Is Your Favorite Hat Making You Bald? Here’s What Science Says

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Research suggests that for most people who wear hats, hair loss isn’t usually a risk.
However, hats that are overly tight or unhygienic can damage or block hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Hair loss is often reversible. The Original LaserCap is a science-backed solution.

Does wearing a hat cause hair loss? Although this topic hasn’t been studied thoroughly, the limited research that has been conducted suggests that wearing hats doesn’t directly cause androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

That said, there are factors that can cause or contribute to scalp issues that are linked to hair loss and thinning. If you regularly wear hats, hair loss is still a possibility. Typically, the scalp issues are caused by wearing hats that may be too tight or that are not cleaned frequently.

If you wear tight hairstyles like ponytails, pigtails, buns, or cornrows underneath the hat, the tension could cause another form of hair loss called traction alopecia.

The good news is there are ways to mitigate the risk so you can keep wearing your favorite headwear worry-free. Let’s start by taking a closer look at the facts. From there, we’ll recommend solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my hair grow back if I stop wearing hats?

Possibly. The link between hats and hair loss is most often due to the hat damaging the hair follicles. So, eliminating the problem (the hat) can allow for healing and regrowth.

Is it bad to wear a hat every day?

It’s not necessarily bad to wear a hat every day, but it’s important to keep the hat clean and make sure your scalp can breathe.

Can you reverse traction alopecia?

Yes, hair loss caused by tension is reversible in some cases, as long as the follicles haven’t been permanently damaged.

Does Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?

As mentioned, there have only been a small handful of studies focused on this topic. For the vast majority of people who wear hats, hair loss shouldn’t be a major concern, but it’s important to understand the nuances. It’s not a simple yes or no answer.

The Twin Studies

There are two surprising studies that are often cited to support the claim that hats don’t cause baldness:

A study of 92 male identical twins found that the group that wore hats every day actually had less hair loss than the group that didn’t wear hats.

A study of 98 female identical twins found that the group that didn’t wear hats were less likely to experience hair loss.

Both studies suggest that for people who wear hats, hair loss is highly unlikely. In fact, the hats seem to be beneficial, with the implication being that environmental factors are more likely to cause hair loss, and hats can offer protection.

What causes hair loss?

On average, most people lose around 50-100 hairs daily. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Excessive hair loss happens when the hairs that fall out aren’t replaced. The typical causes for this phenomenon include:

Genetics
Medications
Medical conditions
Hormonal fluctuations
Stress
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Chemicals in hair products
Tension on the hair
Bacterial and fungal scalp infections

The last two factors are the main (indirect) links between hats and hair loss. Does wearing a hat cause hair loss directly? No. It’s not the act of wearing a hat that can cause hair loss, but wearing hats improperly can damage or block hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Let’s explore these factors further.

Traction Alopecia: Tension From Tightness

Traction alopecia is most commonly caused by hairstyles that tug on or stretch the hair, causing mechanical stress (trauma). Although hats are less likely to exert the amount of force and pressure required to cause traction alopecia, many people do wear tight hairstyles under their hats. And for those who wear excessively tight hats, hair loss can be a risk.

Scalp Health & Hygiene

Wearing a hat from a prolonged period of time can cause sweat and bacteria to accumulate. If the hat is worn consistently, those issues can worsen and eventually damage hair follicles and lead to infections, inflammation, and other scalp conditions that inhibit hair growth. Additionally, trapped oils and sweat can clog hair follicles, preventing growth.

How to Prevent & Reverse Hat-Related Hair Loss

You don’t need to stop wearing your favorite hats, but you may want to reevaluate your habits.

The science shows that for people who wear hats, hair loss can be prevented by keeping headwear clean, making sure it’s not too tight, and taking it off occasionally to allow for air circulation. Does wearing a hat cause hair loss if you take these precautions? It’s still possible, but the risk will be significantly reduced.

To further minimize the risk of losing your hair, or to start regrowing your natural hair, we highly recommend a hat that offers benefits to help with that regrowth: The Original LaserCap.

Many scientific studies have shown that Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an effective way to reverse hair loss. The Original LaserCap is a non-invasive, prescription-strength hair loss treatment that’s safe, convenient, discreet, and effective. Simply wear it from time to time throughout the day at home or on the go.

Sources:

GET STARTED