Hair loss is a common but devastating experience for people, which can profoundly impact their confidence and self-worth. Old age isn’t the only risk factor, but skyrocketing stress, inadequate sleep, and nutritional deficiencies could be fuelling the condition, medically referred to as alopecia.
No surprises that people look for ‘magical cures’ and home remedies to prevent hair fall and achieve voluminous hair. Some believe that cutting hair short can stop hair loss, but medically, it doesn’t make a difference whether one sports a shorter crop or wears longer hair, say experts. All it can do is fix tangling and breakage.
Why people believe in this myth
Keeping hair short can create the illusion of volume and a better physical appearance, which can lead people to assume that their pixie cut is helping with their hair loss. Shorter hair strands may also be difficult to spot on pillows, combs, and other surfaces, which could further strengthen this perception.
Should I get a haircut if I am suffering from hair loss?
A short crop can have its own set of benefits in terms of hair management and better air circulation.
Dr Rinky Kapoor, a renowned dermatologist and skin specialist in Mumbai, told Financial Express.com: “Short hair are easier to manage and even keeping the scalp clean is easier.
Dr Kapoor notes that this can also reduce tangles and breakage.
But beyond these minor benefits, shorter hair doesn’t lead to reduction in hair loss.
Dermatologists tell Financial Express.com that, beyond easier hair management, a short crop does not really reduce hair loss.
“Cutting hair short does not affect the biology of the hair follicle. Hair loss is caused by genetic effects, hormonal changes , stress stress-induced effects on the biology of the hair bulb. Cutting the hair from the surface does not alter this biology beneath the skin. Short hair can sometime give an illusion of thicker or fuller hair as it might tangle less. Those have short hair, have reduced bulk or weight of hair over the scalp that can help in better management,” says Dr Pravin Banodkar MBBS, DNB, DD (UK), FIDP Dermatology, Co-Founder & Lead Dermatologist of Skin Beyond Borders.
Can shaving off head help?
There is a common misconception among people that if they shave off their hair completely, their hair growth may increase. However Dr Pravin rubbishes this off as a common myth.
“When you repeatedly shave an area, the epidermis of the skin becomes thicker due to friction. The hair passing through that area becomes slightly thicker or coarser to pass through thick epidermis. This makes one feel that new hair has grown,” says the expert.
Psychological advantage
Cutting hair short may not prevent hair loss, but it can make thinning hair less noticeable.
“If the hair is short, it tends to look fuller and healthier. This is so because the weight of long strands is removed, and split ends are trimmed away. Furthermore, people will feel confident and comfortable with shorter hair, as it is easier to manage and style. It doesn’t cause any hassle to manage short hair,” says Dr Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist.
The causes of hair loss can be genetics, hormonal, stress, poor nutrition, or a medical condition. These issues affect the hair roots, not the length of the hair.
So what’s the solution?
Dermatologists warn that excessive hair loss or bald patches shouldn’t be ignored as this could also signal underlying issues. Once the cause of hair loss is clear, medication and lifestyle changes can be suggested accordingly.