Have you ever heard the discourse that "wearing a hat puts a lot of stress on the scalp and can cause head baldness?"

Many people may feel uneasy or hesitant to wear hats because of these rumors.

But is this true from a medical point of view? This article details the link between hats and hair loss and thinning hair, as well as proper prevention methods.

Do you peel off if you wear a hat all the time?

In conclusion, wearing a hat itself is not directly linked to the cause of baldness.

For example, if you wear a hat in the summer when ultraviolet rays are abundant, or if you wear a hat on your days off as part of your fashion statement, the risk of baldness is low.

However, wearing a hat over a long period of time can have a variety of effects on the scalp and hair, indirectly increasing the risk of hair loss.

Specific Causes of Hat-induced Hair Loss

So what are the risks associated with wearing a hat for a long period of time, and how can it cause hair loss?

Deterioration of scalp environment due to steam

Because hats cover the entire head, the scalp can easily become steamy when worn for extended periods of time.

When sweat and sebum that have not evaporated completely accumulate in the pores, bacteria breed and the scalp environment deteriorates, causing not only inflammation, itching, and dandruff, but also stunting hair growth and causing hair loss.

Particularly in hot and humid summer months, working outdoors, exercising, and other situations that cause perspiration, moisture can easily accumulate inside the hat.

Poor circulation due to tightness

The scalp is lined with capillaries that deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles.

Capillaries are very delicate, and wearing a tight hat, for example, can compress the head and reduce blood circulation to the scalp.

As a result, the hair follicles do not receive sufficient nutrients and oxygen, which adversely affects the hair growth cycle and may lead to thinning and easy hair loss.

Damage to hair due to friction

When people hear about hair loss, they tend to view it as caused by damage to the scalp and hair follicles, but friction to the hair can also have an effect.

Especially when wearing a hat, hair cuticles are easily damaged by rubbing against the inside of the hat when putting on and taking off the hat, causing hair breakage.

In addition, hair damaged by friction loses its elasticity and strength, and is prone to falling out.

Traction alopecia due to prolonged wear

Traction alopecia is a condition in which the scalp is stressed by continual pulling of the hair and the hair in that area falls out.

Alopecia tends to appear mainly in women with hairstyles such as ponytails and braids, but frequent wearing and removal of hats can also pull hair and cause traction alopecia to develop.

Wearing a tight hat can also put pressure on the scalp by squeezing the hair from the follicles, leading to hair loss.

See also: [For Men] Measures and NG Behaviors during Hair Loss

Could it increase your risk of baldness? Wearing a hat the wrong way

Choosing the wrong hat or wearing it the wrong way can put stress on the scalp and increase the risk of baldness. Particular attention should be paid to the following points

Wearing a hat that does not fit

Many people may dare to adjust their hats to a smaller size to prevent them from flying off in the wind.

However, hats that are too small in size can constrict the scalp tightly, causing blood flow to stagnate.

As a result, hair follicles do not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, which may adversely affect hair growth and increase hair loss.

Hats that are too large also tend to shift when worn, causing friction that damages hair and leads to breakage and hair loss.

Wearing hats with poor ventilation for extended periods of time

Hats with poor ventilation tend to make the scalp steamy when worn for long periods of time, contributing to the growth of bacteria and clogging of sebum.

In particular, hats made of nylon or vinyl tend to be humid because they are not breathable and do not absorb sweat well.

As a result, the scalp environment may deteriorate, causing problems such as dandruff, itching, and hair loss.

Wear a hat while your hair is wet.

Many people shower before leaving home for work in the morning.

However, wearing a hat without thoroughly drying the hair will cause severe steaming and worsen the scalp environment.

In addition, damp hair is easily damaged because the cuticles are open, and the friction of the hat adds to the damage, making the hair more prone to breakage.

The hat itself is not kept clean.

If a hat is used repeatedly without washing, sweat, sebum, and dust accumulate inside, creating an environment in which bacteria can easily multiply.

