced hair loss. 

At the same time, the combing and rubbing done during the dyeing process end up affecting the hairs in the resting (telogen) phase. Some dyes also contain hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, chemicals that can loosen said telogen hairs. With these actions, it’s only a matter of time before your dyed locks shed. 

Myth 9: Hair loss is a hopeless cause.

FALSE. There's a lot of things that you could do to restore your crowning glory. Here are some helpful tips: 

Improve your diet

What you eat (or don’t) can affect your hair. After all, it needs numerous nutrients to keep growing well. With that being said, you must strive to meet the recommended dietary allowances for the following nutrients:

• Vitamins A, B, C, D, E

• Protein

• Iron 

• Copper 

• Zinc

• Selenium

If dietary restrictions stop you from consuming such sources, you can always go for supplements. Apart from the above-mentioned nutrients, other recommended natural remedies include saw palmetto and ginseng. 

Take care of your hair

You might not know it, but your daily habits may lead to more hair fall. To minimize hair shedding, make sure to wash your strands regularly. Make use of mild formulas, avoiding the harsh ingredients mentioned above.

It’s also best to observe gentle hair styling. More importantly, minimize the use of hair dye whenever possible. 

Consult with your doctor

As mentioned, hair loss can be triggered by several factors. Unfortunately, most of these cases cannot be reversed just by a proper diet or good hair care. With that being said, it's best to consult with your physician. He/she can prescribe you medications or treatments that can minimize hair loss.