A hat or wig does not cause hair loss if the pressure is light. However, always wearing a cap could lead to damaged hair, split ends, and breakage, as wigs and hats, can restrict blood flow or cause friction that may lead to hair loss.
Repeated or severe friction can cause hair loss which will cause hair to look less thick and thinner in some places.
That's because the decrease in blood flow could stress the hair follicles and cause them to fall out. The constant wearing of a wig and sleeping in a wig can impair blood supply to the hair follicles.
When wearing clips in hair extensions, your hair starts to break off little by little, eventually creating large bald spots where the pins are placed. Most people probably don’t wear a hat so tightly that it could create this kind of tension, but if your cap is so tight that it’s leaving a prominent mark or indentation in your skin, it may lead to hair loss. You could experience traction alopecia or gradual hair loss if you consistently wear a hat and wig.
This results from long-term, severe strain on hair follicles. For example, the daily use of hard hats, wigs, helmets, or religious head coverings could cause traction alopecia if worn too tightly.
Styling your hair in tight braids, wearing a tight ponytail or bun, or using heavy hair extensions can also strain it enough to break or fall out. If you notice frequent tension on your strands from headwear or styling, you may face traction alopecia in the future.
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by constant pulling or pressure on the hair follicle and can develop due to wearing certain kinds of wigs and other protective styles.
What Types of Wigs Can Cause Traction Alopecia?
Any wig can cause traction alopecia if worn too tight or if the material is rubbing the hair follicles and causing friction.
Wearing synthetic hair wigs can lead to health problems because it can prevent the sweat glands from releasing bodily toxins through the scalp. As a result, synthetic wigs may cause harm to the scalp and the body due to toxins from the wigs being absorbed into the scalp.
Synthetic hair is made of low-grade plastic such as nylon, acrylic, or polyester that is heated and strung into strands to make individual hair fibers. The hair is then assembled into hair extensions or wigs.
Many studies link acrylic materials found in synthetic hair extensions to cancer. In addition, the dye used to color synthetic hair, such as 4-MMPD and 2,4-diamino anisole, has been proven to cause cancer in laboratory animals and is categorized as carcinogenic compound.
In addition, the lactic acid in the sweat can mix with the keratin in hair and cause damage and, eventually, hair loss. Such hair loss is usually temporary but could become permanent over time.
Glue extensions and double-sided tape are often used with popular lace wigs. Unfortunately, they can cause permanent damage. The glue can block your scalp pores, damage your hair follicles, and burn out your hair. In addition, the weight of the extensions can pull on your scalp, which can result in thinning hair.
Tips on Preventing Hair Loss While Wearing a Hat or Wig
Also, let us know in the comments if you have tips to add to this list!
- It is better to wear human hair wigs than synthetic materials. As mentioned above, synthetic materials can harm your hair.
- Avoid adhesive if possible. If you are regrowing your hair, breathable lace closure wigs are a better option.
- Wear a silk or satin breathable cap underneath your hat or wig. Stocking caps may cause friction that can lead to hair loss. You can also use a velvet headband for 1-4 hours a day to protect your edges if you are concerned about hair loss.
- You may need to shampoo your hair more often if wearing a hat or wig consistently. Sweat, moisture, and lack of oxygen can be breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it is essential to practice good hygiene and shampoo your hair at least once a week, especially if you suffer from a scalp disorder such as dermatitis, dandruff, or eczema.
- Remember to keep your hat and wig clean and dry. Placing a dirty cap or wig on your head can lead to nasty bacteria invading your hair and scalp.
- Use a good hair growth oil and massage it into the scalp before and after wearing your wig to increase blood flow and help prevent your scalp and hair from drying.
- Have a professional install your wig that is familiar with best practices and preventing hair loss.
- Remove your wig at night. Friction from the lace or wig cap can cause damage to the hair and scalp.
- If you are still experiencing hair loss with these suggestions, seek a Trichologist or hair growth specialist who can evaluate your case and give you additional tips to prevent or regrow your hair.
- Take a break to give your hair and scalp a chance to breathe, recover and heal when possible. Then, treat yourself to a scalp detox, trim, and style.
Is it OK to Wear a Hat and Wig?
It is OK to wear a hat and wig for a few hours if it’s not tight enough to give someone a headache and it won’t cause baldness.
For example, the materials used in a hat- dyes or textiles- could also play into hair loss. If the cap or wig were too tight, you could see it causing irritation or inflammation in the hair follicle.
Incorrect application and removal of wigs can lead to damaged, dry or brittle hair. Follow the best wig practices, such as not shampooing your hair and wig, which can irritate your scalp and hair. Not following our best practices could cause damage.
Take care of your hair!
By Guest Writer Lyric Elise
Some of her most notable projects were when she was hired as a lead Hair Stylist for Lyanla’s “Fix My Life” with the Pace Sisters in 2013. In 2014 her insight into the tools and tricks of the hairstyling platform led her to another achievement in this plateau by getting featured on Fox 5 News as “The Hair Detective” by helping her customers with hair loss and focusing on the solutions.
Check out here book - More Than Hair Deep.