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Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss? [Simple Answer!]

I am not a doctor, but this is truly serious:

My pair of headphones and my lovely dark hair define who I am. So, this question of can wearing headphones causes hair loss is freaking me out like anything!

I’m sure you must be feeling the same way. There can’t be a choice. Our hair and our favorite headsets are precious to us.

And here is where this updated guide comes in handy. I’ll discuss the headphone hair problem and provide actionable solutions to deal with this newfound crisis.

Let’s get started:

👨‍🦲First, The Million-Dollar Question: Does Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss?

Does Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss
Let’s know the answer!

Short Answer: Yes, but in very rare cases.

Long Answer: Wearing headphones too tightly can result in losing your beautiful hair, thanks to a condition called traction alopecia.

Allow me to explain:

Traction Alopecia refers to gradual hair loss resulting from the constant pulling of the hair. If you pull your hair tightly, the hair shaft will get loose from the follicle, which will cause hair to fall frequently.

There are good ways how headsets may cause hair loss. It has all to do with the quality of your device and the way you use it.

And yes, I mentioned the word “headset” for a reason.

We wear these over-ear devices for two main reasons: music and gaming. And both these reasons are sufficient to let us use them for hours daily.

So, knowing how our everyday companion can turn against our beloved hair can help us adopt healthy habits to avoid hair loss forever.

It’s in the interest of the entire headphone community. So, let’s get started right away then:

😥How Headphones Can Cause Hair Loss? Probable Reasons Revealed!

How Headphones Can Cause Hair Loss
Here you go!

I’ll discuss all the relevant reasons here, combining the experiences of regular users and health experts. Here we go:

🤐#1: Your Headphones Are Too Tight!

Your Headphones Are Too Tight
Not good at all!

I’ve mentioned this already. And this is the problem with most of the so-called “budget” headphones, which, in reality, are cheap in quality.

They don’t offer an adjustable headband with padding to prevent raw parts from coming in touch with your ears.

As a result, regular users complain about the tight fit. There are dozens of critical reviews online about unhappy buyers detailing their discomfort while using their headphones for extended hours.

The result?

External compression headaches, bouts of migraine, and, in some rare cases, hair loss due to constant pulling off hair.

Check this helpful Reddit answer submitted on the popular r/gaming Subreddit:

Redditor on headphones causing hair loss

I like how he warns readers that he isn’t a doctor. I said it too!

Anyways, we’ll come to solutions in a bit, so let’s head over to reason #2:

🏋️#2: Your Headphones Are Too Heavy!

Your Headphones Are Too Heavy
I don’t love weightlifting!

Even the weight of the headset you are constantly using can contribute to your hair loss, and, more specifically, cheap headsets with a built-in microphone.

Such bulky and poorly built headgear can cause your ears to ache, hurt the top of your head, and may lead to hair loss if you wear them all day.

The worst part?

You can’t loosen up cheap heavy headphones to increase comfort.

Any headphones weighing more than 0.75 lbs are rated heavy on your head.

(That’s an umbrella weighing 0.25 lbs).

But your worries don’t end here:

😐#3: Your Headphones Don’t Have Padding!

Your Headphones Don’t Have Padding
Hear me out!

It’s again related to your comfort. And this is strange:

How can you invest in a device you will use extensively without checking whether it has sufficient padding in ear cups and the headband?

There could be two reasons: You are unaware of headphone comfort or going after low prices.

And I’ll not blame you. I, too, used to run after cheap deals some time back.

But trust me, they cost you much more than they charge. And the truth is:

Manufacturers can add foam to headbands and cups to ensure comfort. Considering they can’t add leather without charging some extra bucks.

Headphone padding not only affects comfort and damages your lovely hair but is also crucial for passive noise isolation and the quality of the sound you hear.

Long story short: If you don’t check headphone padding, you are at a loss.

😒#4: You Are Wearing Your Headphones Incorrectly!

I know what you will say:

Hey! I have been using headsets since the day I came to know that they exist in this world, and now you will tell me how I should wear them, you pesky writer?

But I have to tell you the truth and believe me, you will love it when you know it in full.

If you put your headband directly on top of your head, all the pressure gets concentrated on a single portion of your head, leading to excessive strain and hair damage.

Excessive use of headsets throughout the day can also strain your hair cuticles, thanks to that same headband pressure.

