Alopecia, commonly known as hair loss, affects both men and women and can stem from a variety of causes beyond stress, according to Dr. Amrutha Hosalli Karjol, consultant and chief dermatologist at Vrudhii Skin Center and Surgery Clinic in Bengaluru. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Karjol debunked prevalent myths surrounding alopecia, emphasizing the need for accurate information to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Alopecia, which includes male and female pattern baldness, can occur at any age and may signal underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions, hormonal fluctuations, or lifestyle factors. Dr. Karjol noted, “While medical research has identified multiple causes and effective treatments for hair loss, several myths create unnecessary anxiety and delay proper care.”

Myth 1: Hair loss only affects men.
Contrary to popular belief, women are equally susceptible to hair loss due to hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. Female hair loss often manifests as diffuse thinning rather than distinct bald patches, making it less noticeable but equally significant.

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Myth 2: Shaving or frequent haircuts make hair grow thicker.
Hair thickness and growth are determined by genetics and follicle health, not by cutting the hair shaft. Shaving creates a blunt edge, giving the illusion of thicker hair, but it does not alter follicle density or growth rate.

Myth 3: Stress is the sole cause of alopecia.
While stress can trigger temporary hair shedding, such as telogen effluvium, most alopecia cases result from a combination of genetics, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and nutritional deficiencies. Overlooking these factors can exacerbate hair loss.

Myth 4: All hair loss is permanent and untreatable.
Many forms of alopecia are reversible with early intervention. Treatments like nutritional therapy, topical solutions, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and laser therapy can stimulate regrowth in numerous cases, offering hope to patients.

Dr. Karjol stressed that understanding these truths is crucial for effective hair care and urged individuals experiencing hair loss to seek professional diagnosis to address underlying causes and explore viable treatment options.

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