Myths of hair loss

Some common myths have arisen concerning hair loss, baldness and its relations with one's virility, intelligence, etc. Most of them can be dismissed by the existence of many counterexamples. Because of medical advancements many of these myths are being addressed and corrected.

Myth: "Baldness is inherited from the mother's side of the family"

Fact: Although androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness is genetic and therefore can be hereditary, it is not passed down through only your mother's side of the family. Either side of the family can pass down the genetic disposition toward baldness.

Myth: "Bald men are more "virile" or sexually active than others"

Fact: This myth probably stems from the fact that some forms of baldness in some predisposed individuals are caused by androgens, and removal of androgens (by castration) prevents baldness or stops it from progressing further. Yet counterexamples can be found, like men with perfect hairlines and high levels of androgens or men with sensitivity to androgens causing hair loss but who are not very sexually active.

Myth: "Intellectual activity can cause hair loss and baldness"

Fact: This myth probably was inspired by the fact that the human brain is located inside the skull, very close and just below from where hair grows, and so it was thought that the use and abuse as well as mental diseases could have negative effect on hair growth and number. This is sometimes used as a stereotype in movies, where the more intellectual or rather frustrated characters are most usually portrayed as bald and generally unattractive, as opposed to the main characters which are usually portrayed as attractive, fit, mentally stable and generally with no apparent hair problems.

Myth: "Hair loss is caused by wearing hats or wigs"

Fact: Also, contrary to old family tales, wearing hats or wigs does not cause hair loss or baldness.

Myth: "Shaving hair makes it grow back stronger"

Fact: Proposed as a popular "remedy" against hair loss and baldness, it's just an illusion. Shaving one's head doesn't increase the number of healthy hair present on the scalp, and, when the remaining hair has grown a few millimeters, no enhancement in thickness or overall quality can be observed.