Hat Hair Loss: Can Wearing Hats Cause Balding?

Searching the internet for causes of hair loss can lead to some pretty stellar nonsense. We have no doubt you’ve seen random forum posts involving someone claiming this or that household object made them go bald, and you’ve probably rolled your eyes just like we have. For example, what about headphones hair loss? But what about something logical — like hats? Is there any truth to the hat hair loss legend?

Like other hair loss myths, the idea that wearing a hat can cause baldness isn’t backed up by any real science. However, hair loss due to hat wearing isn’t a complete fairy tale — there are indeed ways your favorite cap can wear away the hair underneath over time.

Have questions? We’ve tried to answer them below, including the big one — does wearing a hat cause hair loss? And if yes, does wearing a hat specifically cause male pattern baldness? And if not, what are some actual causes of hair loss?

We’ve also listed proven, science-based options that you can use to treat hair loss and protect your hair from the effects of male pattern baldness.

Does Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss?

Your hat-wearing habits won’t lead to male pattern baldness. 

However, anything you put on your head — caps, beanies, fedoras, and other hats included — that pulls on your hair roots or puts any strain on the structure of your hair follicles can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. With traction alopecia,  the tension can actually destroy the hair follicle over time and eventually prevent your hair from growing.

Additionally, wearing a hat can make some of the early signs of balding more noticeable.

For instance, if you’re starting to lose your hair, there’s a good chance you’ll notice stray hairs inside your hat when you take it off. But it’s just a coincidence that it looks like your hat is responsible. Stray hairs don’t exclusively collect inside your hat — they’re also likely showing up on your pillowcase, in your shower drain, and elsewhere.

Wearing a hat also can result in your hair appearing flat and messy, especially when you wear one for a long time. Messy hair can make a or baldness around the crown (the area at the top of your head) more visible.

Do Hats Cause Baldness? The Research

While most research on traction alopecia points to tight hairstyles (ponytails, braids, etc.) as the main cause of this form of hair loss, hats have been mentioned anecdotally. 

A 1999 study of about 200 Korean nurses found that a small percentage had hair loss at the site where their nurse caps were pinned.

Another review points to a potential link between religious headwear and traction alopecia. 

Similarly, in a more detailed study from 2023 that surveyed 104 Muslim women about their hijab-wearing habits and experiences with hair loss, over a third reported experiencing hair loss — which they attributed to wearing a hijab.   

It’s important to note that survey-based responses are subjective, and these types of studies aren’t always reliable. Plus, there aren’t any other formal hat-related hair loss studies. 

Interestingly, some research has found that wearing a hat may actually reduce your risk of hair loss over the course of your life.

In a (very small) study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers compared 92 male identical twins to assess the severity of their hair loss and investigate the factors that might play a role.

The researchers found a link between increased hairline thinning and factors such as:

• Smoking

• The presence of dandruff

• Body mass index (BMI)

• Testosterone levels 

However, the study found that the hat-wearing twins were less likely to show significant frontal hair loss compared to their non-hat-wearing counterparts.

The More Likely Culprits Behind Hair Loss 

While traction alopecia can happen as a result of wearing tight hats and hairstyles, other forms of hair loss are more common. 

Here are some other causes of hair thinning to consider in your search for a culprit.

Male Pattern Baldness

The most common cause of hair loss is male pattern baldness,  also known as androgenetic alopecia. 

Male pattern baldness is caused by a combination of genes and hormonal factors, such as sensitivity to the effects of the hormone . 

Your body produces DHT as a byproduct of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. If you have a genetic sensitivity to DHT, the hormone can bind to your hair follicles and cause gradual follicular miniaturization that eventually prevents them from producing new hairs. 

In other words, changes in your DHT levels lead to the progressive eradication of your hair.

Telogen Effluvium

Health issues like chronic stress, severe infection, nutrient deficiencies, or illness can cause telogen effluvium, a form of temporary hair shedding.

It generally causes diffuse thinning across the entire scalp, rather than the receding hairline or bald patch common with male pattern baldness.

The good news is, telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss. Typically, you’ll grow back any hair lost once you’ve treated the underlying issue.

Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions, such as (a fungal infection of the scalp), can also impact hair health and cause you to lose hair. 

Autoimmune Disorders

A condition called alopecia areata also can cause your immune system to and kill your follicles, leaving you hairless — sometimes permanently.

Medications

Sometimes, the medication you’re taking can also trigger hair loss. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs can cause you to lose hair. 

In most cases, stopping the medication will stop this side effect and allow for healthy hair regrowth, but it’s important to always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medication in an effort to . 

Tips for Healthy Hair When Wearing a Hat

Overall, wearing a hat offers a mix of advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, hats can help shield your face and neck from the sun, preventing sunburn and reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. In cold weather, a hat can keep your head and ears insulated and warm. 

That said, hats also can cause problems — even if hair loss isn’t all that likely from wearing a hat. For instance, you might experience irritation from sweat build-up or friction, or even deal with clogged pores and acne breakouts.

To avoid these risks (and ensure your hat doesn’t mess with your hair and scalp health), keep these tips in mind: 

• Make sure to loosen the adjustable snap closure on your ball cap so it doesn’t cut into or rub against your skin.

• Wash your hat regularly to prevent sweat, oils, or other substances from building up inside the fabric.

• Don’t wear your hat for long periods of time, and take it off if you’re sweating.

Can Wearing a Hat Cause Hair Loss? Final Thoughts 

Male pattern baldness is very common. Research published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery notes that 16 percent of men aged 18 to 29 — and more than 50 percent of men in their 40s — have moderate to extensive male pattern baldness. 

What does this have to do with hats? Nothing. There’s no research-backed connection between hats and androgenic alopecia.

Here’s what you should really remember about hats and hair loss:

• Hats are probably not going to make you bald. There’s no scientific evidence that if you wear a hat you’ll experience hair loss due to male pattern baldness (or female pattern baldness, for that matter). However, it’s possible that regular hat wearing can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia if your hat is tight and puts any strain on the follicles.

• Other causes of hair loss are likelier. While you might notice lost hair on your hat brim and think it’s to blame, other common causes of hair loss are more likely to blame — think male pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, or hair loss related to a medical condition or stress.

• Hair loss is treatable. Currently, the most effective hair loss treatments are the FDA-approved medications, minoxidil and finasteride. If you’re starting to notice signs of hair loss, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent it from getting worse. Your primary care provider or a dermatologist can help determine the root cause of hair loss.

Want to start addressing your hair loss concerns today? We offer a range of hair loss treatment options, as well as other products that can keep your hair in tiptop shape. Who knows? You might not even want to wear a hat with your hair looking so good.