Dispelling the myths behind hair loss
About 25% of men begin to bald by the time they are 30 years old, and about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60. 
The average scalp contains about 100,000 hairs (blondes 140,000, brunettes 155,000 and redheads only 85,000). On average, about 100 hairs are lost from the head every day.
Each individual hair survives for an average of 4.5 years, during which time it grows about half an inch a month. Usually in its 5th year, the hair falls out and is replaced within 6 months by a new one.
Three causes of baldness
Baldness, or alopecia, is most often caused by three determining factors:
- Genes. Genes are believed to influence hair loss. Unlike what is popularly believed, hair loss is not solely inherited from the mother's side of the family. It can be inherited from either the mother or father. It is important to note, however, that the genes responsible for male pattern baldness have yet to be identified.
- Hormones. Hormones may play a role in hair loss. Hormones are biochemical substances produced by various glands throughout the body. In men, the presence of such hormones as androgens, testosterone, and DHT cause some hair follicles to regress and die.
- Stress. Stress induced by traumatic experience, nutritional deficiency, or illness can cause the rate of hair loss to increase. The regular, day-to-day stresses of life do not cause hair loss.
Six hair loss myths
Today, numerous myths surround the causes of hair loss. Here is a look at six of the most common myths.
Myth: I am less likely to go bald because my hair grows so quickly.
Fact: Although rapid hair growth may be a sign of good health, this is not an indication of whether you may experience hair loss or not in the future.
Myth: I will lose my hair if I wear hats frequently.
Fact: Hats and helmets do not cause hair loss. However, frequent use of hairpieces that are woven into existing hair could eventually cause hair loss.
Myth: Frequent blow-drying will cause my hair to fall out.
Fact: Excessive blow-drying may cause your hair to become brittle and more prone to breakage. However, blow-drying your hair should not cause your hair to fall out in any way.
Myth: If I shampoo too often, my hair will start to fall out.
Fact: Soap and water typically do not cause your hair fall out. Although you may notice some hair in the shower drain, it is normal to lose about 100 hairs a day.
Myth: All hair transplants look fake and obvious.
Fact: Hair transplants that look like doll's hair are the result of outdated technology. Today's hair transplants traditionally result in a natural appearing head of hair. This is thanks to the use of thousands of tiny skin grafts used to recreate a natural hairline.
Myth: A hair transplant is a long and painful process.
Fact: Technological advances have made the hair transplantation process comfortable and pain-free under local anesthesia. This allows the patient to watch television or take a nap during the procedure. Today, hair restoration is usually completed within one to four sessions.
