Myths of Hair Loss - Essay Example

Myths of hair loss due: Hair loss refers to the loss of hair from the body and scalp. Hair loss is because of several factors for instance medical condition, medication, and or heredity. It is normal for an individual to lose hair. According to statistics, an individual loses approximately 50 to 100 hairs daily. However, many individuals deem that hair loss is an expected condition of aging individuals, but this is not the case as hair loss can virtually affect anyone at any age and gender. Due to this unexpected outcome, several individuals have come up with folklores that talk about it. The mission of writing this paper is to discuss on the various myths and misconceptions that surround hair loss and provides scientific information if they are true or not (Sherrow, 2001). These commotion myths add to the anxiety of individuals, if not to the hair loss itself. Most people think that their hair loss may be as a result of wearing hats, caps, or helmets. This group mostly refers to athletes and construction workers. They trust that wearing hats, caps and helmets triggers a straining effect on the hair follicles; thus causing the hair to fall out. But then again this is not true as no harm is caused on the hair follicles, unless the hat, cap, or helmet is very tight putting additional tension on the hair. However, filthy hats, caps, or helmets can bring about scalp infection, which may lead to hair loss. Secondly, other people claim that their hair loss is a result of a rubbing act that their mothers or guardians performed on their heads with black tar soap. This is nothing but a mere misconception and not true at all. Another myth is that hair loss is inherited from the mother’s section of the family. This myth is not true at all. This is uttered by individuals as the primary baldness gene is found on the X chromosome, which individuals get from their mothers. In addition, from biology lessons, we learn that an offspring inherits the genes from both parents. Obviously, there is a dominant and recessive gene, but the case does not mean that the gene from the mother is always dominant. Although the mothers’ side is more dominant, baldness is not always the case in most individuals as other factors also contribute to balding. According to research, individuals especially the male gender who have a father who is bald are more liable for hair loss as compared to men who have hairy fathers. This research disputes the myth that balding is inherited from the mother (Panagotacos, 2005). Most individuals deem that one who is balding is old. Hair loss is associated with old age; on the contrary, hair loss can occur when an individual is in his or her teens. This is a fact as hair loss is evident in people at their 20s and 30s. This may be as a result of heredity factors. In addition, old people lose hair due to a diminishing number of hair follicles on their scalp. This myth is connected to the one that states that losing hair on a daily basis means that one is balding. This is not true as it normal to lose an average of 100 hairs on a daily basis; which always grow back. This myth is linked to a general one that says diet causes hair loss. Up to date, there is no evidence to prove that certain foods boost hair growth (Nieschlag et al. 2012). A common myth is that a trauma can generate hair loss. This is rather true to a certain point as physical or emotional stress may lead to hair loss, but the hair will regrow, however, if continual, it may accelerate balding effect. Also, startling shifts in weight loss and gain are probable factors for hair loss. Also, people believe that some treatments can inhibit hair loss. Such treatments include Propecia and Rogaine. This myth is true as Propecia therapy has proven to relieve hair loss; thus proving to be a vital advancement in hair loss issue. This medication has proven to work best in young people whose hair is commencing to thin before falling off; giving excellent results in hair regrowth. In addition, Rogaine slows the process of hair loss. Although both treatments have shown commendable results, they both have adverse side effects. For instance, Propecia reduces sex drive in men, and Rogaine brings about scalp irritation and has to be applied directly to the scalp, two times daily. This myth is linked to one about hair loss treatment that standing on your head is a treatment of hair loss. This is not true at all as this action will only increase blood flow but will not regenerate the scalp (Skin and hair care, 2009). A myth of pure contradiction is that most people stay away from gel, shampoo, mousse and hairsprays as they believe such products are the root of hair loss. Additionally, such myth believers do not wash their hair frequently and they believe that if they must, then the water has to be cold as that will cure baldness. Research has proven that avoiding such products do not cause hair loss, rather it is the mechanical utilization of hair that seems to be the root of hair loss. Also, washing the head with cold water has nothing to do with hair loss; rather it will boost blood circulation. This myth is linked to the one that states that hair loss is caused by exposure to the sun and tanning beds. This is not true at all as such exposures have no effect at all to the hair. Moreover, this myth is connected to a common one that massaging the scalp can reduce hair loss. This is not true as blood circulation does not boost hair regrowth. Also, the myth that hairstyles and blow drying do not cause hair loss is linked to this myth. This is false as some hairstyles strain the hair i.e. tight ponytails, corn-rows, and plaits and blow drying damages the hair (Carlson et al. 2004). Also, the myth that cutting hair will make it regrow thicker is false, as this will not change one’s genes controlling hair. Likewise, the myth that wigs and other hairpieces make hair loss worse is rather true only if they are very tight. Similarly, the myth that hair dyes cause balding is false. Such chemicals can only harm the hair if not well used. Another myth that I find quite hilarious is men who are sexually active lose their hair at a fast rate. This myth is very popular, but there is no truth behind it; as frequent ejaculation does not cause balding. Thus, ejaculation and balding are not connected. This means that the more times an individual has sex, hair loss is not connected to the act. According to my study on this topic, more individuals solely blame their mothers on their hair loss. They fail to see that the condition may be attributed to other factors, not the mother. Moreover, the father plays a significant role in hair loss as he may pass on the male pattern baldness to the offspring. This means that the hair loss gene from come either from the mother or father and it is not restricted to the mother’s side of the family. Additionally, hair loss is not a condition seen in the old people, but also with young people. Other individuals tend to blame their hair loss on other aspects as helmets and soap, they are not at fault; but, what they should focus on is cleanliness of their headgear to prevent infections. Although some myths concerning hair regrowth are true, such believed medication have proven to be beneficial but still have bad drawbacks. All in all, blood circulation has no power on hair loss. References Carlson, K. J., Eisenstat, S. A., & Ziporyn, T. D. (2004). The new Harvard guide to womens health. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press. Nieschlag, E., Behre, H. M., & Nieschlag, S. (2012). Testosterone: Action, deficiency, substitution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Panagotacos, P. J. (2005). The complete book of hair loss answers: Your comprehensive guide to the latest & best techniques. Santa Rosa, CA: Elite Books. Sherrow, V. (2001). For appearance sake: The historical encyclopedia of good looks, beauty, and grooming. Phoenix, Ariz: Oryx Press. Skin and hair care. (2009). Delhi: Byword Books. Read More