Hair loss can be a source of embarrassment for some people. As a result, the hair-impaired will cover it with a hat and call it a day. But is your hat harming your head more than helping? We go over the most common causes of baldness and answer the age-old question: does wearing a hat cause baldness?

Does Wearing a Hat Cause Baldness?

You might be wondering: does wearing a hat cause baldness? The short answer is "no." Many things can contribute to hair loss. But if you're concerned about baldness, it helps to understand the causes of hair loss. 

Causes of Hair Loss

Most causes of hair loss are beyond your control. But there are a few things you can do to avoid exacerbating the balding process. These are the most common causes of hair loss in men and women.

Genetics

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (or "male/female pattern baldness"). It's a genetic condition inherited from your mother that causes hair follicles to shrink over time. 

Hormones

Changes in hormones can lead to hair loss, especially for women. It often happens during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Drops in estrogen and progesterone cause hair growth to slow down. In addition, hormonal imbalances caused by thyroid problems can slow down growth.

Medical Conditions

Skin diseases like lupus, psoriasis, ringworm, and fungal infections can cause hair to fall out. And inflammation from scalp infections will also slow down hair growth. 

Medications

Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications. It's known that cancer and HIV treatments cause hair to fall out. But hair loss can also be a side effect of medications treating heart disease, blood clots, arthritis, or high blood pressure. 

Stress

Severe stress can lead to a condition called alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles. Trauma can also shock the system to the point of temporary hair loss—a condition called telogen effluvium.

Certain Hairstyles

Some hairstyles can lead to a condition called traction alopecia, which causes temporary hair loss. It usually happens when the hair is pulled too tightly, as seen with ponytails, braids, or buns. Heat and chemical treatments can also damage hair follicles.

The Relationship Between Hats and Baldness

It's easy to think wearing a hat causes baldness since many bald people wear hats. But correlation isn't causation; most people wear them to cover their hair loss, not create it. So, does wearing a hat ever cause baldness?

On very rare occasions, wearing a hat too tightly can suffocate or pull on hair follicles, leading to temporary hair loss. But it's more likely that a tight hat will speed up the process of balding, not cause it. If you're predisposed to hair loss or have a skin condition, your hat can speed up the balding process if you wear it unreasonably tight. If your hat leaves a permanent indentation on your head when you take it off, it's time for a better fitting hat. 

3 Hats That Won’t Cause Baldness

The obvious solution is to wear a comfortable, loose-fitting hat. Lucky for you, Banner & Oak has some stylish options that promise the perfect fit. Baldness be damned.

1. The Evergreen Hat

With the Evergreen hat, you'll never have to worry about your head becoming hot. This trucker hat offers a higher profile for a looser fit and a mesh back for a breezy feel. No matter how hard you try, the Evergreen won't suffocate your hair follicles.

2. The Sierra Hat 

If you want a comfortable classic hat, the Sierra is the answer. It's made with a lightweight poly-cotton blend, giving your head plenty of room to breathe. And with the Sierra's snapback closure, you'll get the right fit, saving your head from any unwanted pulling.

3. The Mojave Hat

The Mojave hat offers ultimate comfort and unique style. It's made with feather-light cotton ripstop, letting air flow. The unstructured front panel gives the Mojave a rounded look without pulling or heat issues. And the snapback closure is the perfect finish for your custom fit. 

Hopefully, we've been able to shine some light on this issue. Does wearing a hat cause baldness? No, it doesn't. You're free to sport that hat without a care in the world. Unless you're aiming for world peace, but that's another article for another day.