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A helmet is an important gadget in ensuring the personal safety of the head and brain. The use of helmets is not only restricted to cycling but also is used in different types of industries where there is a risk of head and brain injury.
The use of helmets is increasing as governments are adopting new rules for personal safety. Different states have made it compulsory to wear helmets while cycling the violations of which result in heavy fines.
Helmets cause hair loss- a myth or reality
Yes, it is true that wearing a helmet for a long duration of time can cause hair loss or somewhat accelerates the process of hair loss. There are many reasons why helmets cause hair loss- from inappropriate helmet wearing to bacteria growth in the helmets. Some of the reasons helmets cause hair loss and how to prevent it are discussed in this article.
Traction alopecia
Traction Alopecia is a hair loss condition that arises from the constant stress that is applied to the hair by wearing helmets. Any action that pulls on the hair can cause traction alopecia, which can result in scarring and permanent hair loss as a result. The process usually takes several years to complete.
Causes of traction alopecia
The main causes of traction alopecia are discussed below:
- Having the same hairstyle for a long duration of time (especially those hairstyles that apply pressure on the hair follicles)
- Wearing helmets or caps that apply pressure on the hair follicle.
Can bike helmets cause hair loss?
Bike helmets are commonly used by cyclists, skateboarders, and motorcyclists to protect them in the case of an accident or collision. These helmets are designed to keep the user’s head protected, using helmets as an impact absorption mechanism.
However, an online study with 5063 participants conducted by Professor Kerstin Kautt from the University of British Columbia indicated that 59.6 percent of bike helmet users experienced hair loss and 62.5 percent experienced increased hair shedding. Nevertheless, does the helmet cause hair loss, or is it just that people with hair loss are more prone to wearing helmets?
While the exact mechanism behind this link is still unknown, it is thought that cycling may damage hair follicles and cause them to shrink. In extreme cases, this could lead to permanent hair loss.
What is the theory that bike riding can cause hair loss?
The theory is that bike riding can damage hair follicles and cause them to shrink. In extreme cases, this could lead to permanent hair loss.
However, the exact mechanism behind this link is still unknown. If you are concerned about your hair loss and want to explore the possibility of a bike-riding link, speak to your doctor or dermatologist. They can examine your scalp and provide a more complete diagnosis.
The theory that bike riding can cause hair loss is that it can cause friction between the hair and the bike. This friction can cause the hair to break, which can lead to hair loss.
How to protect hair from a helmet?
To protect your hair from your helmet, you can try a few different things.
- If you want to protect your hair from the helmet, get a helmet liner. A fabric-like material is used to prevent any friction between the helmet and the hair. It is thin and flexible, but it is effective in preventing damage to hair from the helmet. Moreover, the helmet liner is washable, so you can clean it easily.
- The best way to obtain hair protection from a helmet is to use a silk top hat inside. Another way is to make sure that the helmet fits the skull perfectly. A loose helmet will ultimately damage the hair. No matter how expensive the helmet is, it is not advisable to have your hair inside it.
- Finally, you can try using a product called Helmet Head. This product is designed to help keep your hair in place and prevent it from being caught in the straps of your helmet.
Conclusion
As a fellow cyclist, I totally understand your concern about the heat damaging the hair. Your best bet is to wash your hair at least every other day. You might not get to shampoo your hair in the shower room on-site, so you can carry some refresher shampoo and give a quick clean to your hair before you hop on your bike. After that, you may protect your hair with some hair spray. Also, take care of your helmet. Clean it at least once a week and you can use a helmet cover to make sure it is kept safe from outside debris.
