How Tight Does a Hat/cap Have to Be to Restrict Blood Supply to the Hair? Reduced Blood Flow Speed Up Genetic Alopecia?

Question

Hello, I wear a cap most days and especially now that I seem to be loosing my hairline. Is it possible for the tight part of the cap (band) to reduce blood supply to the hair thus speeding up androgenic alopecia? I have a large head so caps fit reasonably snug but how tight are we talking? I'd really appreciate a doctors response as it's causing a great deal of anxiety with the question un answered and I'm getting mixed views online . Thanks.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

This is one of the more common questions I am asked everyday - and one of the more common misconceptions/myths within the general public. Forget the online views. 

	Hats do not cause hair loss and reduced blood flow in the manner you are describing does not speed up genetic hair loss at all.

	Hats do not cause hair loss. In fact, reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation may actually help slow down genetic hair loss. 

	Hats do not cause hair loss.

How Tight Does a Hat/cap Have to Be to Restrict Blood Supply to the Hair? Reduced Blood Flow Speed Up Genetic Alopecia?

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