There is a myth that the one of the causes of baldness is based on problems with the scalp. Hair begins its growth underneath the scalp, so this fallacy is irrelevant in regards to going bald. The scalp does need to be kept healthy, however, as unhealthy scalp can lead to other severe conditions. There are indeed many tips and health practices to follow in order to prevent some hair loss, or to prevent that hair loss, which has already occurred. The following discusses some of the common misconceptions about hair loss, and many ideas of improving scalp and hair health.

Male hair loss is a result of genetics. After the hair loss begins, blood flow is reduced to that area. The body reacts this way as there is no need for blood flow where there is no hair. Hair transplantation techniques help stimulate the blood flow back into action. The hair takes the blood it needs in order to motivate new hair growth. The scalp skin should be well moisturized and remain this way after transplantation. This can be done by using a quality shampoo and conditioner.

Scalp health and baldness causing issues can be improved by following certain guidelines. Many factors (genetic and environmental) are related to male pattern baldness. Genetics may already be a done deal, but environmental situations can be controlled and/or eliminated all together. Scalp circulation and health are affected by the following:

• Smoking: Smoking affects the health in general as many studies have shown. However, many people do not know that smoking also reduces circulation to the scalp. Hair loss that has already occurred is exacerbated by continuing to smoke. There are not proven statistics on this issue, yet most doctors stand behind this as truth.
• Sun damage: Sunburn on the scalp not only contributes to skin cancer, but repeatedly allowing this to happen shrinks the cells that produce hair growth. The tendency to be genetically affected with hair loss plus sun damage can cause balding to speed up.
• Skin cancer: There are three different types of skin cancer – malignant melanomas and squamous cell forms (both of these are deadly), and basal cell cancer. The first two are directly related to repeated sun exposure, and they spread rapidly and usually appear as small, flat, black tumors. Basal often stays confined to one area, and results in ulcers that can grow quite large. Spots and randomly colored areas then appear due to the ultraviolet light exposure from the sun. Hair is a natural sunscreen, and when it is missing, the results can be these cancerous effects.
• Dermatological issues: Many skin conditions can affect the skin and scalp in negative ways. Seborrhea and dermatitis are two of these. Psoriasis can negatively impact scalp health as well.
• Folliculitis: Hair follicles become infected with this condition. Red or white bumps occur on the skin of the scalp; these may require treatment with antibiotics, minor incisions, or soakings. The area should not be messed with, such as scratching or picking at the areas as this can result in the infection spreading, as well as scarring. Hair loss may not be permanent with this condition; however, it may make hair go into sleep (telogen) mode. This results in further stunted growth.
• Chlorine and salt water: Swimming continuously in chlorine or salt water and not shampooing and continuing afterwards causes further hair and scalp damage. Salt is drying to the scalp itself as well.

Most people believe that dandruff is another cause of balding, but this is another myth. Itching and tingling has been reported by hair loss patients with these conditions, and they then think that it was an indicator of coming baldness. This part of the equation may actually be true, yet it is not related to dandruff.