Naturally, wearing a hat with bacteria breeding on it will worsen the scalp environment and increase the risk of hair loss.

Hats are used frequently in summer, outdoor work, sports, and other situations where sweat is likely to occur, but care should be taken because bacteria can quickly multiply if frequent washing and sterilization measures are not taken.

See also: Can't Cure Thinning Hair on Your Own? AGA Treatment at a Men's Clinic

How to Prevent Hat Lovers from Bleaching

For hat lovers, it is unsettling to hear that wearing hats for long periods of time may increase the risk of baldness.

What measures can be taken to reduce the risk while still enjoying fashion?

How to choose a hat

Hat selection is one of the most important factors in preventing hair loss and thinning hair.

As we have mentioned, steaminess is a factor that aggravates the scalp environment, so mesh or other breathable materials are ideal.

Also, ease of washing is important to reduce the growth of bacteria and keep the product clean. Check the quality label tag to find out if and how it can be washed.

If washing is difficult or infrequent, one option is to combine it with an inner cap that absorbs sweat.

Take care of your scalp on a daily basis.

Proper scalp care is the basis for combating hair loss and thinning hair. In addition to carefully shampooing to remove sebum and dirt, dry your hair with a hair dryer as soon as possible after washing it to keep your scalp clean.

Scalp massage is also effective in stimulating blood circulation and circulating sufficient nutrients and oxygen to the scalp.

Using the bellies of your fingers, massage the entire scalp while pressing down with just enough force to feel comfortable.

In addition, we recommend the use of a special sunscreen spray for the scalp as well as wearing a hat to protect against UV rays on sunny days.

Seasonal Notes

Since the scalp environment changes with the seasons, measures must be taken for each.

For example, during the hot and humid summer months, choose a breathable hat to prevent stuffiness, and wipe off sweat frequently.

Ideally, hats should also be made of easily washable materials as much as possible, and washed daily, just like underwear and clothing.

On the other hand, in winter, to protect the scalp from drying out, try using hats made of materials that retain heat and moisture, such as knit caps.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hats and Thinning Hair

Finally, here are some common questions and answers related to hats and thinning hair.

Q.Are some hat materials more prone to baldness than others?

A. Some synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are not breathable.

Wearing hats made of these materials for long periods of time, especially in the summer when people sweat, may worsen the scalp environment and increase the risk of baldness.

Q.If I am already bald, is a hat counterproductive?

A. For those with a small amount of hair, wearing a hat is recommended to protect the scalp.

However, hats that harbor bacteria can adversely affect the scalp environment, so be sure to wash them frequently and keep them clean at all times.

See also: does male hair loss increase in summer? The Difference Between Seasonal Hair Loss and AGA

For consultation on men's hair loss, please contact Men's Pride Clinic!

Hair loss and thinning hair in men can be caused by many factors other than hats, and early action is required.

In recent years, the number of medical institutions that offer hair loss treatment has been increasing, but when it comes to actually going to the hospital, many people are concerned that their acquaintances will see them, or that they are too busy with work to make regular visits to the hospital.

For such patients, Men's Pride Clinic supports online treatment, allowing them to receive hair loss treatment easily from the comfort of their own home.

Since the only conversation with the doctor is over the phone, there is no need to worry about being seen, and there is no cost for treatment other than the cost of the medication.

If you have tried changing to a breathable hat, but it did not improve your hair loss or thinning, please feel free to contact us at Men's Pride Clinic.

◆Men's Pride Clinic MITA TOKYO online clinic

summary

Wearing hats is not necessarily a direct cause of baldness.

However, wearing ill-fitting hats, hats with poor hygiene, or hats with poor ventilation over a long period of time can worsen the scalp environment and indirectly cause hair loss and thinning.

If you have become concerned about hair loss since you started wearing hats, please first practice the measures introduced in this article and also consider appropriate examination and treatment at a specialized medical institution.