Masturbation and Its Impact on Hair Fall and Hair Loss: What’s the Truth?
Hair fall is a common concern that affects both men and women. It can make you feel like you’re losing a part of yourself, significantly impacting your confidence and self-esteem. For some people, hair loss is a sign of heredity and occurs as a natural part of aging, while for others, it may be a sign of an underlying condition. However, one of the most common and controversial questions asked is whether masturbation causes hair fall or hair loss. In this blog, let’s dive into the science behind masturbation and its impact on hair health.
Does Masturbation Cause Hair Fall?
Many people believe that masturbation causes hair fall. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this. This myth may come from the idea that semen contains high levels of protein, so with each ejaculation, the body is losing protein that it could use for hair growth. While it is true that semen is high in protein, each ejaculation contains a very small amount of protein. Another theory is that masturbation increases testosterone levels, which in turn increases the levels of a hormone linked to hair loss, called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). A study from 2001 shows that adult males had an increase in testosterone levels after abstaining from masturbation for 3 weeks. Which means that testosterone levels may rise if a person avoids masturbation.
Does Masturbation Cause Hair Loss?
Premature hair loss is mainly caused due to genetics and not because of masturbation. On average, most of us tend to shed around 50 to 100 hairs a day, all while growing new hair in. It’s a part of the natural hair growth cycle. This cycle may get interrupted, or damaged hair follicles may get replaced with scar tissue, which in turn can lead to hair loss. Oftentimes, our genetics are the cause of this interruption. This hereditary condition is known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. Other possible causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, scalp infections, skin disorders, excessive hair-pulling, excessive hairstyling or hair treatments, certain medications, and radiation therapy.
Masturbation Causes Hair Loss: Where Did This Myth Begin?
Several theories run around for this myth that masturbation causes hair loss. These include:
- Theory 1: Masturbation causes the body to produce DHT
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a male sex hormone that is the primary cause of male pattern baldness. The DHT binds itself to the receptors in the scalp and causes the hair follicle to shrink around the hairline and crown, leading to hair loss in men who are genetically sensitive to DHT. Several studies prove that sexual activity or masturbation does not have any effect on testosterone or DHT production.
- Theory 2: Masturbation lowers Protein Levels
The semen contains protein in a high amount. However, masturbating or having intercourse does not have any effect on the amount of protein that is required for the hair follicles. On average, 100 ml of semen contains around 5040 mg of protein, and the amount of semen released during ejaculation is around 3.7 ml. So, the amount of protein that is lost during masturbation is insignificant compared to a person’s dietary protein intake.
- Theory 3: DHT hormones can be balanced by controlling Ejaculation
This, too, is a myth as masturbation and DHT levels are not related in any way. However, other hormones are affected due to masturbation or sex, but their levels in the body have no relation to hair fall or hair loss.
Hair Loss Due to Masturbation: Myth vs. Reality
Here’s a quick breakdown to bust the myth:
| Concern | Reality |
| Loss of protein during ejaculation | The amount of protein lost is minimal and not enough to affect hair growth. |
| Hormonal imbalance | There are no permanent hormonal changes that can occur with regular masturbation. |
| Increased DHT | DHT is influenced more by genetics and age than by masturbation. |
| Hair shedding post-masturbation | Any hair fall noticed is coincidental, not caused by masturbation |
In conclusion, masturbation does not cause hair loss unless it is paired with other unhealthy habits or stress.
Does Masturbation Cause Hair Fall in Women?
There is no scientific evidence that supports that masturbation can cause hair fall in women. Hair fall in women is a very common issue that most women of all ages face. Hair fall in women can occur due to Hormonal changes like pregnancy, menopause, or stress. Lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the body, like Iron, zinc, biotin, and Vitamin D, can weaken your hair from the roots. Physical or emotional stress can cause hair shedding. Poor lifestyle habits like poor sleep, unhealthy diet, or sleeping on dirty pillows and bedsheets can affect the health of your hair. Excessive use of chemical-based hair products, heat from blow-dryers or straighteners, or tight hairstyles can severely damage your hair and cause breakage.
Does Masturbation Cause Hair Fall in Men?
Similar to women, there is no scientific evidence that supports that masturbation can cause hair fall in men. Hair fall in men often starts subtly – a slightly receding hairline, thinner hair at the crown, which gradually results in bald spots. Men are more likely to experience pattern baldness or receding hairlines than women. Hair fall in men occurs due to various reasons, including Nutritional deficiencies, Poor lifestyle habits like poor sleep, unhealthy diet, or sleeping on dirty pillows and bedsheets can affect the health of your hair. A family history of hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair fall in men. Health issues like anemia, autoimmune diseases, scalp infection, or dandruff can often cause hair loss.
Conclusion
Instead of worrying about whether masturbation causes hair loss, focus on things that can truly impact your hair health. Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, manage stress with yoga, meditation, or therapy, get enough sleep, avoid harsh styling treatments or products, and consult a hair specialist when you notice early hair thinning or hair loss. At Homeocare Clinic, our team of experienced specialists in hair loss treatments offers safe, natural, and highly effective solutions to promote the regrowth of hair. Visit Homeocare Clinic or contact us today for the best hair fall treatment in Pune.