Myths and facts about hair loss - For years, hair loss has been a reason for concern for both men and women. There are many theories surrounding the reasons for hair loss, how to avoid it, and how to reverse it. But what is myth and what is truth?

Check out what the experts have to say about it!

© Shutterstock

Reasons - According to Professor Valcinir Bedin from University of Campinas (Brazil), hair loss may be caused by hormonal, nutritional or metabolic imbalances, as well as genetics. Therefore, it is important to find out the real reason behind the hair loss.

© iStock

Shaving your head will prevent baldness - This statement divides opinions. Ralista Bozhinova, a hair loss specialist at London's The Belgravia Centre, says shaving or cutting hair does not influence hair growth.

© Shutterstock

Shaving your head will prevent baldness - On the other hand, Dr. Robinson Guerrero of the Guerrero Clinic in Santiago, Chile, claims that shaving the head can irritate the scalp and trigger thinner hair, making baldness more noticeable.

© Shutterstock

Shaving your head will prevent baldness - According to hair transplant surgeon Thomy Kouremada-Zioga of London, shaving can seriously damage the root and, in some cases, lead to permanent baldness.

© Shutterstock

It's not good to wash your hair frequently - Myth. Some people avoid washing their hair too often because they fear the chemicals in shampoo can damage their scalp.

© Shutterstock

It's not good to wash your hair frequently - Experts recommend that hair should be washed regularly. Bozhinova advises that people with oily hair should increase the frequency to remove the oil that blocks the follicles.

© Shutterstock

Avoid brushing your hair too much - Myth. This has no scientific basis, despite hair becoming trapped in the comb or brush, giving the impression that your hair is breaking.

© iStock

Avoid brushing your hair too much - In fact, it is advisable to brush your hair often and gently. Thomy Kouremada-Zioga explains that the habit increases blood flow, which helps hair growth.

© Shutterstock

Using a blow-dryer can cause hair loss - This statement divides opinions. Some experts say it is not harmful in general. But some care must be taken when using a blow-dryer, such as keeping a safe distance from the scalp to avoid burns and not pulling the hair excessively when drying it.

© Shutterstock

Using a blow-dryer can cause hair loss - Surgeon Zioga, on the other hand, believes that the blow-dryer should be used as little as possible. Cold air is preferable to prevent hair from heating up too much and irritating the root.

© iStock

Don't use hair ties - Myth. But avoid stretching your hair too hard when you tie it up. This can also help prevent headaches.

© iStock

Wearing hats will cause hair loss - Myth. You can wear hats and caps. Just avoid wearing tight ones.

© iStock

Wearing hats will cause hair loss - Tight hats can block blood circulation, which stimulates hair growth, Zioga says.

© iStock

Wearing helmets will cause hair loss - Myth. It's another misconception spread by popular belief, says dermatologist Rui Oliveira Soares.

© iStock

If you've gone gray, you won't go bald - Myth. Hair loss specialist Ralista Bozhinova says she has patients with and without gray hair, and they all suffer from hair loss. Hair color makes no difference.

© iStock

If you've gone gray, you won't go bald - The doctor explains that baldness is mostly due to genetics and it becomes more accentuated with aging and lack of hair loss preventative measures.

© iStock

A poor diet triggers hair loss - Truth. Vitamin deficiency is harmful to hair health. Zioga says that a nutrient-poor diet can worsen and accelerate the condition.

© iStock

A poor diet triggers hair loss - Protein is an essential nutrient for hair. Vegetarians should be especially concerned about the inclusion of proteins in their diets in order to avoid hair loss.

© iStock

A poor diet triggers hair loss - Doctor Rui Oliveira Soares emphasizes that a healthy lifestyle helps hair growth. Exercise and a healthy diet are essential.

© Shutterstock

All types of hair loss are related to baldness - Myth. Not all hair loss is baldness. According to Professor Valcinir Bedin from University of Campinas (Brazil), the problem is more to do with the reduction of capillary density, rather than hair loss itself.

© iStock

Steroids accelerate hair loss - Truth. These substances have high levels of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia, baldness linked to genetic predisposition, explains Ralista Bozhinova.

© iStock

Steroids accelerate hair loss - The use of anabolic steroids can accelerate hair loss and trigger other health problems. Therefore, steroids should only be taken under medical supervision.

© iStock

Home remedies work - Myth. Popular culture loves to perpetuate advice for preventing hair loss by stimulating hair growth through the use of eggs, vinegar, baking soda, among others.

© Shutterstock

Home remedies work - Some of these do-it-yourself tips can help the hair look and feel smoother and healthier, says the specialist in capillary medicine, Bozhinova.

© Shutterstock

Aloe vera is good for the hair - Truth. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and its effectiveness at preventing and fighting hair loss. It's also a great hair moisturizer, helps hair growth and treating dandruff.

© Shutterstock

Aloe vera is good for the hair - Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and B13, 20 minerals, plus 18 amino acids and other substances beneficial to hair health.

© Shutterstock

Hair gel triggers hair loss - It depends. It's fine if the product is an aqueous solution. The problem, warns Professor Valcinir Bedin of the University of Campinas, is that hair gel contains alcohol, which can dehydrate hair, weakening it and making it fall out.

© Shutterstock

General hair loss products - Myth. Dermatologist Rui Oliveira Soares explains that the causes of hair loss are unique to every person and treatment must be carried out accordingly.

© Shutterstock

Smoking triggers hair loss - Truth. According to a study by Case Western Reserve University, Ohio, US, smokers are more likely to experience capillary dysfunction.

© Shutterstock

Smoking triggers hair loss - Nicotine, the substance in cigarettes, narrows blood vessels, which prevents blood from carrying nutrients to hair roots. Carbon monoxide blocks the passage of oxygen, which is vital to the health of the scalp.

© iStock

Hair loss may increase postpartum - Truth. According to Márcio Crisóstomo, a hair transplant surgeon, hair can fall out prematurely, leading to even more hair loss. This usually happens four months after giving birth, or after other physical or emotional stress.

© Shutterstock

Don't sleep with wet hair - Truth. This habit provides a warm and moist environment, which is favorable for fungi and bacteria growth. Crisóstomo explains that this situation potentiates oiliness, dandruff formation and hair loss.

© iStock