Can Online Gaming Cause Hair Loss?

Online gamer with hair lossPlaying video games, referred to more often simply as “gaming”, has been increasing in popularity more and more over the decades. What used to be thought of as a pastime for kids – much like comic books and young adult genre fiction novels – has become dominated by adults.

In fact, recent studies have shown that only 21% of gamers are younger than the age of 18 and that gaming has become so popular that roughly half of the U.S. population games to varying extents. Adults play everything from casual cell phone games like Candy Crush to competitive online games including League of Legends and Fortnite.

Like anything else, gaming should be done in moderation. Excessive gaming can have harmful side effects. Is it possible for one of those side effects to be hair loss?

Does Stress Related To Gaming Contribute To Hair Loss?

Just to be clear at the onset, the actual physical act of gaming does not contribute to hair loss. However, severe stress (regardless of the source) can contribute to hair loss known as telogen effluvium. Competitive online gaming – as with any competition – can potentially cause a great deal of stress on people involved and could contribute to hair loss.

Additionally, poor diet can contribute to hair loss. Gaming to the point of it being an addiction can lead to poor eating habits which could include eating at odd hours, ordering out more frequently to save time, or forgoing eating for long stretches of time.

Lack of sleep is also a factor. Poor sleeping habits can easily occur in competitive online gaming; especially when people are playing a game together across multiple time zones. Poor diet, poor sleeping habits, and stress all culminating together can factor into hair loss.

Do Gaming Headsets Contribute To Hair Loss?

It’s been said that gaming headsets, or any type of headphones, could contribute to hair loss. While this is nothing you should be overly concerned about if you occasionally wear a headset, the concern is not without merit. The goal of a good headset or set of headphones is to stay firmly on your head. This can lead to traction alopecia.

When the hair follicles experience excessive friction or traction it can cause hair loss. While this is more often associated with frequently wearing tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or a “man bun” that pulls hair back tightly; this can also occur from frequent and excessive headset or headphone use. Although this is usually considered a temporary form of hair loss if handled promptly, prolonged friction or traction to your scalp will eventually cause permanent hair loss.

RHRLI Can Restore The Hair Of Even The Most Competitive Gamers

If you have experienced hair loss due to stress or traction alopecia, RHRLI is here to help. We have nonsurgical options, and if the hair loss has become more permanent, our hair surgeon utilizes the minimally invasive ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System, a procedure that produces exceptional results and will get you back to your day-to-day life in just a few days. Contact us today for a free consultation, and start the journey towards restoring your hair and your confidence.

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