There are many myths, or assumptions, surrounding what causes hair loss, making it hard to know how to best care for your natural tresses to keep them healthy and full.  Sometimes, hair loss is due to factors that no amount of hair care will help, such as genetics, underlying medical conditions, or hormones or stress.  Read on for some common myths about hair loss and the facts behind them.

Myth: Shampooing too often will make you lose your hair faster.

Fact: Hair goes through growing and resting phases, and it is normal to lose some hair every day.  It’s important to maintain a balance between hairs in a resting phase (telogen) and a growing phase (anagen).

Myth: Wearing hats causes hair loss.

Fact: You can put on your favorite cap again because hats will not cause hair loss.  In fact, wearing a hat will protect your hair and your scalp from damaging ultraviolet rays, especially if your skin is exposed due to lack of hair.

Myth: Hair loss comes from the maternal genes.

Fact: The genes from both sides of your family make up your hair’s potential future, and since you have a mixture of both, hair loss cannot be blamed on one or the other.

Bonus Fact: Your favorite hair style can contribute to a loss of hair through breakage or damage, such as when hair is worn in braids, weaves, or wigs which can cause traumatic alopecia, or when hair has been chemically overtreated.

Tips to help promote healthy hair

• Limit exposure to heat such as with hair dryers and straighteners.
• Dry shampoo is a wonderful time saver, but don’t overdo it.  A few times a week is plenty, otherwise residue can build up on your scalp so make sure you are cleaning it regularly.
• That being said, don’t over-wash your hair either.  Try skipping a day or two.
• Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel after showering, which can break the hair.  Gently pat it instead, or use a microfiber towel or old cotton t-shirt, which will be gentler on hair without adding frizz.
• Detangle wet hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
• Upgrade your pillowcase to silk, which eliminates frizz and breakage caused by friction on cotton pillowcases.
• Regularly trim your hair to remove split ends.
• Ensure that you maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in B vitamins, protein, and vitamin D.

To speak to someone about the options available to remedy thinning hair, call the Quatela Center for Hair Restoration at (585) 244-0323 or request a consultation using the online form at QuatelaHair.com.  Hair care products can be purchased at Q the Medical Spa at Lindsay House or by calling (585) 244-0323.