5 Myths About Hair Loss Revealed
While it is true many factors contribute to hair loss, there are myths that abound, which simply have little basis in fact. Male hair loss and male pattern balding is primarily the result of DHT (dihydrotestostrerone) which is created from the conversion of 5 alpha reductase enzymes.
Female hair loss and thinning is generally contributed to an over abundance of testosterone, hormonal changes, medication and stress. Take a look at some of the common hair loss myths and related hair problems.
Myth 1: It is only acceptable to have your hair trimmed or cut by a professional. Although it is suggested that you only allow a professional to cut or trim your hair; you can occasionally trim split ends at home as long as you use the correct type of scissors or razor.
Dull scissors will only add to the damage of your hair - which can lead to thinning or loss. I suggest that if you are going to save the money by doing it at home at least invest in a good pair of hair cutting shears. These can be purchased at just about any beauty supply.
Myth 2: Smoking cigarettes can cause gray hair. Lack of oxygen is a real threat to the health of the middle layer of the hair follicle called the cortex. This is where color and texture of the hair follicle is determined.
Depriving the body - therefore depriving the hair - of essential oxygen can cause grey hair. Four times as many people who smoke will have gray hair than those who do not smoke.
Additionally, smoking causes blood flow restriction and an increase of free-radical occurence. Free-radicals attack clellular membranes, including those in the hair. They help to destroy melanin which gives the hair its color. Lack of melanin leads to gray hair and can eventually lead to hair loss.
Myth 3: Washing your hair everyday causes hair loss
If the right shampoo is used for your type of hair drying will not occur as a result of washing your hair everyday. A good moisture restoring shampoo will cleanse your hair of the dirt and oils that prevent hair from breathing and growing but it will not dry your hair. Remember, " the right shampoo" is essential. Products with Sodium Laurel Sulphate are known to strip foolicles of moisture and nutrients. While your hair may be "clean", extended use can produce fragile, breaking hair.
Myth 4: Wearing your hair wet a lot can cause fungus on your scalp or hair.
In order to get scalp fungus you would have to come in contact with someone who already has it. Scalp fungus does not just form, it must have a source such as another person, an animal, etc. Using an antibacterial shampoo can help stem off fungi and saclp infection.
Myth 5: Getting too many sunburns on your scalp can cause balding and hair loss.
Continually getting sunburns on your scalp can damage the layer of skin in which the root of the hair forms. Permanent damage to areas of the scalp due to repeated overexposure to sun can cause permanent hair loss. It is advised that prolonged exposure to the sun be accompanied with sunscreen and don't forget to lather the head and hair, it can't hurt.
Over the years myths have formed about hair loss as well as just about every subject imaginable. These myths have been passed from generation to generation until there is an infinite amount of them floating around. Some have some truth to them and some are just preposterous. Read more about hair loss and shampoos for hair loss. | 
