21st Aug, 2023

Is Keeping Long Hair a Reason for Hair Loss?

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Reviewed By

Dr Dhananjay Chavan

Dermatologist

Does Long Hair Cause Hair Loss? | HairMD

Every person dorns a different hairstyle depending upon what suits their face cut the best. Some love long hair till their waist, while some like it shoulder length and some may like them short.

Long hair is cherished and believed to add charm to a woman’s personality. When the hair starts to degenerate due to age or medications, or other reasons, the first thing that women do is cut short their long tresses. Even men who dorn long hair cut it short or shave it when they start facing hair thinning and hair loss.

What’s covered in the article?

  • Can long hair lead to hair loss?
  • What is the cause of longer hair getting degenerated faster?
  • How to avoid long hair and hair loss problems?
  • Conclusion

Can long hair lead to hair loss?

Some believe that the longer the hair, the more prone you will be to hair loss. But this does not stand true as the shaft length of the hair has nothing to do with hair loss. It’s the roots that carry the oxygen and nutrients that give strength to the hair follicles. Stronger the roots, the healthier the hair. Losing 50-100 strands daily is natural and not noticeable. But in the case of women and men with long hair, when the same amount of hair falls on the pillow or brush bristles, the quantity looks more due to the length of the hair. Hence, long hair and hair loss are not linked.

What is the cause of longer hair getting degenerated faster?

What is the cause of longer hair getting degenerated faster?

Longer hair is generally tied up as it weighs more than short hair. When you tie your hair tightly into a bun or a ponytail or cornrows too frequently, it adds pressure and traction to the scalp and hair follicles.  It weakens the hair at the roots, and hair starts to fall from the traction points leading to receding hairline and thinning. This kind of hair loss is called traction alopecia which can gradually lead to balding patterns in both men and women.

Longer hair can also get entangled easily, which can lead to more hair fall while brushing the hair to detangle them.

Other causes of hair loss can be harmful gels and detangling hair products, leading to the building up of free radicals on the scalp that leads to hair loss. 

How to avoid long hair and hair loss problems?

  • Try a loose braid hairstyle
  • Change your hairstyle to release the traction
  • Use a mild shampoo and keep the scalp clean
  • Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet
  • Avoid hot tools for styling
  • Avoid using too many chemicals on your hair and scalp

How to avoid long hair and hair loss problems?

 

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Conclusion

While long hair itself does not directly cause hair loss, certain practices associated with maintaining long hair—such as tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, and improper hair care—can contribute to hair thinning and breakage. It’s essential to follow a healthy hair care routine, minimize damage, and ensure proper nutrition to keep hair strong and reduce the risk of hair loss.

If you face hair loss and see balding patches, seek a dermatologist’s help today.

Visit expert dermatologists at hair MD for any hair-related problems and get the desirable results.

Further Reading

Chronic Headaches Linked to Hair Loss?

Explore the link between chronic headaches and hair loss. Learn about causes, triggers, and effective management strategies from the experts at HairMD.

Can a Short Haircut Reduce Hair Loss?

This article explains the facts about haircuts and hair loss, including tips for hair care and effective ways to deal with hair fall.

Powerful Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp

Discover Home Remedies for Itchy Scalp relief with remedies like aloe vera, tea tree oil, and apple cider vinegar. Get expert tips at HairMD!

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