With the cooler months officially underway and the weather getting chillier by the day, relying on the headwear options that have been packed away in storage is certain to be a priority. From the woolliest of hats to the silkiest of scarves and head wraps, there are lots of options to keep your head cosy and your look super stylish. But, could your choice of headwear be putting you at risk of hair loss and thinning?
Whether you suffer from hair loss right now or are reading this to find a preventative measure, understanding the dangers of tight headwear is a great place to start, especially at this time of year.
While wearing tighter headwear isn’t generally a good idea, a direct link with hair loss, thinning or excessive hair shedding is yet to be fully established.
The use of tight headwear, as opposed to looser styles, could contribute to loss of hairs that are already vulnerable, but won’t be the only factor. Wearing hats for instance may be more damaging to those with tighter hairstyles, with the effects of traction alopecia much better understood.
Here LloydsPharmacy details how your hat-wearing habits and hairstyle choice could cause problems for hair growth:
“If a hat is worn too tightly and puts excessive tension on the hair follicles, it could lead to a condition called traction alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by constant pulling on the hair and is more commonly associated with hairstyles like tight braids or ponytails, but wearing a tight hat or helmet for extended periods could also contribute.”
Scalp hygiene is also likely to be impacted by excessive hat wearing. Going long periods of time without washing the headwear in question will lead to scalp issues that negatively affect the health of your hair too. Put scalp hygiene first by washing your hat, scarf or wrap on a regular basis.
Striking the right balance this winter
To prevent your choice of headwear indirectly causing issues for hair health and growth, there are a few rules you should follow.
While there is no specific type of headwear that’s particularly problematic, you should only wear headwear that fits comfortably as a rule of thumb. Tension along the hairline is a sure-fire sign that your headwear is too tight and may cause issues in the future. Avoid combining tighter hairstyles (including tight ponytails and buns, tight braids, cornrows, and locs) with headwear.
You should adopt a gentler, more nourishing hair routine too. Deep condition your scalp and natural hair, limit the use of heat styling tools, and steer clear of chemical treatments for the best results.
If you experience scalp irritation as a result of contact with the materials of your chosen headwear, give yourself a break from wearing it.
Whether wearing headwear for warmth or its good looks, picking a style that uses breathable, hypoallergenic material is recommended. Bamboo is a fantastic option, especially for those looking to use headwear as the perfect wig-free coverage, read this guide to discover why.
