Category: Hair Loss Causes

Hello Dr,
Is it true that the position you sleep (i.e on your face or side) can cause hair loss in your brow? I have heard this before and was wondering if its an old wives tale or if its true? I know a few people who have sworn this is the case with them, and want your expert opinion as a hair loss specialist. Thanks!

I’ve never seen eyebrow hair loss from sleeping on your face before, nor have I even heard of this occurring. It probably is an old wives’ tale, but I’m open to ideas others might have about this.

Dr. Rassman,

Below is a study that links alcohol and testosterone levels- Does an increase in testosterone levels necessarily accelerate hair loss in men who are predisposed to lose their hair? Thank you-

Study abstract: Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2003 Apr;27(4):682-5. Testosterone increases in men after a low dose of alcohol.

We have known for some time that alcohol is metabolized by the liver, as is testosterone. I can not connect the dots between the casual drinker and the hair loss victim.

I read the item about hair foliclle damage because of lactic acid secretions on the scalp. Well, I was told the same thing, and given a lotion to neutralize the acid. I can confirm this situation does occur when subject to unpresidented levels of stress. When i say stress, stress at such a level I was physically ill with it, for a long period of time. Halucinations etc

One day I notice that my incredibly thick hair was going fine and curly. Finasteride made no difference, and I was shown hairs from my head, that had no outer sheath on them. Also prior to seeking advice the affected area became hot, itchy and greasy- when i was stressed, and this is where the hair follicles have died.

Lactic acid is not a cause of hair loss. Whatever you read about lactic acid secretions on the scalp causing hair loss is false. I found some message board that talked about it, but I don’t think it went beyond speculation. It wasn’t mentioned in any medical journal that I could find.

Without knowing what dose or how long you took finasteride, I don’t know that I could agree that it “made no difference”. I don’t know enough information to give you anything beyond generalities, but if you’re balding in a pattern, it’s not stress. Stress could be exacerbating the loss, but it’s ultimately your genetics. I wouldn’t expect a “hot, itchy, and greasy” scalp to be normal from stress, and it’s certainly not normal to have hallucinations, no matter how much the stress. You need to seriously see a doctor.

Dear Dr Rassman
Your blog is a true beacon in the foggy world that is hair loss treatments and remedies. I am a 24 year old man that is currently being treated by a fantastic dermatologist and together we have been able to hold onto my slightly receded hairline using only FDA approved generic drugs (fin and min).

However I would like to tell a story of two important people in my life, both doctors, My father a surgeon and his best friend (my godfather) a general practitioner. In the final year of studying medicine my father worked incredibly hard and was able to secure numerous surgery placements at some top hospitals, his best friend unfortunately feel ill in final year, performed badly and missed many opportunities for work experience and specialist placements. At the same time whilst sick, his wife fell pregnant and by the end of his medical study he was without work, with a child on the way and incredibly concerned about his future well being.

With a great amount of thought and a huge amount of courage he secured a loan and started up his own general practice at the tender age of 25. At the start business was slow as many patients where not comfortable being treated by such a young inexperienced doctor. This situation created a huge amount of stress for my godfather and the high levels of stress paired with poor hair genes lead to rapid hair loss, his hairline and mid-scalp was literally washed down the sink.

However as his hair fell his demeanor and appearance was altered creating the illusion of a much more experienced doctor and it became far easier to market himself and his clinic. Business soon picked up and his financial problems where alleviated. In contrast, my father who has a full had of hair (I get my hair from my mum) struggled for years starting his surgical practice because his full hairline created the illusion of inexperience, which turned off many patients initially.

My point is that hairloss has its positive externalities and as I go into the world of business I am glad that I have a receding hairline as it gives the impression that I actually know what im talking about, even if I don’t. Although I certainly do not want to be bald!

Thanks again Dr Rassman

Thanks for sharing the story with us. I agree with you on one level, but there is a counter argument to your story. It just depends on how you spin it…

In our society, while we associate bald men with wisdom and age, we tend to favor and look up to men with hair in our choices of leaders. Look at politics and leading men in Hollywood cinema as examples. Of the US Presidents of the past half century, only Eisenhower was bald. It’s rare to see a major movie star with heavy male pattern baldness. There’s always exceptions, but if you consider that balding men reflect 50% of the male population, that should tell you something. And without even looking it up, I’m sure a majority of male CEOs for Fortune 500 companies have decent hairlines, as well. I’m not suggesting it’s right or wrong, but it’s society.

My dredlocks are falling out one by one. I have no history of balding in my family. What could this be?

Traction alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in people with dreadlocks. This is due to the tight pulling on the scalp. I wouldn’t expect each dreadlock to just fall out one at a time, but I really couldn’t say what you’re experiencing without an exam.

Snippet from the article:

Put that comb back in your handbag — a study by an Israeli dermatologist has found that too much combing of the coiffure leads to hair loss, the daily Haaretz reported on Monday.

During a test 14 women recorded their daily hair loss and combing habits, with those combing more losing more hair, the research found.

Read the rest — Don’t brush with baldness: put down that comb

I realize this is a blog for posting hair loss issues, but sometimes we all must get a grip on studies and reports we find on the Internet. A report or a study does not necessarily validate a story or the truth.

Simply put, writing about 14 women combing their hairs really is not very compelling. But in this world it does give immediate Internet exposure to those who seek it out.

My other beef with the article is the following quote: “I was surprised by the results, as in medical circles the comb is believed to improve blood circulation and reduce hair loss“. This does not show brilliance on the part of the researcher making the statement. I’m not sure which medical circles he’s referring to, but there is no such circle of doctors I’m aware of that believe combing one’s hair will reduce hair loss or even promote blood circulation.

Hi, I just had a quick question.

My dad started to bald somewhere between 18-19 and was nearly all the way bald by 20. My paternal grandfather is also bald. My mom’s side however has all of their hair, including my maternal grandfather. I’m 18 now and my hair color is much different than what my dad’s was at his age, his was auburn, mine is dark brown. It’s also still incredibly thick. I also seem to have the same soft hair as my mom but not fine hair or anything.

So my question is, will I go bald and if I do, will it start soon?

Thanks!

Hair color and balding are not linked. Just based on an email, I have no way to know if or when you’ll go bald. You’ll need to meet with a doctor for a miniaturization examination of your scalp, along with follow-ups over time to see if there is indeed any thinning.