If you play sports or are a sports fan, there’s no question that you know that head wear is an important part of many games. In baseball, for instance, the uniform consists of a hat, mainly to protect players better from the sun. Most golfers also wear hats for the same purpose. In sports like hockey, lacrosse and football, helmets are mandatory for gameplay, as they work to prevent concussions and brain injuries due to the physical nature of the sports.

You’ve likely been warned not to wear a hat – or other protective head wear – excessively, as it leads to hair loss. However, we should mention that it’s not wearing the aforementioned devices that can lead to premature hair loss – it’s using headwear improperly that influences hair loss.

So with that being said, just what should athletes keep in mind when head wear is a part of the sport they play? Here’s a closer look:

 

Do Hats Cause Hair Loss?

As mentioned, the hat itself doesn’t lead to hair thinning and loss – but only if it’s fitted correctly. For instance, hats that are fitted too tight can cut off circulation to hair follicles, which thereby can cause hair to pull from your head. So if you’re a baseball player, golfer or other avid hat/helmet wearer, and you notice that your hair is thinning, check your cap the next time you take it off and look for strands of hair inside it. If you detect it, readjust your hat so that it’s not fitting quite as tightly.

 

Can Wearing Helmets Cause Hair Loss?

Like hats, correctly worn helmets are not believed to contribute to hair loss. However, like hats, helmets that are fitted incorrectly or worn improperly can contribute to hair loss. If you participate in one of the contact sports that mandate helmet use, take a look inside of it after you remove it. If there’s hair inside – or if you feel like your helmet is pulling at your hair when you remove it – then you likely have an improper fit. An improper fit can be detrimental to your hair.

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Sweating Has a Direct Link to Hair Loss

One thing that all athletes have in common is sweat. And unlike hats and helmets that are worn correctly, sweat does have a direct link to hair loss. Excessive sweating is what’s known as “hyperhydrosis.” Hyperhydrosis creates lactic acid, which can damage a hair strand’s outer protective layer. This, in turn, can decrease the volume of the hair and lead to thinning and loss. Noting this, it’s always best for athletes to shower after practice, games or workouts to cleanse the lactic acid from the hair.

For more information on how hats, helmets and sweat can lead to hair loss in athletes, and how hair restoration and other hair loss procedures can help your cause, contact us today.

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Hair Restoration for Men and Women

Are you experiencing Alopecia or thinning hair? We encourage you to find out more about the variety of options available to treat hair loss in men and women. It’s important to consult with an experienced and trained restoration professional.

To learn more about which treatment option is right for you, schedule a Frank & Honest Hair Consultation or contact our team in New York City or Columbus, Ohio.

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