Hair loss doesn't start with a mass of strands on your pillow. Rather, it begins with preconceived ideas. From false promises to "scientific" half-truths, misinformation muddies the waters and delays you in finding the real solutions. That's why, here, we take down the myths and explain how to understand every aspect of this subject. Because understanding is the first step towards healing.
"If it's genetic, there's nothing we can do."
False. Genetics predispose, not condemn. It's hormones, inflammation and your lifestyle that activate the process. Androgenetic alopeciaFor example, with targeted treatment, such as anti-DHT care, microneedling, nutrition and hormone regulation, the process can be slowed down or even partially reversed.
"Washing your hair too often makes it fall out."
Contrary to popular belief. The opposite is true. A dirty scalp, clogged with sebum or skincare residues, ends up suffocating and slowing down hair growth. And the hair in the siphon? They were already at the end of their cycle. A clean scalp is a living scalp.
" Oils make hair grow faster.
No. Most oils remain on the surface of your scalp: they don't reach the follicle, where growth begins. Some, like rosemary or peppermint stimulate circulation, but t w a shine and regeneration is a mistake.
Worse still, if used incorrectly, they can clog follicles. Beautiful hair is not necessarily healthy hair.
"Stress causes hair to fall out immediately."
Telogen effluvium, hair loss triggered by acute stress, doesn't appear immediately: it often takes 2 to 3 months.
If your ponytail has thinned out for no apparent reason, trace it back: breakage? Covid? Too strict a diet? The cause may not be what you're going through today, but what your body went through yesterday.
"Only men lose their hair visibly."
No. Women lose their hair too, but in different ways. Female alopecia often begins with a widening of the parting or a loss of density at the top of the scalp.
The causes are often hormonal, inflammatory or metabolic. It's not "the norm", nor is it inevitable. Acting early changes everything.
"Fall or break? It's not the same war."
Mistake. Not all hair found on your pillow falls out from your roots. Many people confuse hair loss with breakage. The difference is simple: hair that breaks is fragmented somewhere along its length - often due to bleaching, repeated blow-drying or an overly fragile hair fiber.
As for hair loss, it concerns the density of your hair and, above all, its cycle.
These are two distinct things that do not require the same treatment.
"The fall begins after 40."
False. It can start much earlier, as early as your twenties. Stopping or taking the pill, iron deficiency, thyroid disorders or PCOS: hair loss doesn't wait for menopause. Hair loss is not an age-related phenomenon, but often the consequence of an unbalanced metabolism.
"Hair needs to breathe: avoid hijabs or bonnets."
A classic error of judgement. Your hair doesn't breathe, but your scalp does. It's not the hijab or cap that's the problem, but the lack of ventilation, excessive perspiration and too-tight ties. Covering your hair is not a danger. Neglecting hair care and scalp maintenance is.
"The microneedling, is when nothing else works."
Wrong. In fact, it's one of the first things to consider when done properly. It stimulates circulation, accelerates tissue regeneration and improves absorption of the treatments you apply to your scalp. Using a non-sterile tool or needle that is not adapted to your situation can lead to serious damages.
"The supplements work immediately.
No, and that's a good thing. Your hair grows in cycles: no dietary supplement gives visible results for 3 to 6 months of regular use. That said, results will only be seen if the cause of your hair loss is nutritional. Visit iron is only effective in cases of deficiency. So does biotin. If the cause is hormonal or inflammatory, you'll need a more tailored approach. Before investing in a dietary supplement, be strategic. Start with a blood test, not an online order.
