Do Hats Cause Baldness? Debunking Common Grooming Myths

Aug 7

From old wives' tales to advice passed down through generations, men have heard all kinds of grooming myths, especially when it comes to hair loss. One of the most common? “Wearing hats causes baldness.” But how much of that is actually true? And what other grooming myths are steering you wrong?

Let’s break down the truth behind the “hat baldness” theory and debunk a few other myths while we’re at it.

The Hat Baldness Myth: Fact or Fiction?

Let’s start with the question on everyone’s mind—can wearing a hat every day actually make you go bald?

The short answer: No, hats do not cause baldness.

Here’s why this myth got popular:

People often associate hair thinning with where a hat touches the scalp.
If someone already has thinning hair, wearing a hat might make it more noticeable.
It feels logical, less airflow, more pressure on the scalp, so people assume it must affect hair growth.

The real truth:

Male pattern baldness is primarily caused by genetics and hormones, specifically the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), not what you wear on your head.
A hat doesn’t block oxygen to hair follicles. Hair gets its nutrients from the bloodstream—not the air.
Unless you’re wearing an extremely tight, unclean hat that causes scalp irritation or infection (which is rare), your hat isn’t doing any damage.

So go ahead and wear your favorite cap—it won’t be the reason you lose your hair.

Myth #2: Frequent Haircuts Make Hair Grow Faster

It’s a common belief that regular trims somehow “stimulate” faster growth. While clean edges and fresh fades make your hair look healthier, cutting the ends doesn’t affect the roots.

Here’s the truth:

Hair grows from the follicle beneath the scalp, not from the tips.
Regular haircuts prevent split ends and keep styles neat, but they don’t speed up growth.

If you’re trying to grow your hair out, consistency with scalp care, nutrition, and reducing stress matters more than frequent trims.

Myth #3: Using Hair Products Leads to Hair Loss

A lot of men blame gels, waxes, or pomades for hair thinning. But the products themselves aren’t the culprit—poor usage habits are.

Hair products don’t cause baldness, but:

Not washing them out properly can lead to buildup that clogs follicles.
Using harsh products without moisturizing can dry out your scalp.
Applying too much product and tugging during styling can cause breakage over time.

Tip: Use lightweight, water-based products and wash your hair regularly to avoid buildup.

Myth #4: Baldness Comes from Your Mother’s Side

This one’s been passed around for decades, but it’s only partially true.

Reality check:

Yes, the gene for androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) can come from your mother’s side.
But your father’s genes matter too. Baldness is polygenic, meaning it comes from a mix of both parents' DNA.

So if baldness runs on either side of the family, you may be predisposed. A good barber can help you style your hair in ways that work with your natural hairline.

Myth #5: Brushing Your Hair 100 Times a Day Keeps It Healthy

This might work for fairy tale princesses, but in real life, over-brushing can lead to breakage, especially if you're rough or using the wrong tools.

Keep in mind:

Brushing distributes natural oils, which is good.
But brushing aggressively or when hair is wet can damage strands.
A few strokes with a wide-tooth comb or soft brush is more than enough.

Don’t Fall for the Myths: Trust the Experts

When it comes to hair and grooming, misinformation can lead to bad habits or unnecessary worry. The truth is, hats won’t cause baldness, and most grooming myths are just that: myths. What matters more is scalp health, genetics, and proper grooming routines.

At In The Cut Barbershop in Vancouver, our barbers don’t just cut hair; we educate clients on how to care for it. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair, styling concerns, or just want honest advice on your look, we’ve got your back.

Book your appointment with In The Cut today and let our expert barbers give you a fresh, confident look, no myths, just great results.