Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: Billy Thompson on 20/04/2011 08:30:02

Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: Billy Thompson on 20/04/2011 08:30:02
Billy Thompson  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris,

Thanks for the wonderful podcast (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/), I have been listening for years (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/) and thoroughly enjoy what you guys are doing.

Here in Texas a lot of people wear hats almost all the time. I have often heard that wearing a hat all the time causes baldness. Any truth to this, and if so, why?

Peace,
Billy

What do you think?
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: RD on 20/04/2011 13:54:58
Hats and baldness are associated:
If you’re bald you’re more likely to wear a hat for practical or cosmetic reasons than someone who has a full head of hair.

Saying “don’t get a hat: you’ll go bald” is like saying “don’t get a Labrador: you’ll go blind (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Modoken.jpg)”  [:)].


Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: Geezer on 20/04/2011 20:59:55
Yes, but as the advert used to say,

"If you want to get a hat, get a head."

(Or maybe it was the other way around. I can never remember.)
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: alisonmat1 on 30/05/2011 11:17:33
just been browsing. i have also heard that putting long hair in a ponytail causes hair loss. whats the truth behind causes of hair loss?
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: RD on 30/05/2011 20:15:02
i have also heard that putting long hair in a ponytail causes hair loss.

Maybe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traction_alopecia) if you are attempting the Essex facelift (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croydon_facelift).
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: alisonmat1 on 31/05/2011 15:15:27
haha luckily that isnt my intention. just heard that having hair up - even loosely - every day or too often can cause loss...
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: CZARCAR on 31/05/2011 18:03:44
constrained airflow to follicles might kill follicles? Currently on tv is an ad selling a hair removal heat/light gizmo which purports that after so many treatments the follicles die
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: alisonmat1 on 01/06/2011 15:13:26
but would you consider tying your hair back as a treatment?
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: CZARCAR on 01/06/2011 19:33:16
follicles live & die normally. Its the rplacement of the old follicles with new follicles which avert baldness & that is genetic
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: alisonmat1 on 08/06/2011 16:20:47
but if you tie your hair back that has nothing to do with genes? i know what you mean though about genetics, strength of hair etc
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: CliffordK on 09/06/2011 01:41:23
Perhaps one should ask whether hair-pieces cause baldness.
As I've only heard of bald people wearing them!!!!!!!!
What about "combovers"?  Obviously a causative factor!!!!!!!!!!

Some hair falls out normally.  A little tension (without yanking) probably wouldn't hurt as the healthy hair will stay put.  And, with many things in the body, a little stress actually makes it stronger (shafts are dead, but follicles aren't).

It is a good point that a genetic predisposition to loose hair is not affected by hats, hairpieces, or combing.
Title: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: alisonmat1 on 09/06/2011 17:12:14
i heard stress makes hair loss worse...?
Title: Re: Does wearing hats cause baldness?
Post by: dtootill on 05/12/2014 21:18:57
Yes. If you are bald, you will never know why, apart from genetics. If you are not bald, and avoided hats deliberately, what is the scientific proof that it worked? Only those who avoided hats can enter this discussion.