At some point, both men and women may experience hair loss and thinning. Maybe you see a lot of hair clogging up the shower drain or find excess hair tangled in your hairbrush. For some patients, hair thinning and loss may be temporary, while for others, it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition or the early stages of female or male pattern baldness. At SkinSmart Dermatology, our professionals, Drs. Elizabeth Callahan and William Adams can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and provide effective solutions whenever possible. They can also debunk many myths surrounding this condition.
Common hair loss myths
- You have to be old to experience hair loss. Hair loss can happen at any age, and the young are just as susceptible as those who are older. Certain factors might include malnutrition, autoimmune conditions, and changes in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Using a conditioner causes hair loss. This is a common misconception and has been debunked time and time again. Because conditioner is used on the hair shaft and not at the roots, it cannot cause hair loss.
- Hair oil improves hair growth. While there is an entire market dedicated to hair oils that stimulate growth and improve texture and length, these are aspects of one’s hair that is determined by overall health, family genetics, and one’s diet.
- Cutting hair helps it grow faster. Because you cut the hair at the end of the shaft, it does not have an effect on how the hair grows at the roots. Cutting hair is best for cleaning up old hair growth that has experienced damage or split ends but does not do anything to impact growth from the scalp.
- Only men are bald. Androgenetic alopecia, or “patterned baldness,” does not occur in just men. It can also occur in women, making both genders susceptible to changes in hair thickness with age.
Learn more about hair thinning and loss
If you struggle with the loss of hair and are seeking answers, it is time to book a visit with our Sarasota, FL, team of professionals. Drs. Elizabeth Callahan and William Adams of SkinSmart Dermatology can be reached for an appointment by calling 941-308-7546.
