Jessica Walker

THURSDAY

13 , 2022

10 Common Hair Loss Myths

"Are these common hair loss myths based in truth or complete farce? Some may surprise you."

Myths are stories based on tradition. Some are based in truth and some are completely fictional and we’ve heard it all! From secret superfoods claiming to magically grow hair faster to wondering if wearing hats can cause our hair to fall out… There is no lack of snake oil filled with empty promises when it comes to hair loss and Eufora is here to settle the score. Are these common hair loss myths based in truth or complete farce? Some may surprise you.

1. Causes for hair loss in women differ from causes in men… right?

FALSE! There are multiple reasons and factors that can affect hair loss including hormones, diet, scalp health and of course genetics. However, the most common cause of hair loss in BOTH men and women is a genetic sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which causes the hair follicle to shrink in a process called miniaturisation. While genetic hair loss may start in men earlier… DHT is the main culprit in both men and women.

2. Will vitamins make my hair grow back?

A little bit of both!? There are a lot of supplements that try to claim they can stimulate hair growth and there have been some studies out there that state certain superfoods can help improve your hair thickness, shine, and appearance. While we can’t be certain of individual vitamins, minerals, or herbs having profound results - we do know one thing...

Certain nutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D can absolutely lead to hair loss. But what about hair growth? We do know that eating a healthy diet has effects on your entire system including your hair. You are constantly growing hair and it needs a consistent supply of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins to grow healthy, thick hair. An antioxidant rich diet with Vitamins A, C, and E makes these nutrients available to the hair roots while B-vitamins and Biotin help healthy hair grow. Herbal blends of Noni, Fo-Ti, and Horsetail also have promising benefits.

3. Stress is causing my hair to fall out!

Maybe?! While it may not be the sole cause, stress can certainly play a role in your hair’s thickness, health, and hair loss. The good news is it is mostly temporary. When we are stressed, we don’t sleep or eat well and our bodies are on heightened alert. So, we can see as a side effect hair thinning is a reaction to stress and how we are treating our bodies. However, traumatic stressful events can trigger a certain type of hair loss that alters the growth cycle of the hair follicle.

4. Are your ponytails, cornrows, and tight tension hairstyles causing hair loss?

Loosen up. Don’t be so uptight! Because yes... tight ponytails, braids, weaves, extensions, cornrows and even buns can affect your scalp when it’s pulled back with excessive force. Continued tension can damage your follicles and lead to traction alopecia over time. Pulling on the hair repeatedly loosens the hair shaft and leads to permanent damage and scarring. Individual strands become weak and break off, reducing overall hair volume. The damage can be reversed but if the pulling and tension continues, your hair loss can be permanent.

5. Do Hats = Hair Loss?

Good news! Wearing hats will not cause progressive hair loss. However, wearing your hat too tight can cause loss of blood flow and fresh oxygen to the follicles. Similar to wearing your hair too tight in a ponytail, you don’t want a hat too tight or restrictive either.

6. Do I have to sacrifice my colour to keep my hair?

No! You can absolutely still colour your hair as long as you maintain a healthy hair and scalp environment which depends on the treatment and how you protect your hair. In fact, a great cut and colour by a professional colourist can help you make the most of what you have. A trained professional can direct volume to the right places for a thicker, fuller look and help provide cover to any thinning areas. You never want to over process because chemical services can weaken or damage the hair causing breakage. Make sure to always see a professional hair stylist for professional services as they can create a customised cut, colour, and style to make the most of what you’ve got!

7. Do hot tools lead to a hot (hairless) mess?

BUSTED! Some things are NOT meant to withstand heat including our hair. If you are using hot tools and styling tools a lot with high temperatures, you can be causing breakage from the heat but it will not actually cause thinning or hair loss. Too much heat is a bad thing. Before you apply any heat to your hair make sure you use products like EuforaStyle Thermal Defense Prep on wet hair or EuforaStyle Retain on dry hair before placing heat to your hair. You want to ensure that you protect the hair from the heat. Also, turn down the heat. It doesn’t have to be so hot. Use your tools on either the lower or middle settings, never on the hottest settings.

8. Does rough brushing/tugging lead to hair loss?

Here's the deal! In addition to heat styling tools, excessive force while brushing or combing through your hair may cause the hair to break. If your tangles are getting too hard to manage… use Eufora Nourish Fortifi Keratin Repair or Eufora Beautifying Elixirs Leave-In Repair Treatment before you brush/comb it out. Remember… always start at the ends of your hair and work your way up. This will help prevent you from ripping through any knots or matted areas.

9. Does washing your hair make it grow faster?

10. Do consistent hair cuts make my hair grow faster?

What's important - Never underestimate the power of a great haircut. For fine and thin hair - a haircut can make a world of difference in making your hair look thicker and fuller. Regardless of how many haircuts you get per year, your hair will grow at the same rate. It may grow faster in the summer vs. the winter depending on healthy blood flow. While an actual hair cut doesn’t make hair grow back thicker or faster… practicing proper scalp health can. Encouraging circulation by gently exfoliating the scalp can promote retention and natural thickness and density or hair growth.