Obsessed with accessories and fearing for your hair? Trust us, there’s no need. 

Hats are a tricky one. You’re either a hat girlie or you’re not, but those that do opt for these beloved accessories are sometimes faced with a couple of myths thrown their way. You’ve probably heard the myth that wearing a hat can cause hair loss, right? Here’s the kicker: it’s all a myth. Hats are the cool-girls answers to rocking a chic style on holiday, whilst shielding from the sun. They’re a cult classic in protecting your scalp from sunburn, keeping your hair color from fading (we’re looking at you, blondies), and elevating any ‘fit. Can these do-it-all accessories really damage hair? 

 

Let’s break it down and get to the truth. Spoiler alert: your favorite beanie isn’t the villain here.

 

Hats and hair loss—what’s the truth?

The idea that wearing a hat causes hair loss is one of those myths that just won’t die. Let’s get real. There’s no scientific evidence to back this up. Hair loss is mostly about genetics, hormones, and other factors, not your fashion choices.

Here’s how it really works—Hair grows from follicles located beneath your scalp. What you wear on top of your head can’t affect the follicles unless it’s causing significant physical trauma (a swimming cap, for example), but let’s leave that for another time. The only thing we’re scared of is ‘hat hair’, not the damage it’s doing. That being said, let’s dig into the specifics of hats and hair. 

 

How can hats affect your hair?

While hats themselves don’t cause hair loss, they can contribute to hair problems if not worn *correctly* or if they cause damage in other ways (ahem, swimming caps galore). Here’s everything that you need to know:

 

1. Friction: Constant friction from wearing a hat can cause breakage, especially if your hair is already weak. This is the same with headbands or clips, so we recommend going for hats made of softer materials and making sure they’re not too tight. Don’t worry, bucket hats, cowboy hats, and all the trending IT-girl looks are A-OK, so take your pick and get accessorizing. 
2. Sweat and oil: Wearing a hat for long periods can trap sweat and oil on your scalp, which can lead to scalp issues like dandruff or fungal infections. Keep your hats clean and give your scalp some breathing room. Just how leaving your makeup on for the gym, or sleeping in it after a rager—your skin everywhere needs some time to breathe, and if it doesn’t…it will not thank you. 
3. Tight hats: We can’t pinpoint what kind of hats you’d go for that cut off circulation, but girl, you do you. Hats that are too tight are known to reduce blood flow to the scalp and damage hair follicles over time. Make sure your hat fits comfortably, and give your scalp some SPACE.

 

Hair care tips for hat lovers

Some of us are just made to be hat girlies, and there’s nothing you can say to stop us. If you love wearing hats, here’s how to keep your hair healthy in the process:

 

1. Choose the right hat: It’s not all about looks (ok maybe a little), but make sure you go for hats that are made of natural, breathable materials like cotton or wool. Steer away from synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture, and pay attention to its overall makeup, and not just how fabby it looks in the mirror. 
2. Keep it clean: We wash our beauty blenders, so why not our hats? Wash your hats regularly to prevent the buildup of sweat, oil, and dirt. This is especially important if you wear them frequently because it can share all the dirt from one day to the next. Thank you, next! 
3. Hydrate your hair: This is a key step to helping your hair thrive even without a hat. Always use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and silky. Dry, brittle strands are prone to breakage, and that added hat may just be the icing on the cake. 
4. Give your hair a break: Yes, it looks STUNNING, but please don’t wear a hat all day, every day. Let your hair and scalp breathe for a few hours, which is pretty easy when you’re sleeping or going out at night. If you can’t bear to be without the hat, then give silk scarves a go and rock that Insta-girlie getup. It looks bomb and is perfect for your hair care routine.
5. Protective styles: If you have long hair, then protective styles are made for you. Think about wearing it in a loose braid or ponytail under your hat to reduce friction and breakage. Not only does it still look great when the hat comes off, there’s less rubbing against the hat, meaning no breakage, and no hair loss. 

