Biggest hair loss myths

Over the years, I encountered many hair loss myths both from my friends and family. They were trying to help but often their advice was just wrong.

In this post, I want to go over the biggest hair loss myths. Many people waste a lot of time believing that that type of advice will help them. When I read the Reddit hair loss forum for women, I see a lot of posts from people asking if anyone has found a natural solution to hair loss.

So it is clear that people want healthy alternatives to medication. And they do not want to endanger their health just for hair.

My hair loss has lasted for over 30 years, so I had a fair share of remedy testing in that period. I know that people want to find a solution that does not involve medications and doctors.

But the sad truth is that if your hair loss is genetic (androgenic alopecia, female pattern baldness…) then your cure will not be in oils, unless you have a very mild form of the disease.

Common Hair Loss Myths Debunked

Natural products can cure genetic hair loss

Natural remedies can help with hair loss if it’s temporary and caused by stress or illness. In these cases, your hair will likely recover on its own, with or without treatments like hair oils.

However, if your hair loss keeps getting worse, it may be due to genetics. This type of hair loss is often marked by a widening part and overall thinning.

Unfortunately, natural remedies like hair oils and rosemary water won’t stop genetic hair loss because the root cause is DHT, a hormone that weakens hair follicles over time.

If this sounds like your situation, it’s best to seek professional treatment. Options include consulting a doctor or using over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil and ketoconazole shampoo.

Either way, you do not want to waste time using natural products for months or even years before you notice that they are not really helping you.

Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet or it will fall out

Brushing your hair when it’s wet doesn’t make it fall out more, but wet hair is more elastic and prone to breakage. This means that while brushing won’t cause actual hair loss, it can lead to split ends and weaker strands if done too roughly.

If your hair is already in the shedding phase, brushing simply collects hairs that were going to fall out anyway—it doesn’t trigger hair loss.

To prevent breakage, always brush gently and use the right tools. I prefer the Wet Brush or Tangle Teezer, as they glide through wet hair without excessive pulling.

Dyeing your hair causes hair loss

Excessive bleaching can lead to hair loss, especially if the bleach is left on the scalp for too long. This can cause irritation, redness, and potential damage to the hair.

However, if you’re simply dyeing your greys and maintaining your color, that’s not the cause of your hair loss.

I experienced hair loss even when I didn’t dye my hair at all, and I still have it now that I color my greys.

So if you prefer how your hair looks when dyed, go for it. There’s no need to worry about it making your hair loss worse.

Cut your hair shorter, it will grow thicker and faster

Trimming your hair can help refresh the ends, but it does not affect hair growth.

It’s true that shorter hair appears thicker and holds volume longer, but cutting it won’t impact hair loss.

That said, I always recommend a shorter hairstyle for anyone dealing with hair loss. It tends to look better, and you’ll feel better without the sight of thinning, straggly ends.

Your hair is falling out because you are washing it too often

No, washing your hair does not cause hair loss. In fact, keeping your scalp clean is essential for overall hair health. Allowing oil, sweat, and product buildup to sit on your scalp for days can lead to irritation, clogged follicles, and even dandruff, which may make hair appear thinner.

A clean scalp creates a healthier environment for hair growth, so there’s no need to avoid washing your hair out of fear of losing more strands. Hair shedding during washing is completely normal—it’s simply hair that was already in the shedding phase.

So go ahead and wash your hair whenever you need to. Listen to your scalp, use gentle shampoos that suit your hair type, and don’t be afraid to keep it clean.

Stress is causing your hair loss

Stress can cause temporary hair loss, but it is rarely the reason for long-term or progressive thinning. If you’ve been experiencing hair loss for an extended period, it’s important to look for more serious underlying causes.

Doctors sometimes attribute hair loss to stress too easily, but in reality, significant and lasting hair loss is usually linked to other factors. I have yet to see a woman lose a substantial amount of hair solely due to stress.

If your hair loss persists, insist on getting checked for more concrete causes, such as genetic hair loss, hormonal imbalances, or vitamin deficiencies. Identifying the real issue is key to finding the right solution.

The shampoo is causing my hair loss

Reddit is full of claims that certain shampoos cause hair loss, but the truth is a bit more nuanced. If a shampoo doesn’t suit you, it can cause itchiness, dryness, or irritation—but you’ll usually notice the issue right away.

I’ve bought plenty of shampoos that didn’t work for me. Some were too rich, leaving my scalp greasy, while others were too harsh and caused irritation. But as soon as I realized they weren’t a good fit, I simply stopped using them.

If you’re experiencing ongoing hair loss, it’s important to look beyond shampoo and investigate more serious causes. Get your blood work done and check for issues like anemia, vitamin D deficiency, or autoimmune diseases.

The right shampoo can make your scalp feel healthier and more balanced, but it won’t stop hair loss. Instead of blaming your shampoo, consider exploring other potential factors.

Conclusion

Time is a crucial factor when it comes to treating hair loss, which is why it’s so important to separate myths from facts. I wasted a lot of time experimenting with different oils, tonics, and so-called hair growth shampoos. Not a single one made a real difference.

After testing almost every hair loss shampoo available to me, I realized that my hair loss wasn’t caused by an external issue but an internal one.

If you’re dealing with progressive hair loss, don’t lose valuable time on ineffective remedies. Instead, focus on proven solutions that address the root cause.