Does Wearing a Hat Every Day Cause Hair Loss?
Key takeaways:
Research studies show that wearing a hat doesn’t directly cause hair loss. But it can affect scalp health.
Certain factors associated with hats, like wearing a tight hat or using pins or clips to keep it in place, may contribute to hair loss.
If you wear a hat every day, there are things you can do to keep your scalp and hair healthy.
Table of contents
A warm beanie can help keep you warm in the winter. And a baseball cap can keep the sun off your face in the summer. If hats are part of your daily wardrobe, you may have wondered: Could they be causing hair loss?
Before you toss your favorite accessory, keep reading. We looked into whether hats can really cause hair loss — and how they can affect scalp health.
Does wearing a hat cause hair loss?
Only a handful of research studies have looked into this question. But you’ll probably be happy to hear the results. Two studies found that hats don’t cause hair loss:
A large study of 865 men with male-pattern baldness found no difference in hair loss between those who frequently wore hats and those who didn’t.
A smaller study on identical male twins found that those who wore a hat daily actually had less hair loss along the front and sides of their head.
Search and compare options
Some additional research suggests that the type of hat might make a difference. Hats and headpieces that pull on your hair can lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. A few small studies suggest this may happen if you wear a headpiece like a turban.
Is it normal to find hair in your hat?
Yes, finding hair in your hat is normal. Most people naturally lose 100 to 150 hairs daily. It’s very easy for those hairs to get caught in the fabric of a hat.
How does wearing a hat affect scalp health?
Wearing a hat may also affect scalp health. Before we discuss how, let’s first review why scalp health matters for hair growth:
Your scalp needs good blood flow to allow for healthy hair growth.
If a hair follicle is blocked by dandruff or dead skin, your hair won’t grow as easily.
Scalp infections may lead to hair loss.
So how do hats play a role? If a hat is very tight fitting, it may decrease blood flow to your scalp. This is why scalp massage — which improves blood flow — can increase hair thickness.
Some hats can also make your scalp warm and sweaty. Trapped moisture allows irritating bacteria and fungus to grow, potentially causing hair loss.
Is it bad to wear a hat every day?
There’s no evidence that wearing a hat every day is bad. But if you can, it probably doesn’t hurt to switch up your hat routine — especially if your hat:
Is very tight
Requires clips or pins to hold it in place
Causes your scalp to sweat
Makes your head itchy or irritated
Shampoos that cause hair loss: Could your shampoo or hair products be making you lose hair? Read this list to find out.
Common causes of hair loss: Stress, hormone changes, and vitamin deficiencies are some of the most common reasons people lose their hair.
What’s it like to take Propecia for hair loss? Three men share their experience of taking Propecia to help with male-pattern baldness.
Still, many people don’t have a choice. You may have to wear a head covering every day for religious reasons, work, or other health conditions. If that’s the case, there are still things you can do to help prevent any hair loss.
What can you do to prevent hair loss while wearing a hat?
When it comes to preventing hair loss from wearing a hat, a few general rules apply:
Avoid tight-fitting hats that may decrease blood flow to your scalp.
Choose hats with breathable materials like mesh to avoid a sweaty scalp.
Wash your hat regularly to remove dirt buildup that can irritate your scalp.
Wear different hats to prevent constant pressure on the same spot on your scalp.
Depending on the type of hat or head covering you wear, these extra steps may help:
Hijabs: Choose non-slip fabrics like cotton or jersey to avoid pulling on hair.
Sheitels and kippahs: If using clips, alternate where they attach to the hair and scalp.
Turbans, veils, and habits: Leave hair loose during times it can be removed.
As a reminder, wearing a hat doesn’t actually cause hair loss — but how you wear it may play a role.
The bottom line
Great news hat lovers: Wearing a hat doesn’t make your hair fall out. But if you wear one every day, there are a few things that may still impact hair loss. Try to avoid tight hats and consistent pressure on your scalp. It may also help to rotate the type of hat that you wear, and take breaks to air out your scalp when you can. And if your hat or head covering requires pins or clips to stay in place, alternate where you put them. These things will help keep your hair and scalp healthier.
Why trust our experts?
References
Alhanshali, L., et al. (2023). Religious headwear and alopecia: Considerations for dermatologists. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology.
Aljasser, M. I., et al. (2019). Headcover and male-pattern hair loss: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery.
Billero, V., et al. (2018). Traction alopecia: The root of the problem. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Gatherwright, J., et al. (2013). The contribution of endogenous and exogenous factors to male alopecia. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Koyama, T., et al. (2016). Standardized scalp massage results in increased hair thickness by inducing stretching forces to dermal papilla cells in the subcutaneous tissue. Eplasty.
Mao, H., et al. (2023). Estimating scalp moisture in a hat using wearable sensors. Sensors.
Natarelli, N., et al. (2023). Integrative and mechanistic approach to the hair growth cycle and hair loss. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Trüeb, R. M., et al. (2018). Scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress. International Journal of Trichology.
