There are a lot of thoughts out there about male pattern baldness and what causes it. Too much time in the sun, not enough time in the sun, whether or not it’s your father’s line or your mother’s line, and even how often you wash it or condition it. The list goes on and on. And we’re here to tackle one particular area of superstition in the hair loss world: hat wearing.
Some say that hats have nothing to do with causing baldness while others swear that wearing that ball cap as often as you do is going to make your hair fall out faster than it would on its own. So, does wearing a hat make you lose hair?
Well, the answer is both yes and no. While wearing a hat can make your hair fall out, it does not inherently cause long-term hair loss. There’s a big difference between these two things: hair loss can occur from wearing a hat, but it does not cause baldness. Ultimately, the hair that might be lost from wearing a hat will grow back—it is not susceptible to permanent departure as would be the case of hair that falls out due to male-pattern baldness.
Let’s take a closer look at these ideas surrounding hats and hair loss.
Do Hats Contribute to Baldness?
The short answer here is no. However, extremely tight hats can decrease blood flow to hair follicles, which can cause the follicles to become stressed and subsequently fall out. Hair loss in this sense is caused by wearing the hat. However, the hair that falls out in this situation is going to grow back.
So, does wearing a hat increase baldness? It can. But the kind of hair loss that can occur from wearing a hat is only temporarily lost due to the hat. It’s not part of the balding process, and it will more than likely grow back.
Do Certain Types of Hats Cause Hair Loss?
As it happens, there is one type of hair loss that can occur from a hat over an extremely long period. Not to mention, this must also include the marriage of perfect circumstances. Certain types of hats—mainly tight-fitting ones—are going to put you at greater risk for a condition known as traction alopecia. It’s gradual hair loss that results from constant or repetitive tension or pulling on the hair. This can occur from any type of hat if worn too tightly: flat caps, beanies, fedoras, ball caps, snapbacks, etc.
Obviously, some of these types of hats can’t really be worn too tight, such as a beanie. But those that can be should be watched out for—again, just in the sense that you’re wearing them too tight.
The thing is, hair loss from a too-tight hat takes a very long time to happen. So, can wearing a hat all the time cause baldness? Theoretically, yes. But the chances of you wearing a hat tight enough and often enough is highly, highly unlikely. You would be perpetually uncomfortable and even in a certain amount of pain from the tightness of said hat.
Do Something About Hair Loss with Fortero
Hair loss and balding is more commonly connected to things like genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress, medical conditions, and even hormonal changes. Wearing a hat can cause some hair loss, though it isn’t connected to balding. So, if you’re trying to avoid shedding anything more than necessary, maybe steer clear of ball caps.
Or, if you like wearing hats, keep doing it. Unless it’s practically glued to your head, it’s not going to cause much or any damage. We do suggest washing your hats regularly to keep things neat and clean. You can also check out Fortero’s hair loss shampoos and conditioners designed to keep the hair on your head and to stimulate more hair growth down the line.
