The short answer from a dermatologist
A: This is a tough question to answer because the topic has not been well-studied. Two studies of male and female identical twins did find a link between wearing hats and increased hair loss for the men, but not the women. In another study, wearing hard hats or military head wear had no effect on hair loss.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
However, we think it’s possible that wearing hats that are very tight — or very hot — could decrease blood flow to the hair follicles, stressing them and causing them to fall out. The hair loss would be temporary at first, but it could progress to permanent hair loss over time. So a loosely fitting fedora may be a safer bet than a tight knit cap or baseball hat.
—Dermatologist John Anthony, MD.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Calm an itchy scalp by using medicated shampoo, avoiding blow-drying and resisting the urge to scratch
A gentle hair care routine, stress reduction and sun protection can help reduce flares and maintain your locks
Pantothenol is a powerful moisturizer and can help repair damaged skin and hair
The endocrine gland in charge of hormone production may be causing your hair to shed or stop growing
They can’t treat the cause of your hair loss, but some ingredients are better than others
There’s a difference between hair loss and hair growth when it comes to biotin’s benefits
Iron, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids can help your strands
Illnesses can lead to hair loss, but it doesn’t last forever
Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity
A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses
