Can wearing a swim cap or not wearing one cause hair loss?

Question

I'm a 25 year old suffering from MPB and on Finasteride, Minoxidil and Ketoconazole. I swim regularly and in a dilemma whether to wear a swim cap. Swimming without a cap dries out my hair and makes it really thin because of the chlorine. I wear a swim cap but it feels as if it's pulling on my hair, especially when I put it on. Would wearing a swim cap cause hair loss due to it pulling on the hair, or not wearing one cause hair loss due to the chlorine content and friction while swimming? Thanks!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Swim caps are fine for 99.9 % of people and not a contributor to hair loss. It is possible to get some traction alopecia with repeated use, but that's very rare. Swim caps are not the cause of most people wondering about whether their swim cap is the culprit. Please see a dermatologist or physician specializing in hair loss if concerns persist.

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

You would have to wear it for long periods pretty much daily for it to have any substantial effects on your hair, assuming it was pulling hard enough. If the pulling only happens as you put it on and not indefinitely while you wear it then I doubt it's going to have a long term impact.

David Perez-Meza, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Good question. Congrats, you are in the right track for hair loss treatment. No, swim caps don't produce hair loss. Also I recommend my patients to use it for swimming.

Glenn Charles, DO - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While constant contact with chlorine may not be the healthiest option for hair since it may cause drying out and thinning of hair, the consistent pulling from a tight fitted swim cap can also trigger a hair thinning called traction alopecia.  Be sure to keep hair hydrated and conditioned.  You should speak to your doctor about the best options.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The use of a swim cap will not cause balding. Balding is the result of genes and hormones working together

Can wearing a swim cap or not wearing one cause hair loss?

Answers (5)

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