There are lots of myths surrounding hair loss out there. No, your mother’s father isn’t the only genetic influence when it comes to pattern baldness, and no, there aren’t any quick fixes that will make your hair suddenly regrow overnight. However, there are a few commonly known facts surrounding hair loss that may have more truth to them than you might think; namely, the connection between height and hair loss.
If you’ve never even heard of a connection between how tall you are and whether or not you lose your hair, you’re not alone. However, this is a commonly disputed statement within the study of genetic hair loss, and there’s actually a good amount of evidence to support the claim.
Height and Hair Loss: How Are They Connected?
The University of Bonn in Germany held a study of genetics with subjects from all around the world, totaling at over 20,000 people included. This study was able to conclude that people, but most commonly men, were likely to have increased risk of premature balding if they also happened to be shorter in stature. This was concluded due to the fact that hair loss, particularly earlier hair loss such as in the 20s or 30s, can be genetically linked to a variety of physical characteristics, one of which being height.
One researcher involved with the study at the University of Bonn claimed that 63 alterations within a person’s genetic code can point to potential hair loss, and shorter stature was one of these alterations. Of the over 20,000 participants in the study, roughly 11,000 were already experiencing premature hair loss and roughly 12,000 had not experienced hair loss.
Upon hearing these results, you may be starting to panic if you’re on the shorter side. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while this study suggests that reduced height can be related to hair loss, the increase in the likelihood that shorter people experience when it comes to losing hair is extremely minimal. In the grand scheme of things, you are only marginally more likely to lose your hair than your taller counterparts.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Hair Loss?
Whether you’re on the shorter or taller side of the spectrum, hair loss is a very common issue that nearly everyone faces at some point for a variety of reasons. Making small but important changes in your lifestyle habits can reduce your risk of losing your hair, and if you’ve already started to notice thinning, these things can help to slow the progression and keep the hair you still have looking and feeling healthy.
Lower your stress levels.
Even if you practice perfect nutrition and exercise, a lifestyle that keeps you constantly under stress will do terrible things to your mental and physical health. This could mean work stress, relationship stress, or any combination of the two. When you keep yourself under constant stress, your body starts to react in strange ways, one of which being the interruption of your hair’s normal growth cycle. Stress can also affect hormone balances, which can cause an interrupted hair growth cycle as well. If you want to avoid losing your hair and just be happier in general, do yourself a favor and find ways to reduce your levels of daily stress.
Create healthier habits.
It’s no surprise that healthy habits make a healthy life. However, staying on track with your diet and exercise can do more than just keep your body fit and improve your mental health. These things can have a huge bearing on whether or not you prematurely lose your hair. Make a point to prioritize a well-balanced diet full of healthy fats, carbs, and protein while also following a regular exercise schedule to keep your body moving.
Try a laser hair cap for hair loss.
If you’re already facing hair loss, you may be looking for a solution that can slow the progression of balding while also supporting new hair growth. Luckily, this combination is entirely possible with a laser cap for hair loss. Most people don’t have time for an extensive hair care regimen, which is why laser hair caps are the most convenient option available with only 30 minutes of wear every other day needed to see real results. These FDA-cleared devices help to rejuvenate the hair follicles and increase needed blood flow to the scalp using low-level light therapy, or LLLT, a completely safe treatment that causes no side effects. Plus, the cap fits discreetly under a standard ball cap so that you can feel comfortable completing your treatments while taking a walk, going to the store, or anything else you have to do.
Summary.
Studies suggest that reduced height can be related to hair loss. In the grand scheme of things, you are only marginally more likely to lose your hair than your taller friends. No worries though, there a lot of options to help combat your hair loss no matter the circumstance.
