Most people likely consider the possibility of hearing loss due to loud noise when considering potential health issues connected to using headphones. And they have a point. But what about hair loss? Hair loss brought on by headphones?

The medical term for hair loss caused by wearing headphones is traction alopecia. The stress placed on your hair’s cuticles by the headband can cause hair loss.

In this article, we’ll look at the likelihood of hair loss caused by headphones use as well as prevention measures.

Can Headphones Cause Hair Loss?

First things first: neither a study nor anecdotal evidence suggests that wearing over-ear headphones causes hair loss in either men or women. It’s actually extremely unlikely that wearing headphones will cause hair loss.

Despite the lack of studies on headphones and hair loss, studies on hat use and hair loss do exist.

92 sets of identical twins were compared in a study to examine hair loss. They found that certain factors (like smoking and dandruff) were connected to hair loss. Other factors, such as wearing a hat, were not discovered to be related, though.

Though this study wasn’t done on headphones specifically, it does show that wearing something on your head may not be directly linked to hair loss.

Right, good news, but don’t break out the champagne just yet.

The loss of hair that results from harmed hair follicles and cells is known as traction alopecia, another type of hair loss. When you frequently exert tension on your hair, such as when you wear hair pieces, pull your hair back tightly, or use specific chemicals. — you can damage the hair cells and follicles to the point of shedding.

Hats don’t usually cause traction alopecia, but it’s not unheard of on people who wear hats that are tight, constrictive and put consistent strain and pressure on your hair follicles.

The same is true for your headphones, so.

So, will wearing headphones automatically increase your risk of hair loss? No, but you might if you’re pressing them so hard against your follicles that they cause stress or strain.

Other Problems That Headphones Can Cause

While it’s unlikely that wearing headphones will cause hair loss, they can still result in some common problems. The most documented is hearing loss, resulting from listening to audio at high volumes through headphones for prolonged periods.

Other problems, like soreness and headaches, can be brought on by headphones that are not the proper size for your head. This is because they put pressure on your ears and head, causing discomfort.

In order to ensure that your headphones fit your head’s size and shape, it is imperative to choose adjustable models. Each person has a slightly different head shape, so they should adjust their headphones to fit as comfortably as possible.

Switching to in-ear substitutes might be a good idea if you suspect that your headphones are the source of any problems, such as pain, discomfort, or hair loss. Your headband won’t hang over the top of your head if you do it that way.

Earphones and earbuds are popular alternatives to over-ear headphones and are generally much more comfortable to wear. You can use them for more extended periods without worrying about them pulling against your hair or pressing against your head and causing you any pain.

It’s still essential to set the volume to a reasonable level when using in-ear headphones, as they are equally as likely to damage your ears if used at high volumes

How to Avoid Hair Loss from Wearing Headphones?

Yes, there are treatments available, but aren’t we all aware that “prevention is better than cure”? The preventive measures for traction alopecia, or hair loss caused by friction, are simple.

There are numerous things you can do to completely avoid the issue. I’ll go over each one in turn and explain how it can benefit you. Let’s get the party going.

1. Place the Headphones Differently

Moving the placement of your headphones is a solution you can try right now. Put the headband on your back rather than next to your scalp. This will cause the band to hang in midair without even coming close to your head.

It won’t touch your head, so there won’t be any traction. As a result, you can avoid the whole traction alopecia thing. There are some things, though, that might stop you from doing that. Not all headphones allow you to do this.

Some headphones are too heavy for this to work, and others simply do not stay on your back of your head. You then need to move on to the more advanced solutions.

2. Get An Adjustable Headphone

What difference does that make? You can, however, make the band larger, resulting in a gap between your hairs and the band.

Sometimes a gap isn’t even necessary; simply keeping them loose and laying them on your head can suffice. The band’s degree of looseness is the only thing to be on the lookout for in this scenario. Keep it loose, but not too loose, as this can interfere with comfort at times.

3. Place the Headphones Differently

In-ear headphones are another excellent option for you. I don’t think I need to go into too much detail here. There won’t be any traction or friction because in-ear headphones won’t touch your head or hair.

In-ear headphones can also be used, as can wireless earbuds. They serve the same purpose as in-ear headphones. Additionally, the wire-free convenience is offered.

Doesn’t seem like that’s the best choice, though? This situation has a few problems. In-ear headphones are not for everyone. Furthermore, it can be challenging to find in-ear headphones that deliver excellent gaming quality if you are a gamer. In short, locating the ideal in-ear headphone becomes a difficult task for you.

4. Avoid Using Headphones for Long Hours

This is a solution that might be controversial. Sometimes you have no choice but to use your headphones for extended periods of time. I advise taking breaks in these circumstances. In addition, try not to wear your headphones for longer than 4 hours at a time.

Ninety percent of gamers who responded to a survey said they don’t wear headphones for more than four hours a day. Additionally, they don’t experience hair loss issues.

5. Use a Cap While Wearing Headphones

If you have to wear headphones for an extended period of time, try wearing a cap first, followed by the headphones. Wearing a cap can greatly assist you in dealing with the situation.

However, wear a cap that does not pull too hard on your hair or is too tight on your head. This may cause additional damage to your hair, which you do not want.

I think that purchasing headphones with an adjustable band is the most practical and hassle-free choice out of all of these. By doing it this way, you can use headphones without worrying about anything else.

6. Opt for Lighter Headphones

If you have long or thick hair, any extra pressure on the top of your head can cause it to pull. When this is combined with ill-fitting headphones, you have a recipe for disaster.

Additionally, it contributes to headphone hair, which is unpleasant at best and an extra issue to deal with when you are already focused on hair loss.

You won’t fidget with lighter headphones—which are literally as light as a feather—and you won’t even notice that they’re there. They won’t add any traction or pressure. It’s also a good idea to get adjustable headphones so you can try to increase the arch, which will lift the headphones off your head.

7. Change Your Hairstyle

So far, I’ve discussed the negative effects of excessive pulling on your hair, but excessive pushing can also cause hair loss. When you leave your hair to its own devices – messy, “bedhead” – you’re asking for trouble.

The headphones will have a natural pushing effect on curling hair beneath the band, which may cause hairs that are already weak to break or fall out.

8. Proper Headphone Hygiene Goes a Long Way

Up until I experienced ear pain from dirty in-ear headphones, I had never given this any thought. Your headphones, like anything else you use on a regular basis, require cleaning. Why not clean your headphones in the same manner that you clean your phone, iPad, and laptop keyboard?

Bacteria and viruses can build up on your headphones (and They can get into your ears, hair, and scalp (I shudder to imagine sharing headphones in public).

How Often Can I Wear My Headphones Without Causing Damage?

There is no set time limit for how long wearing headphones will cause hair loss. The risk of developing traction alopecia increases if you wear headphones for a significant portion of each day.

Tight-fitting headsets have been linked to traction alopecia in gamers who spend hours playing their games while wearing them, causing scalp irritation and hair loss.

Inquiring about their use of headphones while writing this article, I polled a Reddit community of gamers, and the vast majority of them claimed to wear headsets for at least four hours each day.

Despite wearing headsets for several hours a day, 90% of those who wore them said they had never experienced any difficulties or complications due to hair loss as a result of their headphones. As a result, the likelihood of hair loss from headphones seems to be extremely low, and the risk is negligible for the casual headphone user to be concerned about.

Closing Thoughts

I believe the entire post addressed your main question and the other ones as well. In conclusion, it is possible for headphones to result in traction alopecia. That is, if you use the headphones every day for longer than 2-3 hours and they are causing hair pulling.

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