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If only you hadn’t worn a baseball cap to school every day your senior year, perhaps you’d still be sporting that luxurious mane that had all the cheerleaders doing backflips, right? Wrong! Wearing hats does not cause balding. This is only one of the many hair loss myths that continue to perpetuate themselves even in our era of scientific enlightenment. Let’s take a look at some other popular hair loss myths:

• Hair loss is inherited from mom’s side of the family: Stop blaming mom! In fact, go buy her some flowers for the years of guilt she has endured. The balding gene can be inherited from either parent and can even skip a generation.

• Masturbation causes hair loss: Not so. While this may indicate the need for a new hobby, rest assured that masturbation or sexual activity in general does not cause balding.

• Hair length affects balding: Some men believe that wearing their hair longer will stop hair loss while others believe that shaving the head is the key to thicker regrowth. Neither of these theories is correct. The visible hair exiting the scalp is dead tissue composed of keratin. Cutting the hair shaft or allowing it to grow has absolutely no effect on the growth cycle.

• Blow drying/over-styling causes balding: Excessive blow drying and use of styling products can result in dry, damaged hair. However, it should not result in permanent hair loss in an otherwise healthy individual not prone to genetic balding.

This question comes from a member of our Hair Restoration Forums and Social Community:

I’m investigating natural hair loss solutions and looking for information on topical magnesium oil. How does it work? Is it effective in fighting genetic baldness?

Magnesium oil, as a hair loss solution, relies upon a generally untested balding theory. As early as the 1940s, researchers began looking at calcium and it’s role in inflammation, wounds, and hair loss. In one instance, a medical student preparing cadavers for anatomical studies noted that bald individuals also demonstrated increased levels of bone calcification in their skulls. From here, the student hypothesized that increased levels of calcium caused a calcification or hardening of the body’s soft tissues. In this instance, calcium build-up caused a hardening of the scalp and forced the hair follicles to die and shed.

Magnesium helps break down and block this calcification, meaning a topical application of magnesium oil to the scalp would (in theory) prevent tissue hardening and save the hair follicles. However, the theory of scalp calcification and its effect on hair shedding is still generally untested, and should probably not be fully accepted until appropriate research is conducted. Because of this, it’s most likely more effective to utilize proven topical hair loss solutions, such as minoxidil (Rogaine), for the time being. However, magnesium, as a supplement, is usually recommended for the maintenance of healthy hair and could be an indication that further research is necessary.

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Before beginning a birth control regimen, many women want to know if oral contraceptives can lead to female hair loss.  Because of the medication’s hormonal component, it’s a valid concern and studies have demonstrated an actual connection between oral contraceptives and female baldness.

One of the active ingredients in birth control pills is the hormone estrogen. Although estrogen is responsible for a number of regular biochemical functions, it also causes hair growth and extends the growth cycle of female hair follicles. Initially, this may sound like the opposite of hair loss, but this extended cycle causes follicles to reach the resting phase at an increased rate and a rapid hair shedding period. However, the good news is that this thinning is not permanent, and, on average, hair growth and cycling returns to normal after 3-4 months (meaning no accelerated or permanent balding). Additionally, some women have reported thinning hair after stopping a birth control regimen, but this shedding cycle is also usually temporary.

Because the hair loss is temporary and normally grows back without any permanent change, it’s not recommended that you discontinue oral contraceptives without discussing the issue with your prescribing physician. If the anxiety regarding femaile hair shedding and birth control lingers, it may be advantageous to seek a consultation with one of the hair transplant network‘s recommended physicians.

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

Continual breakthroughs in surgical hair restoration, hair loss drugs, and cellular therapies demonstrate that baldness is a complex issue. Because hair loss is a complicated problem, it requires an integrated, multi-disciplined solution. Part of this proactive approach involves one tool that is often overlooked – nutritional factors and a proper diet.

Maintaining recommended levels of certain nutritional factors, eating a proper diet, and avoiding unsafe weight loss techniques can help promote healthy hair growth and avoid cases of unnecessary balding. So, which dietary supplements and eating habits are necessary for optimal growth and maintenance? Fortunately, recommended hair restoration physician Dr. Mike Meshkin of Newport Beach, California addressed these critical questions on our hair loss forums.

According to Dr. Meshkin, improper weight-loss techniques, such as crash diets, intake of less than 1,000 calories a day, and rapid weight gain of 20 or more pounds have all been associated with hair loss and increased hair shedding. Additionally, accelerated hair loss can be seen within as little as one month after beginning the new dietary habits. These diets deprive the body (and hair follicles) of necessary nutrients that allow for proper hair growth and help avoid sudden hair loss. So, what are these nutritional factors?

After various questions on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forums, Spex – a senior member and consultant to Coalition surgeon Dr. Alan Feller, decided to address the issue of seasonal hair shedding or temporary seasonal hair loss:

Shedding is something that guys (and girls) need to be well aware of so that when it occurs (often seasonally), you do not panic and start organizing your next hair transplant surgery in a desperate attempt to regain your lack of “density”.

Shedding unfortunately is part of the hair transplant ”process”. Seasonal shedding along with medication shedding (if you are taking hair loss medications such as Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil)) happens to all of us. I personally experienced a shed recently which left my hair looking very thin, and even though I knew it was only a shed it still made me anxious and very self-conscious. This feeling happens every time, but I know through experience it occurs because of the periodic “shedding process” and that given time it will slowly but surely come back in. Yes, a waiting game …yet again!

When it does occur just park and ride it out – like in the early days of your hair restoration surgery. Try not to scrutinize by watching the shedding process, applying products, washing your hair, conditioning it, washing it again (etc.)!  Also, remember the time period when you start and stop the shedding process. This way,  the next time it occurs you can limit the anxiety levels associated with seasonal shedding.

