Myth 1: Hair loss happens randomly.
Reality: FAKE. Hair loss related to androgenic alopecia, the most current form of baldness, progresses in a predictable manner. Thus, women present a general thinning in the upper part of the head, while for men, the edges gradually move away from the face until they take the shape of a man. If the baldness continues, it is also likely that the hair on the top of the head will fall out.
Myth 2: Hair loss can start at any age.
Reality: In general, hair loss begins only after puberty. For men, 95% of hair loss cases are attributable to a hereditary phenomenon called “androgenic alopecia” or common pattern baldness. At age 50, half of men have some degree of baldness. For women, hair loss, which is observed especially after menopause, occurs in 40 to 50% of women.
Myth 3: Bald men are less manly.
Reality: Here is a myth that dates back thousands of years. Today, the industry continually advertises and entertains images of men with tempting hair, prosperous, strong and powerful.
Although there is no scientific proof linking baldness and virility, studies show that bald men are generally less satisfied with their appearance and have the impression of being older than their age.
Myth 4: The hairs do not return.
Reality: The hairs can grow back depending on what was the origin of the baldness. Hair usually regrows when the underlying causes of hair loss end: stressful life event, illness such as cancer or lupus, recent surgery, infection, drug or drug use, nutrient deprivation, or a too strict diet However, androgenic alopecia must be treated quickly. The sooner hair loss is treated, the better the chances of success.
Myth 5: Women do not lose their hair.
Reality: Women lose their hair at the same rate as men, but usually less significantly. Thus, when they reach menopause, between 40 and 50% present some degree of baldness related to androgenic alopecia. Female baldness appears especially on the top of the head and on the sides. Hair loss is more diffuse and affects a larger area than in men. Unlike men, women do not usually present empty plates but rather a thinning of the entire hair. Although female baldness can appear after puberty, it usually appears after menopause.
Myth 6: To have healthy hair, you must consume a lot of protein.
Reality: Although it is made up primarily of protein, hair requires the same ratio of protein, lipid (fat content), carbohydrates (sugar), vitamins and minerals to the rest of the body for good health. Eating enough of a variety of foods is the key to maintaining good health and healthy-looking hair.
Myth 7:
a) If my father loses a lot of hair, the same will happen to me.
b) Baldness is a genetic trait transmitted by the mother.
Reality: It is true that the predisposition to baldness is hereditary. However, one can inherit baldness from both his father and his mother. It is generally believed that baldness is associated with genes. Also, because baldness is a dominant trait, people born with these genes are likely to show early or late baldness to some degree.
Myth 8: Shaving and cutting hair have consequences on hair growth and texture.
Reality: Research showed that none of these activities have an effect on hair growth and texture.
Myth 9: All men expect to lose their hair and therefore baldness does not bother them.
Reality: Studies revealed that baldness can seem particularly perplexing to many men. In fact, a large number of bald men are concerned about their condition and less comfortable in their relationships with others and consequently feel depressed. Some even have to seek the help of a professional to overcome the psychological effects of baldness.
Myth 10: Nothing can be done against hair loss.
Reality: This statement was true a few years ago. But a lot of progress has been made since the fight against baldness. Depending on the importance of hair loss, a doctor may prescribe different medications to counteract the problem.