Hair loss is the sort of thing that can bring people out in a cold sweat and like lots of men, you might dread losing your locks. Given the impact that thinning hair can have on our confidence and self-esteem, it’s no surprise that there are so many myths and rumors surrounding this subject. Here are three commonly believed but completely false ideas concerning hair thinning and loss.
1) Brushing or massaging the scalp can reduce hair loss
You might have heard it said that a good way to reduce or reverse hair loss is to massage or brush your scalp on a regular basis. The idea is that this simulates blood circulation, which in turn boosts hair growth. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that increased blood circulation has this effect, and repeated brushing can cause damage to your hair, meaning more of it breaks or falls out.
The good news is, there are effective hair loss treatment options available. For example, Propecia, which contains the active ingredient finasteride, has positive effects in 90 percent of men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness. Taken as a tablet once a day, it reduces the effect of hormones on hair follicles and can prevent and even reverse loss of hair. Bear in mind though, it can take a few months to notice a difference, and hair loss usually resumes once the treatment stops.
2) Hair loss comes from the mother’s side
You might have heard the idea that hair thinning and loss comes from the mother’s side of the family. When people are trying to predict if they’ll develop male pattern baldness, they often focus on this half of their families. While it is true that this type of hair loss is hereditary, it is not limited to the maternal side. In fact, the hair gene can come from either parent. So, even if all of your mother’s male relatives have thick heads of hair, there is still a chance that you will indeed lose your locks.
3) Gels, sprays, and mousses increase the risk of damaging your hair even loss
In the past, you might have felt conflicted about reaching for products like gels, sprays, and mousses, thinking that they will damage your hair and cause it to fall out. Many men share this concern. However, there’s no need to worry when it comes to styling your tresses with these lotions and potions. You can use as many of the products as you want without increasing your risk of hair loss.
