Myths and realities of hair loss

There are many ongoing myths about hair loss. You cannot lose your hair from either frequent or rare hair washing. While some shampoos may make your hair appear fuller, there is no shampoo that will grow hair. While the lack of some vitamins and micronutrients can cause hair loss, you will be sick from these deficiencies well before you lose your hair. No vitamins or micronutrients will grow hair. The wearing of hats will not cause you to lose your hair. The wearing of hats is associated with hair loss probably because many bald men wear hats to either hide their baldness, protect their heads from the sun, or to stay warm.
Hair styles that pull on your hair, such as tight braids, can over time lead to hair loss, known as traction alopecia. These patients can undergo hair transplantation to correct their appearance. Permanents and hair dyes can damage your hair but will not cause baldness.

Some people constantly pull out their hair due to anxiety. This is known as tricholomania and can lead to permanent hair loss. This is an anxiety disorder often requiring medications and psychiatric help. After treatment, it may be helpful to transplant these patients to restore their appearance.

Hair will fall out after major stress, typically a febrile illness, major surgery or other illness, and severe emotional stress such as a death in the family. Hair will also fall out following pregnancy. These conditions are important to recognize as these patients should not undergo hair restoration.

There are a number of medical conditions associated with hair loss such as systemic lupus erythematosus or hypothyroidism as well as a number of scalp diseases associated with hair loss. These diseases require specific treatment and are generally not appropriate for hair restoration.