This question is asked a lot, and it's an understandable one. Many balding men wear hats to hide their hair loss, and if wearing a hat causes baldness, that's a big problem for them. Some men who are worried about going bald avoid wearing hats, but is this a real cause for concern, or a counterproductive overreaction?

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The Truth

This is a very common claim, and men are worried about it for good reason. They've already lost their hair, and now they're worried that they're going to lose it even more if they wear a hat. That is a rational worry, but it's one that's unfounded.

The answer is no, wearing a hat will not cause baldness. If you're losing your hair, you're going to lose it whether you wear a hat or don’t wear a hat, and that's true for all men, not just those who wear hats. In order for a hat to cause any kind of hair loss, it would have to be so tight that you'd barely be able to put it on your head. The tightness would have to be so great that it would cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and that's something that nobody would put up with.

So, the short answer is no, wearing a hat will not cause baldness.

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Traction Alopecia

There is a common condition known as traction alopecia, and it is caused by the same kind of pulling and stretching of the scalp that causes baldness. If the hair is pulled too tightly, it'll eventually break and fall out.

Since this condition is caused by pulling and stretching, it is possible that wearing a hat could cause it, but the same rules apply. The hat would have to be pulled on so tight that it would be very uncomfortable, and nobody would keep wearing it if it was causing them pain.

Some things that do product traction alopecia are tight ponytails, cornrows, braids, and extensions. Those things are likely to cause the condition while wearing a hat is extremely unlikely to. Don't worry, wearing a hat will not cause you to go bald. If you're going bald, you're going to do it no matter what you do, unless you take preventative measures through medical solutions.

Other Causes of Baldness

One of the most common causes of male pattern baldness is caused by testosterone. This is known as androgenic alopecia. It's the most common cause of baldness in men and typically results in hair thinning around the crown of the skull.

While testosterone is known as the “male” hormone, women produce small amounts of it as well. Women who are exposed to large amounts of testosterone, either through genetics or medication, can develop male pattern baldness.

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is one of the main culprits when it comes to male pattern baldness. DHT attacks the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually die. DHT is a byproduct of testosterone and can be reduced or eliminated through hormone replacement therapy. It typically results from excess stress, which is a factor in a lot of medical conditions.

Thyroid conditions can cause baldness in some people. The thyroid gland, located at the base of the throat, controls a lot of the body's functions, including metabolism and body temperature. If it becomes overactive or underactive, it can cause hair loss.

In the case of overproduction, the hair follicles are overstimulated and begin producing hair at a rapid rate. Eventually, the follicles become fatigued and stop producing hair.

In the case of underproduction, the follicles aren't stimulated enough and stop producing hair.

Lupus is a fairly rare disease that can cause baldness in both men and women. The autoimmune disease affects the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs. The hair follicles become inflamed and begin to produce hair in a pattern similar to male pattern baldness. Hair may also fall out in patches, or fall out in clumps.

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Medication for Balding

If you're noticing hair loss, the first thing you want to do is speak with a doctor. Phoenix Health is a telehealth platform exclusively for men that specializes in hair loss solutions. When connecting via instant messaging with a doctor, you do not need to use a camera.

The doctors at Phoenix Health are experts in hair loss and will be able to tell you what's going on and if they think your hair loss is something that can be treated. How far the hair loss has progressed will determine what kind of treatment is suitable.

There are a variety of hair loss solutions available, including solutions that are not available over the counter. The treatment options include medical solutions that do not require surgery, but there are surgical options available.

Finasteride

At Phoenix Health, our doctors are able to prescribe Finasteride, an FDA-approved pill for the treatment of hair loss. Finasteride significantly reduces hair loss, and men who take Finasteride for over two years typically regrow their lost hair.

Many men find success when combining Finasteride and Minoxidil. Minoxidil is a topical solution that men can buy without a prescription that helps men keep the hair they have and regrow lost hair. The two combined are a powerful solution to hair loss.

One of the most important things to understand about hair loss is that it can be treated. If you're noticing hair loss, talk to a doctor. There are many solutions available for hair loss, and the sooner you start treatment, the better chance you'll have of saving your hair.

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Conclusion

Wearing a hat will not cause hair loss unless the hat is extremely tight. Typically, if your hat is very tight, you won't be able to wear it for long without pain, and you'll take it off. There are many causes of hair loss, and if you're noticing hair loss, speak with a doctor. There are treatments available, and the sooner you start treatment, the better your chances are of saving your hair.

Phoenix Health specializes in hair loss, and we can connect you with a board-certified doctor quickly and privately.