People of all ages around the world use headphones widespreadly. After all, it’s essential to play online games, listen to music, or attend an online meeting. But can wearing headphones cause hair loss? Or is it just a myth?
Let’s find out!
Honestly, Wearing tight-fitting headphones or hats for a long time can be a significant cause of hair loss. The headphones can pressurize and irritate your scalp over time. Ultimately, this will result in inflammation and hair loss. In medical terms, we usually call it ‘Traction Alopecia.’
However, in this modern era of science, you can really give up on the headphones. So, how to avoid alopecia caused by headphones? Hang on with us till the end for further tips and tricks!
What Are The Most Potent Causes Of Hair Loss?
Nutritional deficiency:
In order to maintain healthy hair growth, you must go for a balanced diet. Your diet must contain different types of nuts, including almonds, cashew nuts, etc. Zinc, iron, and protein deficiencies can be a potential cause of hair loss. Vitamin B12 and biotin can also boost your hair growth significantly.
Stress:
Both physical and emotional stress can take a toll on your hair. After all, stress can cause significant fluctuation in the hormone levels. Long-term stress can give rise to a condition called – Trichotillomania.
Hormonal Imbalance:
In the human body, sex hormones like – estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone should be in a proper balance. Changes in hormonal levels can potentiate hair loss. This hormone shift usually occurs due to pregnancy, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other gynecological conditions like PCOS. In fact, it’s the most common cause of hair fall in women.
Genetic Factors:
In terms of hair growth, genes are a significant factor. Some individuals have genetically thin hair. Some may lose their hair volume over time due to their genetic constituents. If your hair follicles are sensitive to male hormones like androgen, they may shrink and produce thinner hair with each hair growth cycle.
Medications:
Some Medications, especially hormone therapies, can significantly result in hair fall. It includes – OCP, Antibiotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, pain relievers, chemotherapy, etc.
Others:
Some of your regular habits can lead to hair loss. Ill-fitted hats can pressurize your scalp and cause inflammation. Smoking, excess sweating, and dandruff can also damage the hair follicles over time.
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss?
Honestly, only a few individuals developed hair loss due to headphones. But yes, it actually happens!
In these cases, they had to wear headphones for most of the hours of the day. As a result, there was chronic friction between the scalp and the headband. Over time, these spots are inflamed and cause ‘Traction Alopecia.’
What Is Traction Alopecia?
In this modern age, dermatologists are specifically focusing on a special kind of hair loss known as ‘Traction Alopecia.’ It basically occurs due to prolonged pulling, pressure, or tension on your hair follicles.
This type of alopecia is pretty common in individuals who are into tight ponytails, tight buns, and braids. Using ill-fitting hats or headphones for prolonged periods can cause discomfort, follicle damage, hair breakage, thinning, and baldness. You may even face severe consequences like – pulled-out hair patches, bumps, and redness.
However, traction alopecia is a temporary phenomenon. It specifically occurs at the spot of the scalp under pressure. Do you already have a thin and male pattern hair loss? If yes, excess rubbing from the headbands is basically worsening your situation.
Just modify your habits and regular hairstyles, and you are good to go!
Which Hairstyle Issues May Aries To Prolonged Use Of Headphones?
Do you use headphones for 10 to 12 hours a day? If yes, you may come across several Hairstyle Issues. It includes –
Flat Hair:
Headphones, specifically the bands, can flatten the voluminous hair. The pads can give rise to hair kinks just behind the ears.
Tangled Hair:
If you have long hair, your hair might easily tangle up with the headband. I bet it’s really hard to untangle them. In fact, you might lose some strands in the process.
Dent Hair:
Do you use headphones for a prolonged period? If yes, the pressure may leave a mark on your hair, which is termed a ‘Dent.’
Static:
Due to prolonged friction with the hair, your hair may generate static electricity. So, whenever you try to remove the headband, some hair strands will stick to it.
Frizzy Hair:
Prolonged friction between your hair and headband can promote frizziness. It’s more of a problem for individuals with natural waves and curls.
How Do You Avoid Hair Loss Caused By Headphones?
Now, let’s try some tricks to avoid headphone-induced hair loss!
Change Your Headphones:
First, go for headphones with adjustable headbands. It will fit you in spite of your head shape. You will also find headphones with cushioned straps. Headphones with behind-the-head straps are also pretty popular.
Set The Headphone Strap Behind Your Head:
Traction alopecia usually occurs on top of the head at the placement of the headband. Try setting the headband behind your neck. It will reduce excess pressure and flatten the top.
Go For Longer Hair:
Are you a regular headphone user? If yes, go for long hairstyles. After all, long hairstyles usually move a lot. Thus, the pressure is redistributed all over the scalp instead of being concentrated at the top.
Lightweight Headphones Are A Good Choice!
Always try to avoid heavyweight headphones (Usually more than 0.75 lbs). After all, they exert more pressure on the top of your head. Headphones that are lower than 0.55 lbs are pretty convenient and light.
Try A Knit Cap:
Try to wear a knit cap just underneath your headphones. It will protect your hair from external friction, hair breakage, tangles, and frizziness.
Take Breaks Frequently:
Do you have to wear headphones for a prolonged period? If yes, don’t forget to take breaks. We would recommend a headphone-free period of 45 to 60 minutes. Comb your hair in at intervals. It will improve blood circulation all over your scalp.
FAQ
Is it safe to sleep with headphones?
In this modern era, most individuals prefer to sleep with earbuds or headphones. However, be aware!
- After all, continuous use of earbuds can eventually destroy the hair cells of your ear. So it can lead to permanent deafness.
- Excess ear wax may also build up inside.
- Besides, it can give rise to other complications like otitis media. That’s because earbuds trap air inside your ear. As you already know, a moist environment is the breeding place for various bacteria.
Can you use headphones with wet hair?
Yes, it’s OK to use headphones with wet hair once in a while. However, don’t do it regularly. The pads may absorb water and undergo some degree of damage.
Read : Does Sennheiser 421 need phantom power?
Final Verdict
Can wearing headphones cause hair loss? Some individuals think of it as a total myth. After all, there weren’t enough scientific studies on it. However, you cannot really deny the potential contributions of headphones to hair loss. In fact, it’s evident that – tight headphones can cause severe friction between the hair and headband.
This pull or friction will cause atrophy of the hair follicles. It will eventually result in dizziness, breakage, and hair loss. However, headphones can’t be the ultimate cause of hair loss. Other factors like – hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, and genetics may have a potent role.
In order to maintain healthy hair, we would suggest trying headphones with neck straps. Don’t forget to take breaks. It will enhance your hair growth as well as your hearing.
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