Behind that receding hairline

Dr Vikas Sharma

Scientific research suggests that the most common type of hair loss, male pattern baldness, is triggered by faulty hair-making progenitor cells in the scalp.

Other potential contributors to hair loss include illness, age, genetics, and even lifestyle habits. Meanwhile, flurries of myths contribute to men’s anxiety. Some think helmets caused their hair to fall out, while others think it’s because their mothers rubbed their heads with a harsh soap during childhood. Neither helmets nor soap and mothers are at fault.

Know the truth from the myths:

Myth: If you’re balding, you’re old.

False: On the contrary, hair loss can strike in the teens and is common among 20- and 30-year-olds. The earlier it begins, the more severe it is likely to become.

Myth: Wearing a head gear strains hair follicles, causing hair to fall out.

False: They’re not causing any harm. Dirty headgear can, however, lead to a scalp infection, which in turn accelerates hair loss, so make sure yours is clean.

Myth: If you want to hang onto your hair, stay away from gels and hairsprays.

False: No need to forgo the products—they don’t cause balding, and neither does shampoo, washing your hair frequently or dandruff. But some tease their hair and use curling irons, which could speed up the process. It’s the over-mechanical utilisation of hair that can be problematic.

Myth: Exposure to sun encourages balding.

False: U.V. Rays do not cause hair loss.

Myth: Loading up on carbohydrates can lead to hair loss.

False: Carbohydrates provide nutrients that are helpful for maintaining a head full of hair. Research suggests that iron deficiency may be closely linked to hair loss. Treatment—like taking iron supplements—could restore growth.

Myth: The most sexually active men are the first to go bald.

False: This is one of the most popular myths and there’s no truth to it. Research has also found that men who bald do not have more testosterone than their hairier friends.

Myth: Massaging your scalp stimulates hair growth.

False: Scalp massage can increase blood circulation, decrease stress and help distribute the scalp’s natural oil onto the hair. All of this may lead to better hair follicles, so your hair grows at its optimal rate. However, that rate will not increase. On an average, hair grows a half inch every month.

Myth: Frequent haircuts cause hair to grow back faster and thicker.

False: Your hair will grow about half an inch every month —regardless of how often your haircutter snips it.

Myth: Hair requires daily washing.

True: The best treatment for hair is its own oil, so wash it but do condition it properly.

Myth: Smoking causes grey hair.

True: Smokers are four times more likely to have grey hair than non- smokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively linked to accelerated hair loss.

Myth: Dieting can lead to hair loss.

False: Self dieting can cause hair loss. Dieting is not problematic if done under the guidance of a qualified dietician.

Myth: If you pluck one grey hair, three will sprout in its place.

False: Your hair turns grey/white when the pigment cells (melanocytes) in the follicle surrounding the hair die.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based skin specialist)