This question was asked by a member of the Hair Restoration Social Community and hair loss forum:

For years, I’ve had a beard and experienced male pattern baldness. Recently, I started using Propecia to fight my hair loss, but I’m worried the drug will affect my beard hairs. Will Propecia (finasteride) affect my beard, or is my worrying unfounded?

As you may well know, finasteride (Propecia), works by inhibiting the process where the hormone Testosterone is converted to Dihydrotestosterone (the hormone directly responsible for genetic male baldness). Ironically enough, the hormone responsible for scalp hair loss (Dihydrotestosterone or DHT) also causes increased body hair growth. This means that when DHT is decreased in the body scalp hair loss ceases, but body hair thinning actually increases.

However, the role of DHT and beard hair is not as clear. Most individuals who report body hair thinning on Propecia do not experience beard hair thinning or issues maintaining facial hair. Interestingly enough, a study once found that increased DHT in females caused facial hair growth, but female balding is a more complicated process. Altogether, it is possible that your body hair may thin on Propecia, but unlikely that your beard hair will be affected.

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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Unlike male pattern baldness, which can manifest itself in any number of patterns as classified on the Hamilton-Norwood scale, female pattern hair loss is often diffuse or occurring over the entire area of the scalp. While there are factors such as childbirth, menopause or even stress that can induce temporary female balding, 96% of female balding is hereditary.

So what’s a woman with thinning hair to do? Currently there is only one FDA approved, non-surgical hair loss treatment for women, Rogaine (2% minoxidil). Like men however, women with hair loss may benefit from using concealers such as Toppik or DermMatch.  A female patient may also wish to explore surgical hair restoration as an option.

Women that may benefit are those that have a distinct pattern of hair loss more typically associated with male pattern baldness; those whose hair loss is caused by traction alopecia (damage done to the hair follicle by continual pulling and tight tension for very long periods); and women who have suffered hair loss due to trauma such as burns or scarring. Women with diffuse hair thinning all over the scalp typically don’t make good candidates.

Below, you’ll find examples of when surgical hair restoration can be appropriate for women.  These examples were recently posted by leading hair restoration physicians on our popular hair loss discussion forum.

Dr. Dorin – Female Traction Alopecia Healing Series – 1965 FUT

Dr. Lindsey – 6 Month Check on Female Postage Stamp FUE

This inquiry was asked by a member of our Hair Restoration Social Community and Discussion Forums:

This question has to do with my hair loss, but not loss from my head. I’ve recently noticed that the hair on the outside of my legs, just above my ankles is bald and smooth while the rest of my legs are quite hairy. I researched online, and it seems as if many other individuals suffer from body hair loss. Does anyone know what causes this phenomenon, and if a hair transplant procedure or medications (like finasteride and minoxidil) will restore the hair?

After some investigation, it appears that you’re right and this is a commonly discussed issue. However, finding answers proves a much more difficult task. From my research, it seems as if there are two schools of thought:

1. Body hair loss (such as leg hair loss) is type of genetic condition in men aged 35 years and older. Much like male pattern baldness, body hair loss is highly influenced by your genes and likely carried out by certain hormones.

2. Body hair loss is a type of traction alopecia (hair loss from pulling or tension on the hairs) from wearing tight socks or continually crossing one’s legs in a particular position.

Regardless, it appears as if most experts don’t suggest any oral/topical medications or surgical solutions for the issue, though switching to low-cut socks and refraining from continual leg-crossing may help if the ankle hair loss is caused by traction alopecia.
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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Shortly after balding men and women come to terms with the realities of thinning hair and hair loss they see in the mirror, questions of if and when it will stop crowd the mind like a shopping mall during the holidays. At what age will pattern baldness cease? Will I go completely bald? What hair loss treatments if any will stop it from continuing?

You are not alone in asking these questions. Several months ago, hair loss forum member “Youngguy” asked the same question and members of our community have been discussing it ever since. To see what others are saying and to contribute your own input and experience, visit “At What Age Does Hair Loss Generally Stabilize?”

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Social Network and  Enhanced Forum
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Technorati Tags: balding, thinning hair, hair loss, baldness, bald, hair loss treatments, hair loss forum, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

This insightful article was written by Dr. Michael Meshkin of Newport Beach, CA who is one of our recommended hair restoration physicians.

Crash diets and caloric deprivation of less than 1,000 calories per day or sudden weight loss of more than 20 pounds have been reported to be associated with hair loss. The evidence of hair shedding can be noticed one month after the diet begins. Nutritional factors that are necessary for essential hair growth are protein, fatty acids, Zinc, Iron, Biotin, Magnesium, vitamins A,C, E, and B complex. Like any other body organ, the hair needs food to grow. Therefore, it is important to know about the quality and quantity of the various nutrients necessary for healthier hair. Tailoring of a diet to achieve a reasonable weight-loss goal must include appropriate levels of essential nutrients.

Certain nutrient deficiencies are known to be specifically associated with hair loss such as:

• Iron deficiency causes anemia, which is known to contribute to hair loss. 
• Zinc Deficiency is known to be associated with hair loss. A very low-calorie diet with little or no red meat protein can contribute to zinc deficiency because zinc is absorbed less readily from plant sources of zinc than from animal sources.
• Biotin Deficiency is associated with hair loss as well as some skin disorders. Biotin is one of the B vitamins that have a broad range of functions in the body. Biotin is found in many foods, and has rule in food metabolism. Biotin is found in wheat germ, brown rice, red meat, and egg yolk.