Also Read: 10 Simple Tips To Comfortably Wear Headphones With Long Hair

See what this Quora user has to say:

Quora User on Hair Loss From Headphones

Further Reading: Does wearing headphones for prolonged time cause hair loss? [A Quora Discussion!]

🤗How To Prevent Hair Loss From Headphones and Headsets?

How To Prevent Hair Loss From Headphones and Headsets
Yes, your wait is over!

Let’s talk about solutions now. We must accept that using headphones & headsets for music and gaming is part and parcel of modern living. We can’t live without them.

But our lovely hair?

They are a part of who we are. No hair means no excellent selfies and lovely interactions with our significant other.

In short, no hair means no life. So, here’s what the headphone community can do:

💈#1: Change Your Hairstyle!

Change Your Hairstyle
Cool, isn’t it?

You would not believe it, but certain hairstyles can protect your hair during prolonged headphone usage. They reduce the friction between your hair follicles and the headset.

Examples of such hairstyles include:

  • Bun
  • Ponytails
  • Braids

Here’s how it works:

You style your hair in a braid or two, and your hair will absorb the wavy braid’s texture instead of causing a headphone dent.

You can also come up with your own. Ensure that the hair is freely placed underneath your headphone band and away from your scalp.

It will reduce the friction and solve your headphone related hair-loss forever and for good.

There are two more things you can do:

Keep your hairstyle extremely short, such as buzzed hair. Such a hairstyle is foolproof against hair loss as the strands aren’t long enough to feel the friction from the headphones you are wearing.

Or you can keep your hair very long. Long hairstyles distribute the headband’s pressure equally to all parts of your head as they move a lot, preventing hair loss.

There is more here:

You should never wear headphones when bathing or after your shower. I know that music showers are refreshing, but your hair is naturally weak when wet and can easily tear away with the headphone friction.

Bonus Tip: Use a curling or detangling cream to protect your hair from additional wear and tear caused by prolonged headphone use.

But the award for the best styling tool goes to:

Water!

Seriously. You can use a spray bottle or wet a comb before running it through your hair. It will make your hair denser and reduce the chance of any hair loss.

🤠#2: Time To Put On A Hat!

Time To Put On A Hat
That’s my style!

I am continuing from solution #1. And you might know what I’ll suggest next:

Thin beanies!

They are the new fashion statement, look great and protect your hair from getting tangled inside your headphones.

But mind you: I asked you to put thin beanies, and that’s for a reason.

You shouldn’t put too much pressure on your head or pair of headsets. That’s why breathable beanies are the best. Neatly slip the beanie over your head, so it provides enough protection from prolonged headphones while being funky and fabulous!

🧼#3: Gear Up For Headphone Hygiene!

Time For Headphone Hygiene
Let’s begin!

You wear this device for hours on your head every day. So regular cleaning is a must.

Viruses and bacteria can get deposited on your headphones if you don’t clean them properly, which can get into your hair, and then your scalp weakening your hair roots and causing that nasty hair loss!

It can also cause ear infections, especially when using in-ear headphones.

Here are some excellent headphone hygiene tips you should practice:

  • Wipe your headphones every 2 days with soap on a dry cloth or an antiseptic liquid. Don’t miss any part of your device, and give special attention to the ear pads and the headband.
  • You can clean your headphones daily as well, depending on your preference. Whatever you do, make sure it’s done regularly. Otherwise, there will be no real impact.
  • Never share your headphones with anyone else. It increases the chances of infection.
  • If you use in-ear headphones, keep them in a protective case after every use.
  • Use headphone ear covers for over-ear headphones. Store them in a neat and clean place after use.

(Have doubts? Refer to this guide for a detailed tutorial!)

🎧#4: You Need Properly Fitting Headphones!

Tightly fitting headphones are a problem. So are headphones that move around too much!

So, make sure your headphones are neither too loose nor too tight.

Go for headphones with adjustable headbands. They have sliding hinges that allow you to adjust your headset position to one that suits you. You can expand or contract the headphone fit to not dig into hair and scalp, resulting in excessive strain and hair fall.

🪶#5: Go For Lightweight Headphones!

Time For Lightweight Headphones
Yeah!

If your headphones are too heavy, they will exert too much pressure on your head, causing what is known as “headphone hair.”

We have already discussed what’s “too heavy.” It’s anything above 0.75 lbs.

If you are planning to replace your old headphones or decide to buy a new one for your friend, choose them with a weight of 0.55 lbs or less.

And don’t forget to take this parameter into account:

🤓#6: Great Padding Is A Must!

