Does Wearing A Hat Cause Baldness?

Hair loss can be caused by many different factors. Some instances of male hair loss are simply down to genetics, while others are the result of taking certain medications or supplements. There are also a number of illnesses that can cause hair loss, and sometimes hormonal changes are to blame. There are many different potential causes, but is wearing a hat one of them?

Can I lose hair by wearing a hat?

Believe it or not, wearing a hat can sometimes be considered to be a cause of hair loss. In fact, there are two distinct ways that wearing a hat could impact the health of the scalp, and its ability to grow hair:

Traction alopecia

If a tight-fitting hat or cap is regularly pulled onto the head, and off again, traction alopecia is possible. This kind of hair loss is caused by a continued rubbing of the scalp, or a pulling of the hair that causes breakages and weakens the follicles. There have been a number of research studies into traction alopecia, many of which have identified high rates amongst ballerinas who wear their hair in tight buns, professional golfers who wear caps, and in communities where braiding the hair is a cultural norm.

Compromised scalp health

Tight-fitting hats can also increase scalp sweating, especially in the hot summer months, and this can have a big impact on the overall health of the scalp. Global hair product leader Pantene notes that ‘sweat and dirt can clog the follicles and create an unpleasant environment for hair growth’. In some cases, the follicles may even become inflamed; a condition known as folliculitis which can feel itchy and sore, and in some extreme cases can result in hair loss, scarring, and an inability to regrow the hair.

Keeping the hair healthy

The good news is that it’s possible to reduce the risk of hat-induced hair loss by choosing a loose-fitting accessory that doesn’t pull the hair or rub the scalp, and gently washing the hair regularly after wearing a hat to remove any sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Sadly, taking these measures won’t reverse any hair loss that has already occurred, but specialist hair transplant treatments can be a highly effective solution.

The FUE hair transplant is often recommended to tackle the signs of hat-induced hair loss. That’s because this type of treatment works by taking hairs from the back and sides of the head – areas that typically have less contact with a hat and are therefore less affected by hat wearing – and transplanting them to areas such as the front and top where traction alopecia and sweating are much more likely.

Choosing a hair transplant clinic

If you’re considering a FUE hair transplant to reverse the effects of long term hat wearing, there are a few things to take into account when selecting a hair transplant clinic in London. The first – and most important – is clinical standards. In the UK, it’s very important to choose a CQC (Care Quality Commission) regulated clinic that outlines strict standards that clinics must meet, and best practices that must be used.

Other signs of a great clinic – are consultations that allow you to ask questions and get a feel for the clinic without paying any upfront fees, a team of highly experienced surgeons, and an excellent aftercare programme that continues to care for you, your health, and your wellbeing even after the procedure. At The Treatment Rooms, we are committed to all of this, and more. To find out more about causes of hair loss, traction alopecia, and hair transplant treatments, get in touch with us today or call us on 0208 706 0076.