Whether it’s for work or play, a common accessory in our modern experience is having a pair of headphones. Office meetings, late-night gaming, or listening to music and podcasts are many of the reasons we wear headphones. But are these long hours of listening to coworkers and the latest jams for hours on end having an effect on our hair?
Do Long Hours of Headphone Use Cause Male Hair Loss?
There is no scientific evidence that wearing headphones for extended periods can cause hair loss. Most hair loss is due to other factors like genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and certain medical conditions.
However, excessive and prolonged pressure on the scalp from headphones may exacerbate certain conditions like traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a balding or hair loss that results from constant pulling (or traction) on the hair. Pulling hair tightly and constantly causes hair to become loose from the follicle. This can also come from too-tight hairstyles like some ponytails and certain braid styles.
Can Wearing a Headset Make You Lose Hair?
It is unlikely that wearing a headset is the cause of hair loss, but it might be making an underlying issue worse. Ill-fitting headphones that are too tight or not cushioned well enough may be causing excess friction and tension… which could lead to traction alopecia. Make sure your headphones have a comfortable cushioned strap with an adjustable band or find some that connect behind the neck instead of resting on your head.
Do Over Ear Headphones Cause Hair Breakage?
Some music enthusiasts recommend over the ear headphones for crisper, better quality sound. But if your headphones are uncomfortable, get new ones… Or at least limit the amount of time you wear them. If the headphones are tight and rubbing directly against the scalp, then they may be damaging and putting strain on hair follicles, which can cause traction alopecia.
How Can I Stop My Headphones From Ruining My Hair?
While it may not lead to hair loss, prolonged sessions of wearing headphones can certainly ruin any attempt to stylishly maintain a coiffure. If a person has long hair, it’s easy enough to use the headphones as a hairband, but shorter hairstyles can get a bad case of headphone hair.
Ways to avoid crimped headphone hair include using lightweight headphones that do not exert too much pressure on the head, well-padded headphones that put less stress on the hair, or one of the best alternatives is to switch to using ear buds. Not everyone loves putting an earpiece in their ears for extended periods, however, so make sure it is a comfortable option if you plan to try them out.
Why Does My Scalp Hurt When I Wear Headphones?
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort while wearing headphones, they may not be properly adjusted or are too tight. This can lead to headaches and achy scalps. To minimize risks, adjust your headphones to sit comfortably and be sure to take frequent breaks from wearing them.
RHRLI Can Help You Have the Hair You Want
If you have concerns about your hair or its volume, call RHRLI for a free consultation. We are the premier hair restoration facility on Long Island. In fact, we are held in such high esteem that we help to train other surgeons.
As a board-certified hair restoration surgeon who has transplanted more than one million hair follicles using proven techniques, we can help you achieve the hairline you want. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today and we’ll help you get started on your hair restoration journey.