With a proper fit and lightweight design, adequate padding on crucial areas adds to the much-needed comfort.

Good headphone padding reduces the clamping force exerted on your head and distributes the device’s weight more evenly, preventing bulk pressure on only one side of the head.

The crucial areas which need adequate padding include ear cups and headbands.

Also, ensure that your device is of good quality material to block unwanted noise and effectively add comfort.

😎#7: Say Goodbye To Hair Loss With These Cool Hacks!

You already know the most effective strategies to safeguard against hair loss from headphones.

Now, let’s explore some lesser-known hacks to say goodbye to messy hair once and for all:

Cool Hacks!

  • Adjust Your Headband:

    Place your headband below your chin or at the back of the head. It will allow you to use them comfortably and ensure a good fit for your ear pads – a win-win situation.
  • Shift Position While Using Headsets

    Use this if the first hack isn’t viable. Shift your headphone band position frequently as you use it so that the pressure doesn’t get accumulated on a single area on your head. Try to move it in the front and slightly tilt it back after a few hours.
  • Use Earbuds

    Earbuds are worn directly into your ears. So, there is no risk of hair loss altogether. Don’t forget to listen within safe limits and clean them regularly to avoid ear infections.
  • Give Your Hairs A Rest!

    Remove your headphones occasionally by listening to music directly from your PC or phone. It will avoid getting your hair squished for long hours. You will protect your ears too from this!

😶Some Other Causes Of Hair Loss (And Their Solutions!)

Doctor Busting Hair Loss Myths [Click To Watch Video Here!]

Remember I talked about Traction Alopecia? The condition of gradual hair loss due to constant straining of hair? Here is how common it is:

Traction Alopecia
What does it show?

Traction alopecia is more common among ballet dancers than headphone lovers! However, mind you:

Excessive use of poor-quality headphones is one of the infrequent causes of hair loss. So if you use headphones and start seeing your hair falling off, take a deep breath.

There are many prominent factors. Never forget: causation is not equal to correlation.

Here are the key factors you need to look for:

😢#1: Too Much Stress!

Too Much Stress!
Gosh!

Yes, you read it right. Don’t blame your headsets for this: your reaction to everyday problems is to blame.

So, if you are the person that gets frustrated every time you lose in competitive games, you may find the effect of all this in your lovely hair!

Stress causes your immune system to be in attacking mode, and your hair follicles fall to their victim, leading to that ugly hair loss.

But here is the best part:

Hair loss due to stress is reversible. So, if you start adding positive changes to your lifestyle, do helpful exercises, and adopt meditation, you will see your lovely dark hair growing back in no time.

I know a lifestyle change isn’t as simple as it sounds, but one small step in the right direction can go a long way.

You can start by taking every game session as a sport and, when you lose, try to replay your performance and find your mistakes to improve your score next time.

🏥#2: Side-effects of Medicine Intake!

Side-effects of Medicine Intake
That’s nasty!

We take all sorts of medications for different reasons. And all its side effects cause our hair to shed.

Don’t believe me? Check out this explainer from MedicalNewsToday.

Here is a quick check-list of those ‘culprit drugs” which can cause hair loss:

  • Weight-Loss Drugs (Better go for natural ways to reduce fat!)
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs
  • Mood Stabilizing Drugs (Exercise and natural sunlight are simply the best to uplift your mood!)
  • Antibiotics.
  • Thyroid medications.
  • Birth Control Pills.
  • Cancer-treating drugs.
  • Acne Medications with vitamin X

So, what’s the solution?

Never take drugs without the consultation of a registered doctor. Before the doctor prescribes any medicine to cure your condition, discuss all the potential SIDE-EFFECTS.

That’s a sure-shot way to ensure that your medicines don’t mess up your fabulous hair!

👨‍👩‍👧#3: Your Genes Are To Blame!

Yes, you read it right. Regrets first up if the title offends you, but baldness may not be something you would like from your parents!

When it comes to hair loss, you get the genes from your maternal side. So, you can heave a sigh of relief if you see your dad as bald as you apply gel to your precious hair!

For all science enthusiasts, here is the fact: genes responsible for the bald head exist on the X chromosomes, which come from your mother.

If you detect genetic hair loss, contact a medical professional immediately. Finasteride is a drug that strengthens your hair by preventing the formation of DHC, which weakens hair follicles.

But don’t take any medication without consulting a doctor in the first place. You don’t want those nasty side effects.

