Which men's headgear spoils hair the most.

 When it comes to keeping your hair healthy in the winter months, selecting the right headgear is essential. The esteemed trichologists at the Cleveland Clinic in the United States conducted a series of studies that revealed that the type of hat a man chooses depends on the current condition of his hair and the extent of baldness. In fact, male pattern baldness tends to originate in either the frontal or occipitotemporal region, and the wrong type of headgear can exacerbate the problem.

For instance, knitted hats, which align with the hairline, can put significant pressure on the root zone and hasten hair loss at a premature age. However, wearing a knitted hat below the hair growth line can help avoid this issue. Trichologists recommend that a knitted cap should fit snugly to the hair without squeezing the scalp, and it's best to choose an appropriate size hat that's made from wool with no more than 5-7% acrylic for optimal results.

Yoram Benita, a senior trichologist at the Hair Clinic in Tel Aviv, cautions against synthetic hats as they tend to provoke male alopecia. The skin beneath synthetic hats doesn't breathe, and allergic reactions and seborrhea frequently develop, which can lead to hair brittleness and loss. Nevertheless, if it's freezing outside and you don't have any other headgear available, it's preferable to wear a synthetic hat rather than exposing your head to frigid temperatures. Just be sure to take off your hat and seek warmth once you're indoors.

While men once loved wearing large fur hats, they created a greenhouse effect that damaged their hair. Many even kept their hats on for hours indoors, resulting in hair loss in the parietal area. A modern hat with artificial fur ear flaps is a great alternative as long as you only wear it outside and clean it regularly to eliminate sebum and dandruff.

Trichologists have also observed that if a man has long hair that he ties up in a ponytail, he should select a hat that covers the entire front part of his hair. The health of the hair follicles determines the condition of all the hair, and brittle hair caused by hypothermia pales in comparison to baldness. While split and brittle hair can be treated with cosmetic procedures, it's impossible to restore hair that has already fallen out.

Another type of headgear that trichologists criticize is military-style caps. The synthetic band inside the cap is even worse for your hair than a synthetic winter hat. Additionally, military personnel must wear headgear throughout the year, and only the winter uniforms include wool caps that are suitable for the hair.

The general recommendation for men seeking to protect their hair in the winter is to select headgear made from natural materials that fits them properly. When you're indoors or on public transit, let your head "breathe" by removing your hat, and avoid wearing a hat all day. Moreover, don't apply hair care products before going outside in freezing temperatures while wearing a hat. Maintaining beautiful hair is a testament to a man's self-care, and the headgear he chooses plays an important role in preserving his hair's health.