Our hair is important for both men and women because it helps enhance our appearance and confidence, allowing us to live fully and happily. However, even though many people try to take good care of their hair, they may not achieve the desired results due to many misunderstandings. Here are 5 common hair myths that most people often misunderstand and should be reconsidered to improve hair care effectiveness:
- Pulling out gray hairs is normal and does not cause hair loss or thinning
When gray or damaged hair appears, we often like to pull or pluck it out, not wanting it to be a black sheep on our head that spoils our appearance. We usually think that the hair will grow back without any problem. But in reality, pulling or plucking gray hairs can contribute to increased hair loss and thinning because human hair has a lifespan of about 15-20 cycles. This means that once a hair is pulled or plucked, it can only regrow about 15-20 times. Therefore, if we frequently pull or pluck hair in the same area, the hair will eventually stop growing back, whether it is black or gray, leading to gradual thinning.
- Rapid weight loss is normal and does not harm hair
Many people may wonder what weight has to do with hair. In fact, they are directly related. When our body loses weight rapidly, whether intentionally by dieting, intense exercise, or due to illness causing poor appetite and insomnia, it can cause a condition called Shock Lost or medically known as Telogen Effluvium, which is sudden hair loss. This usually occurs about 2-3 months after weight loss, with some people losing 200-1,000 hairs per day. For those who already have thinning hair, rapid weight loss can worsen hair loss and thinning noticeably. Therefore, to maintain healthy hair and prevent thinning, weight loss should not be extreme. It should be done properly, focusing more on exercise than starvation, and taking vitamins or protein supplements can also help prevent hair loss.
- Washing hair with warm or hot water causes hair loss
Many believe that heat from warm or hot water on the scalp makes hair fall out more easily. However, in reality, warm or hot water does not cause hair loss but can dry out the hair. Hair loss is mainly caused by internal factors such as nutritional deficiencies, illness, rapid weight loss, or vitamin deficiency. Heat affects hair by making it dry, flaky, and frizzy, not only from hot water but also from using hair dryers or hot air for styling, which can damage hair.
- Frequent hair washing causes hair loss
Many believe that washing hair frequently causes more hair to fall out because we rub the scalp during washing. However, frequent washing is not the main cause of hair loss. Hair naturally falls out regardless of washing. Avoiding washing as much as possible can make the scalp dirty and harm hair more. How often you should wash your hair depends on your scalp condition. If you have an oily scalp, washing regularly, even daily or every other day, is fine. If your scalp is dry, washing every 2-3 days or once a week is acceptable.
- Hair thinning and baldness are not related to genetics
Many people believe that hair loss, thinning, and baldness are solely due to poor hair care. In reality, even with good care, hair thinning and baldness can occur because these conditions are genetic. If your father or mother has genetic hair thinning, you have up to a 60% chance of inheriting hair thinning or baldness because the gene for baldness is dominant.
Hair problems are close to all of us. Understanding the true causes of hair loss, thinning, and damage is important to help us care for our hair more effectively. Most hair loss problems are mainly caused by internal factors and genetics.
Therefore, besides external hair care by choosing quality hair products, taking care of your health, changing eating habits, and getting enough rest to keep your body strong also play a significant role. Ultimately, if we take care of our body and mind well, our hair will also be strong and healthy.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratchathorn Panjaprateep
Physician at Hair and Scalp Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