🍅#4: You’re Not Taking Enough Nutrients!

You’re Not Taking Enough Nutrients
Looks delicious!

The chances are that if you are seeing your hair fall frequently, you’re not taking enough iron, the nutrient responsible for hair cell protein.

Again, a lack of Vitamin B12 can cause premature hair fall and leave you feeling tired throughout the day. The reasons are pretty simple:

Vitamin B12 keeps your RBCs happy, which carry oxygen better and faster to your tissues.

Here are the best foods for healthy hair growth:

  • Almond butter (For vitamin E)
  • Greek yogurt (For vitamin B5)
  • Eggs (For vitamins A, D, and B12)
  • Clams (For daily doses of Vitamin B12)
  • Spinach (For high iron and magnesium diet)
  • Guava (For high in vitamin C)
  • Carrots (For vitamin A)
  • Lentils (Good For RBCs, rich in folic acid)
  • Liver (For iron in diet)
  • Salmon (For vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids)

🧬#5: Your Hormones Are Not In Balance!

Your Hormones Are Not In Balance
Why me?

You may not know this, but your hormones are essential in maintaining your hair growth cycle. So when they are not in balance, you can suffer from:

  • Decrease or increase in heart rate.
  • Weight gain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Sweating.
  • Increased thirst and hunger.
  • Anxiety, irritability, and depression.
  • Blurred vision.
  • And, of course, hair loss.

When there is excess male androgen in your body, you may experience a short hair growth cycle, whereas female estrogen is good for hair growth.

Excess of androgen may be due to follicle sensitivity or genes.

Let me present a list of healthy activities to balance your hormones naturally:

  • Include an adequate amount of protein in your diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Drink Green Tea.
  • Consume fatty fish regularly.
  • Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar.
  • Avoid eating excessively or eating less.

🌟Bonus Tips To Keep Your Hair Healthy!

Bonus Tips To Keep Your Hair Healthy
No more worries!

Your hair needs extra attention for the perfect glossy look and healthy growth. So, here I am discussing these practical bonus tips which you can adopt right away:

  • Reduce the use of chemicals in your hair if you can’t stop it completely. Those new “red hairstyles” or “flocks” aren’t as important as the health of your hair in the first place. Go for natural solutions for beautiful hair, as I discussed above.
  • Use specialized for your type of hair. You should avoid shampoos with high-conditioning ingredients if you have fine hair. Use a clarifying shampoo for oily scalp. Refer to this guide to know which type of shampoo is best for your hair.
  • Before you put your headphones on for the day, use a detangler to brush your hair safely. After cleaning every strand of your hair, use Brylcreem to make your hair super-smooth to avoid any breakage as you use the headset during the day.
  • If you are already facing hair loss, avoid using headphones. Consult with a doctor and try to find remedies for hair regrowth.
  • Avoid hot showers as it is likely to inflame and dries the scalp, shrink the hair follicles, and lead to thin hair.
  • You can also go for a scalp massage after your day’s work is over. It improves blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, making your genes promote hair growth more active. There is one more advantage: scalp massage reduces stress, which contributes to hair loss, as we have discussed earlier.
  • Finally, some yoga postures, such as Camel pose, fish pose, downward-facing dog pose, and kneeling pose, are known to reduce and prevent hair loss. You can refer to this video to understand how to perform these poses correctly.

Prevention is better than cure. But if your hair loss problem has taken a severe turn, a hair transplant or prescribed medications can be the last resort.

But a doctor consultation is a must!


🙋‍♂️Final Words on Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss

So, there you have it. The answer to your anxious query and all the actionable solutions so that you can use your favorite headphones without fearing hair damage.

Now, I shall head over to you.

How will you ensure your healthy hair? Will you add extra iron and vitamins to your diet or take scalp massages?

Let me know by leaving a comment below now.

About the Author

can wearing headphones cause hair loss

Rach Wellard

Rach Wellard is the driving force behind Sound & Solitude. Her mission is to help you discover the profound impact of sound in your daily life and to explore the beauty of solitude. With a deep passion for the connection between soundscapes and emotions, she brings a unique blend of expertise and personal dedication to our platform.

Rach understands that every individual's auditory journey is unique, and she’s here to guide you every step of the way. As a devoted audiophile, Rach’s discerning ear carefully selects the most exceptional products that align with your desires for Sound or Solitude. In a world filled with noise and chaos, Sound & Solitude serves as your sanctuary.

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