Does Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss? A Trichologist Shares Everything You Need to Know
Plus, helpful tricks for picking a hat that will help keep your hair healthy
Whether offering protection from the hot summer sun or cold winter chill, adding a stylish finishing touch to an outfit or simply concealing a bad hair day, hats are a go-to accessory for so many of us. And if you’re a consistent hat-wearer and have noticed an increase in hair shedding, thinning or sparse spots, you may be wondering, “does wearing a hat cause hair loss?” So we asked Kimberly Vaughn, clinical trichologist, hair loss coach and founder of HPIHair Partners in Nashville to shed some light on the common concerns surrounding hats and hair health. Keep scrolling to see her answer!
Does wearing a hat cause hair loss?
According to Vaughn, the answer is nuanced. “Hair loss is primarily influenced by factors such as genetics, age, hormonal imbalances and medical conditions, so the short answer is no.”
However, while hats themselves are unlikely to be a direct cause of significant hair loss, certain factors related to their use can contribute to hair breakage and potentially exacerbate existing hair loss conditions. Plus, the type of hat you wear matters when it comes to preventing hair damage (more on this to come!).
Do tight-fitting hats cause hair loss?
In this case, the answer is yes. Wearing tight-fitting hats for extended periods of time can put tension on the hair follicles, leading to a condition called traction alopecia, says Vaughn. “This occurs when prolonged pulling damages the follicles, causing thinning or breakage.”
While traction alopecia is more commonly a result of hairstyles that involve tight pulling, such as ponytails, braids or weaves, the constant tension to follicles from wearing hats can also be a culprit. “In fact, caps with elastic bands or snug fits are more likely to contribute to traction alopecia due to constant tension,” says Vaughn. Watch this TikTok for a more detailed explanation of where the hair loss can happen.
Do dirty hats cause hair loss?
Another yes. Dirty hats or those that trap sweat and oil can lead to clogged pores, dandruff or fungal infections, explains Vaughn. These can cause scarring conditions on the scalp that can lead to hair loss.
Do synthetic hats cause hair loss?
In short, also yes. “Hats made from synthetic materials can irritate the scalp or cause allergic reactions, leading to itching and potential hair thinning,” says Vaughn. More specifically, hats made from polyester or nylon can trap heat and moisture, which may irritate the scalp over time, leading to hair loss.
How to wear hats without causing hair loss
Here’s some good news: You can enjoy wearing hats while minimizing any potential impact on your hair, says Vaughn. “I personally love hats and wear them often!”
By choosing well-fitted, breathable headwear and maintaining proper hygiene practices, you can confidently wear hats without worrying about contributing to hair loss or breakage. Her tips:
Choose the right fit
Opt for hats that fit comfortably without being too tight. Hats that also have an adjustable fit will be your best bet.
Select hats made of gentle materials
Look for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo or satin-lined hats to reduce friction and prevent breakage.
Maintain good hat hygiene
Wash your hats regularly to prevent the buildup of sweat, oil and bacteria that could irritate your scalp.
Protect your scalp
If you wear a hat in hot weather, choose one with ventilation to minimize sweating and keep your scalp cool.
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