Hair Loss myths prevail

Modern scientists have a deep understanding of why, how, and to whom hair loss can occur. Yet still, this has not prevented myths and rumours being spread. In actual fact, misunderstandings surrounding baldness are so common that the NHS has felt it necessary to produce a list, debunking the twenty most common, untrue theories about hair loss.

Some are relatively reasonable. The idea that baldness is passed on from your mother’s side, though untrue (the hair loss gene can actually come from either parent) is at least somewhat plausible.

On the other hand, are there really people out there who believe that standing on your head cures baldness? Or that frequent ejaculation can do the same? Apparently so, according to the NHS.

It goes to show that despite the fact hair loss affects 40% of the male population, many are still in the dark about how to deal with the condition.

Even the commonly held belief that stress causes hair loss is not strictly true. While stress can result in your hair falling out temporarily, it does not lead to male-pattern baldness. Similarly, people are wrong to think that shampooing your hair causes it to fall out: all it really does is remove dead hairs.

It is worth remembering, too, that some actions can damage your hair without causing baldness – using hair dyes, blow drying or straightening your hair too often.

Overall, the fact that the NHS has seen fit to produce this list, suggests that men need to be better equipped with information about hair loss. Millions of men who are going bald may not be aware of the genuine facts of their condition, and they may also be unaware that hair loss treatments are available.