Is there a connection between your hair loss and your headphones? There could be; there is evidence that headphones can cause hair loss.
Yes, your headphones could be contributing to your hair loss if you wear headphones for hours each day while gaming or as part of your work, you could experience hair loss due to friction from your headphones onto your hair.
Can headsets cause hair thinning?
Yes, there is the phenomenon called traction alopecia. Hair does not withstand friction that well over an extended amount of time.
At one time, only telephonists and airline pilots were subject to wearing headphones for extended periods every day. Still, today with the advanced technology of headphones, many of us wear them for pleasure.
With superior sound, quality headphones seem like the ideal choice to listen to our favourite music, play our favourite games and become immersed in our world without disturbing anyone around us.
However, if your headphones are tight or heavy, you could expose yourself to hair loss through friction or traction alopecia.
Do you know that 40% of gamers report traction alopecia as a problem during hours spent playing games?
Your headphone is rubbing against your hair for hours on end, and with every movement, your hairs are becoming fractures until they break off altogether.
It’s not just your external hair that is being affected. The problem runs to the roots. If this is the case, you could experience permanent hair loss.
How do I protect my hair from headphones?
You will need to buy decent headphones that fit correctly. fit you perfectly and have an adequate adjustment to accommodate your head size and hair. Your headphones should not be tight or loose. Your headphones should not be tight or loose.
Make sure your headphones are padded. Lightweight headphones sometimes forgo the padding with a snazzy looking strap. You need padding for the best protection and comfort.
If you have long hair, put your hair in a ponytail or tied back and as flat as possible. This will allow the headphone band to slide across your hair, reducing friction and snagging.
Clean your headphones with antiseptic wipes to prevent bacteria from building up. Bacteria on the scalp can lead to many problems, including hair loss. Good housekeeping is essential.
Use a decent shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair moisturised and silky smooth. This will let your headphone move with minimum friction.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is not an officially recognised condition, it starts subtly, and you may not notice anything until it becomes obvious.
The first signs are some hair fall. It may not be anything out of the ordinary for you at first, but it’s worth keeping an eye on before it progresses.
Symptoms
- Itchy scalp
- Increase in dandruff
- Red spots on the scalp like small pimples
- Stinging and itchiness
- Inflamed hair follicles
- Pus filled lesions
If you have these symptoms, you should see your doctor for appropriate treatment. If the symptoms become severe and occur regularly, you may need to ditch the headphones and find an alternative such as earbuds.
How can I wear my headphones without ruining my hair?
Yes, you can take steps to prevent hair loss from traction alopecia.
You need to address the main problem: Are your headphones suitable for sitting for hours working or playing games?
There are headphones available that sit behind the neck and remove a headband. You could try using earbuds and not use headphones.
Some lightweight Bluetooth earphones still achieve the immersive experience for gamers while not snagging on the hair.
However, you like to wear your headphones, you should make sure they are not heavy, not tight and have a cushioned headband to reduce stressing the hair.
Keep your hair clean and well-conditioned, preventing friction.
You may decide that a new hairstyle is in order, particularly if your hair is long and you have hair loss from wearing headphones.
Shorter hair will certainly help to dissipate heat more easterly keeping the scalp coolers.
Keeping your hair moisturised plays a significant role in traction alopecia. If the headphones cannot gain any traction, such as pulling your hair for hours on end, then the problem is resolved quickly.
What are the best headphones to wear?
Headphones are a personal choice and depend on what you are doing and the length of time you wish to wear the headphones.
If you wear headphones as part of your job, say in a call centre, you may not choose what headphones you will wear.
However, in the first instance, choose lightweight headphones. Lightweight does not mean you need to sacrifice any sound quality needed.
Do you need a built-in microphone? It may seem insignificant, but the microphone adds weight.
A great compromise is to use a behind the head headphone set. They are lightweight and, more importantly, are not resting on your hair, causing any breaks and hair loss.
For folks who wear headphones for many hours, be it work-related or gaming, earphones are not the best options so, choosing a decent set of headphones is of paramount importance.
Adjustability and weight should be critical factors in deciding which headphones you choose.
Conclusion
Wearing headphones can cause hair loss. How much hair loss is up to you. If you recognise the symptoms and change how you wear your headphones, you could avert a problem later in life.
There is more than one consideration when it comes to headphones, and with a discerning selection, you can achieve everything you need while not compromising on hair loss.
Traction alopecia may sound like something you can ignore, but the problems are real and can be avoided by following some simple rules and being aware of what’s happening with your hair.
