Lifestyle Desk – Be it to protect yourself from the sun or to keep your head warm in winter, it is common to wear a hat. Some people even wear hats for many hours just for the sake of hobby and looks. In such a situation, the question often arises whether wearing a cap for a long time makes the hair weak and start breaking or can it increase the problem of hair fall? If you also feel tension in your head after wearing a cap or notice hair breakage, then the cap as well as the way of wearing it can be responsible for this. Let us know what things should be kept in mind if you wear a cap.

Does wearing a hat cause hair loss?

It would not be right to say directly that wearing a cap causes hair fall. According to experts, no clear relation has been proven between wearing normal and loose caps and hair fall. There can be many reasons behind hair fall like genetic reasons, age, hormonal changes, some health problems, lack of nutrition and stress.

However, a hat that is too tight or one that creates constant pressure and friction on the head can cause problems to the hair and scalp. Especially when the hair is tied very tightly under the cap.

When can the risk of hair breakage and fall increase?

If hair is constantly being pulled while wearing a hat or the hat is causing too much friction on the head, hair breakage can occur. Additionally, tying a ponytail, bun, or braid too tightly under a hat can also put constant stress on the hair roots.

Dermatologists call it traction alopecia. In this, repeated tension on the hair can damage the hair follicles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, continued stress can, in some cases, even cause permanent hair loss.

Keep these things in mind while wearing a hat

If you have to wear a hat for long periods of time, some simple precautions can help prevent hair damage.

1. Choose a hat that is not too tight on the head.
2. Don't tie your hair too tightly before wearing a hat.
3. If you feel pain, strain or discomfort in your head, loosen the cap or hairstyle.
4. Avoid keeping the same tight hairstyle continuously.
5. Take care of cleaning the scalp after sweating.
6. Avoid frequent pulling of hair, vigorous brushing and excessive heat.

When to contact a doctor?

If despite reducing wearing of cap and reducing the strain on hair, there is continuous hair fall, hairline is receding, patches are forming on the head or there is pain and irritation in the scalp, then do not ignore it as the reason for the cap only. There can be many different reasons for hair fall and it is better to get checked by a dermatologist to know the exact reason.