Key Takeaways:
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Wearing a hat generally doesn’t cause hair loss.
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Very tight hats could put tension on the scalp and contribute to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia, but this is unlikely.
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Hair loss can be caused by genetics, hormones, stress, illness, medication, and environmental factors.
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Effective hair loss treatments include the FDA-approved medications minoxidil and finasteride.
If you’re a regular hat-wearer, it’s fair to wonder if your favorite baseball cap is impacting your hairline. So, does wearing a hat cause hair loss?
Like other hair loss myths, there’s no real evidence that wearing a hat can lead to permanent hair loss. That said, your hat-wearing habit may affect the hair growth cycle.
We’ll delve into the question of whether wearing hats causes hair loss. We’ll also explore different causes of hair loss and discuss research-backed treatments that may help.
Does Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?
Generally speaking, no. Your hat-wearing habits won’t lead to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) or excessive shedding.
However, anything you put on your head — caps, beanies, fedoras, head coverings, etc. — that pulls on your hair roots or puts any strain on the structure of your hair follicles can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.
With traction alopecia, the tension can actually destroy the hair follicle over time and eventually prevent hair from growing. This can also happen with tight braids and other hairstyles that tug on the scalp.
Wearing a Hat and Visible Hair Thinning
Wearing a hat can make some of the early signs of balding more noticeable.
For instance, if you’re starting to lose your hair, there’s a good chance you’ll notice stray hairs inside your hat when you take it off. But it’s just a coincidence that it looks like your hat is responsible.
Stray hairs don’t exclusively collect inside your hat — they’re also likely showing up on your pillowcase, in your shower drain, and elsewhere.
Wearing a hat can also make your hair look flat and messy, especially when you wear one for a long time. Messy hair can make a receding hairline or baldness around the crown (the area at the top of your head) more visible.
Do Hats Cause Baldness? The Research
Most research on traction alopecia points to tight hairstyles (ponytails, braids, etc.) as the main cause of this form of hair loss. Hats have been mentioned only anecdotally.
Hats and Traction Alopecia
An older study from 1999 involving about 200 Korean nurses found that a small percentage had hair loss at the site where their nurse caps were pinned.
Another research review points to a potential link between religious headwear and traction alopecia.
Similarly, a more detailed study from 2023 surveyed 104 Muslim women about their hijab-wearing habits and experiences with hair loss. Over a third reported experiencing hair loss, which they attributed to wearing a hijab.
It’s important to note that survey-based responses are subjective, and these types of studies aren’t always reliable. Plus, there aren’t any other formal hat-related hair loss studies.
Can Wearing a Hat Help With Hair Loss?
Interestingly, some research has found that wearing a hat may actually reduce your risk of hair loss over the course of your life.
In a (very small) study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers compared 92 male identical twins to assess the severity of their hair loss and investigate the factors that might play a role.
The researchers found a link between increased hairline thinning and factors such as:
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The presence of dandruff
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Body mass index (BMI)
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Testosterone levels
However, the study found that the hat-wearing twins were less likely to show significant receding hairlines (frontal hair loss) compared to their non-hat-wearing counterparts.
The More Likely Culprits Behind Hair Loss
While traction alopecia can result from wearing tight hats and hairstyles, other forms of hair loss are more common.
Here are some other causes of hair thinning to consider in your search for a culprit.
Male Pattern Baldness
The most common cause of hair loss is male pattern baldness (aka male pattern hair loss).
Male pattern baldness is caused by a combination of genes and hormonal factors, including sensitivity to the effects of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Your body produces DHT as a byproduct of testosterone, the primary male hormone. If you have a genetic sensitivity to DHT, the hormone can bind to your hair follicles and cause gradually shrinking hair follicles (follicular miniaturization) that eventually prevents them from producing new hairs.
Telogen Effluvium
Health issues like chronic stress, severe infection, nutrient deficiencies, or illness can cause telogen effluvium, a form of temporary hair shedding.
This type of hair loss generally results in diffuse thinning across the entire scalp rather than the receding hairline or bald patch common with male pattern baldness.
The good news is, telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss. Typically, you’ll grow back any hair lost once you’ve treated the underlying issue.
Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions, such as tinea capitis (a fungal infection of the scalp), can also impact hair health and make you lose hair. Treating the infection can help reverse the hair loss effects.
Autoimmune Disorders
A condition called alopecia areata can also cause your immune system to attack and kill your hair follicles, leaving you hairless — sometimes permanently. Medical conditions that affect the thyroid can also damage hair.
Medications
Sometimes, the medication you’re taking can trigger hair loss. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs can make you lose hair temporarily.
In most cases, stopping the medication will stop this side effect and allow for healthy hair regrowth. But always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medication in an effort to fix your hairline.
Hair Care Tips When Wearing a Hat
Wearing a hat offers a mix of advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, hats can help shield your face, neck, and scalp from the sun, preventing sunburn and reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. In cold weather, a hat can keep your head and ears insulated and warm.
Hats can also cause problems, even if hair loss isn’t all that likely from wearing a hat. For instance, you might experience irritation from sweat build-up or friction or deal with clogged pores and acne breakouts.
To avoid these risks (and ensure your hat doesn’t mess with your hair and scalp health), keep these tips in mind:
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Loosen the adjustable snap closure on your ball cap so it doesn’t cut into or rub against your skin.
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Wash your hat regularly to prevent sweat, oils, or other substances from building up inside the fabric.
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Don’t wear your hat for long periods.
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Choose a hat made of breathable materials, and take it off if you’re sweating.
Can Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss? Final Thoughts
Male pattern baldness is very common. Research published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery notes that 16 percent of men aged 18 to 29 — and more than 50 percent of men in their 40s — have moderate to extensive male pattern baldness.
What does this have to do with hats? Nothing. There’s no research-backed connection between hats and androgenic alopecia.
FAQs
See answers to frequently asked questions about wearing hats and hair loss.
Does wearing a hat cause hair loss in women?
No. Just as with men, there’s no research suggesting that wearing hats causes hair loss in women.
Does wearing a hat cause a receding hairline?
No, wearing a hat doesn’t cause a receding hairline. This is a common myth. In some cases, wearing a hat might actually indirectly support hair growth by protecting the scalp from sun exposure.
Does wearing a hat cause dandruff?
Wearing a hat doesn’t cause dandruff in and of itself, but it can potentially make existing dandruff worse. Hats trap moisture and could irritate the scalp by causing friction. For this reason, it’s best to wash your hair and your hat regularly and wear a breathable, looser-fitting hat when possible.
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
