How Do Hats Cause Thinning Hair?

Myth

Contrary to popular opinion, or myth, wearing hats does not cause hair loss, according to Hatsinthebelfry.com. It is believed that this myth started because many bald people wear hats to cover up their bald heads, out of vanity, because they don't have any hair to keep them warm and need head protection or because they don't want the top of their noggin to get sunburned.

Circulation

However, if you are consistently wearing a hat that doesn't fit properly and is too small, this isn't going to benefit your hair. If your hat is too snug, it can cut off circulation to the hair follicles, which can cause your hair to fall out. Make sure that your head gear isn't too tight.

Bathing Caps

Hatsinthebelfry.com also notes that if you are a swimmer and are consistently wearing a very tight bathing cap, this can result in traction alopecia and the loss of hair. This type of alopecia (hair loss) occurs when hair is being subjected to the same style over and over again, such as pulling it into a tight bun or ponytail day after day. The hair becomes stressed and may fall out. If you stop subjecting your hair to this or stop wearing a bathing cap for a while, the hair loss should stop and your hair should return to normal.

The Construction of the Hat

Hairfinder.com agrees that wearing a hat does not cause hair loss; however, depending on how your hat is made (its construction), it could cause some hair breakage and hair damage if the hair is routinely rubbing up against elastic, plastic or other coarse fabrics.

Use Natural Bristle Hair Brush

If you constantly wear a hat, your biggest concern is lack of circulation, according to Hairfinder.com. When you sweat a lot, the sweat gets mixed up with dirt, and the scalp sheds skin cells, which can cause the hair follicles and pores to get clogged up, which may prevent healthy hair. Hairfinder.com recommends that you brush your hair with a natural bristle brush, and this will remove dead skin cells and redistribute your head's natural oils.

Male Pattern Baldness Begins Early on for Some

Another reasonable theory, expressed by Hair-styles.org, concerning the belief that hair loss is associated with hat-wearing is based on the fact that when young men enter the military and have to wear hats all the time, they soon show signs of hair loss or thinning; however, this isn't attributable to wearing hats but to the age of the men. Male pattern hair loss begins at this particular age (late teens to early twenties). Hair-styles.org does note that constantly wearing a hat can cause hair breakage and split ends, so you may want to take that into consideration if you are extremely vain about your hair.

Resources

• Hatsinthebelfry.com
• Hairfinder.com
• Hair-styles.org