 

The real culprits behind hair loss 

So, if hats aren’t causing hair loss, what is? It all differs from person to person, but there are a few unfair reasons why your hair may start to fall out. From genetics to medical conditions, it’s hard to pinpoint one specific reason. Age is a big factor, especially in men, because they tend to suffer from baldness and thinning even by the time they are 30… yikes! It all falls down to talking with a dermatologist, but here are a couple of reasons why your hair might be shedding.

 

1. Genetics: The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. This is a genetic condition that results in thinning hair and eventual hair loss. In summary, you’ve got it from your parents (thanks a lot…)
2. Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, menopause, or birth control, can lead to temporary hair loss. But it’s important to note that postpartum hair loss and hormonal changes are never permanent. Be patient, follow a good routine, and your hair should start to flourish like it once did. 
3. Stress: We all deal with stress differently. Whether it be skin reactions, anger or hair loss. Physical or emotional stress can cause hair to enter the shedding phase prematurely. It’s not ideal, and can often happen to those that are going through some serious stuff. This type of hair loss is usually temporary, so have some faith and ride the wave. 
4. Diet: Ever heard of ‘you are what you eat’? Well damn, it really is true. Poor nutrition or deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can affect your overall hair health. We recommend that you always make sure that you’re eating a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins. Get the steak cooking and pack that plate with veggies. It’s time to eat your way to advert-ready locks. 
5. Medical conditions: Sometimes there is nothing you can blame it on, and that really is annoying. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, alopecia areata, and scalp infections can be the nasty villain as to why your hair is falling out. If you’re experiencing unexplained hair loss, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional—because it may be something as simple as switching up your meds or getting your diet on track. At the end of the day, you need to do what’s right for you.

 

How to promote perfect hair health

We know you’re here for all the hat and hair loss goss, but it’s always a great idea to get your hair in tip-top condition. If you’re worried about hair loss or just want to keep your locks looking fabulous, here are some expert tips to promote healthy hair growth:

 

1. Healthy diet: We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall skin and hair health. Foods high in vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids are your BFF in the food world, so get to grips with your vitamins and start yourself on a foodie plan. The skin improvement is just a little added extra, and who doesn’t love glowy skin?
2. Gentle hair care: PLEASE avoid tight hairstyles, harsh treatments, and excessive heat styling. These three things are (believe it or not) the most common reason as to why that dreaded widow's peak may happen—and that’s not cute. Pack in the heat protectant and turn down the heat on your iron. You’re touching your hair, not meat—so treat it with respect. Once styled, use a wide-toothed comb to minimize breakage, because the smaller the comb, the harder it is to glide through those locks. 
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your hair hydrated from the inside out. Water is your friend, so indulge in it to your heart's content. 
4. Use quality hair products: We usually like to recommend purse-friendly finds, but investing in quality shampoos, conditioners, and treatments is the best present you can give your hair. Grab some products that are designed for your hair type and concerns, as they’ll be best at fighting all your problems. 

 

While wearing a hat isn’t going to cause hair loss, if you’re noticing a truckload of hair shedding or thinning, it’s time you speak to someone who can help. They can help determine if there’s an underlying cause and recommend treatment options. Remember, babes, taking care of your hair is part of taking care of yourself—and there’s always a way to fix things.

 

Does wearing hats damage hair? Nope, they’re actually the MVP

Hats aren’t as much of an issue as you might think. If worn correctly, hats can even help prevent hair loss or scalp damage, because they can protect from the elements. You know? The UV rays, pollution, wind, the city stress—and all that jazz. It’s all a myth, and hats are a fabulous accessory that can complete your look, protect you from the elements, and even give you a little confidence boost on a bad hair day. Wear them with pride and know that your hair is safe and sound underneath. 

 

Whether you’re rocking a chic fedora, a cozy beanie, or a sporty cap, remember to keep your hair care game strong. Embrace your style and wear your hat with confidence. You got this, girl!