We all remember the day we noticed something off about our hair. Was our shampoo making our hair seem…thinner, maybe? Did our foreheads get bigger? Wishful thinking, probably. Now that we’re older and wiser, we’ve come to just accept the reality that our hair isn’t as full as it was. But that doesn’t mean we’re not googling every single thing there is to know about hair loss. Hello, WebMD doom spiral.
In all of the hair loss prevention chatter online, there are a lot of rumors going around. With the help of Keeps, a subscription service that can help prevent hair loss (and even help hair grow back in certain cases), we’re breaking down the top seven myths about losing your hair.
1. Wearing hats can make you go bald faster.
Let’s start with the most known, widest spread myth about losing your hair: that wearing hats can cause it. Luckily for all baseball cap-wearing dads out there, this one is totally untrue. That is, unless your hat is extremely (and I mean extremely) tight and creates constant pulling and tension on your hair to cause traction alopecia — similar to what happens when buns and ponytails are too tight. Or if you’re the dad from Matilda. Otherwise, simply wearing a hat that fits well won’t affect your hair growth or loss.
And a little pointer from the pros at Keeps: wash your hats! “Unwashed hats can accumulate dirt, dust, and even bacteria, which in turn can leave their wearer with an irritated scalp.” Not necessarily a hair loss-related tip; just, you know, a sanitary one.
2. Your diet is unrelated to hair loss.
Your love of pizza may not be the reason for your loss of hair, but you want to throw in a few more healthy options too. Similar to how what you eat affects your skin, the same goes for your hair. Too much oil and salt, and a deficiency in things like iron, protein, or vitamin C can make it harder for new, healthier hair to grow. Hence, hair loss over time.
Make a note that taking your daily iron pill is not a loophole, so you can continue eating what you want. (Vitamins being able to stop hair loss is another myth we won’t get into). We’re just saying it’s never a bad idea to incorporate more nutritious food.
According to Healthline, raw vegetables and fresh herbs can reduce the risk of alopecia or slow down its effects. “Healthy choices include foods like eggs, nuts, beans and peas, fish, low-fat dairy products, chicken, and turkey,” per the health and wellness outlet.
3. Frequent hair cuts will make your hair grow back thicker and faster.
If you’ve been going to the barber for the last couple of years because someone once told you that your hair will grow thicker…sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Unfortunately, this one is untrue. The rate at which you cut your hair or change your hairstyle doesn���t have much to do with the rate of hair growth, overall hair loss, and it’s definitely not a preventative action. Neither longer nor shorter hair has less of a chance of hair loss than the other. Both hair growth and hair loss are due to nutrition and genetics.
4. Direct sunshine hurts your hair.
Sitting in the sun without any protection is harmful for many reasons, but hair loss is not one of them. It can, however, cause your hair to become dry and unhealthy looking according to Keeps advisor, Dr. Antonella Tosti.
Although unrelated to hair loss, still make sure to throw on sunscreen in that thinning spot to prevent any damaging sunburns, condition your hair to prevent a dry scalp on a hot day, and (if needed) wear a hat for extra protection.
5. Hair loss is only a problem for men.
Women experience and suffer from hair loss too, but sometimes in different ways. You won’t see them with receding hairlines because they’re more likely to have thinning hair throughout their entire scalp.
Although Keeps is designed for men specifically (sorry, ladies), we thought we should note that, yep, hair loss can affect all humans, not just dudes.
6. Bald men have too much testosterone.
Elevated levels of testosterone don’t affect your hair or lack of it. Male pattern baldness is based on how sensitive you are to a hormone called DHT. When DHT enters the bloodstream, it has the ability to attach to hair follicles in your scalp, causing them to shrink and be unable to support a healthy head of hair. Bald men do not have more (or less) testosterone.
7. Hair loss is permanent.
This is a big fat myth! First, it’s important to understand the difference between male pattern baldness and hair loss, because they aren’t the same thing. Male pattern baldness (a.k.a. going bald) is a genetic condition and hair loss (thinning, patchiness, etc.) can be due to an array of circumstances, and yes, sometimes genetics is included.
When you aren’t suffering from a genetic condition, and are either stressed, eating poorly, or simply getting older, hair loss does not have to be permanent. That’s where Keeps comes in.
Keeps is a hair loss remedy subscription plan that is affordable, doctor-recommended, f, and has proven results and FDA-approved treatments that are backed by scientific research and customers.
When you sign up for their subscription, you’ll receive a three-month supply of products catered to your needs in each shipment. Whether you’re suffering from thinning hair, a receding hairline, or a thinning crown — you have your choice of which plan and topical treatment (or tablet!) you’d like. You’ll also be connected to a licensed physician for a recommendation of the best plan for you. That doctor access is free for the visit and unlimited for an entire year.
The reviews for Keeps are also promising:
“After 2 or 3 months I started noticing baby hairs growing back on my hair line and as well through the rest of the top of my head! Now after about 8 months I’ve regained almost all of my lost hair and plan on using this product for a long time!”
“I was suspicious at first, but decided to give keeps a try. I was shocked to find that my hair looks substantially more full than just a couple of months ago.”
“I have been using Keeps for about a year now. My hairline has stopped receding as quickly so I’m happy with that.”
The results* from Keeps customers go to show that hair loss doesn’t have to be permanent. Sign up for your Keeps subscription with plans starting at just $10 a month.
We advise you check with your doctor or health care provider if you have concerns (such as if you’re on any medications or have underlying health conditions), before starting Keeps.
*Results may vary