Baseball hats, even ugly Yankees hats, do not cause hair loss
Play ball! Opening Day for our beloved Boston Red Sox is so close and devoted Sox fans can finally swap out their ski hats for baseball hats. Wearing a New York Yankees hat around Boston can cause lots of issues, but hair loss is not one them! There are several myths surrounding the relationship between wearing baseball hats and hair loss. One of the most common myths is that wearing hats can cause hair loss. However, this is not true.
Dr. Lopresti
Wearing a hat, in and of itself, does not cause hair loss. While it is true that wearing hats that are too tight or for extended periods of time can cause traction alopecia, this type of hair loss is due to the pulling or tension on the hair follicles, rather than the hat itself.
Another common myth is that wearing a hat can suffocate the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. However, this is also not true. The hair follicles receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood supply, not from the air.
It is important to note that if you are already experiencing hair loss, wearing a hat may make it more noticeable. The hat may pull on the remaining hair and expose areas of the scalp that are thinning or balding.
It is estimated that up to 98% of cases of hair loss are due to genetic factors. Male pattern baldness, which is the most common form of hair loss in men, is believed to be largely caused by genetic factors. Female pattern hair loss, which is the most common form of hair loss in women, is also thought to have a genetic component.
Overall, wearing a hat in moderation is unlikely to cause hair loss. If you have concerns about hair loss, we welcome you to schedule either an in person or virtual consultation to learn about the non-surgical options for men and women that can address the early signs of thinning.