When we think of baldness, “genetics” immediately comes to mind. If anyone in the family lost their hair, we assume it’s only a matter of time before we do too. But this view sees only a tiny piece of the bigger picture. Hair works just like a muscle: it grows stronger with use and weakens with neglect.
Think about the biggest difference between men and women. For thousands of years, women have grown their hair long, brushed it, braided it, and touched it. Men, on the other hand, kept their hair short or left it to the mercy of the elements because of hunting, warfare, and harsh conditions. Women’s hair follicles have been continuously nourished by care and gentle pulling, keeping blood flow alive. For men, this lack of attention caused their roots to grow lazy over time, leaving them defenseless against external factors.
They say long hair causes baldness. But think of a tree in nature: a tree that sways in a light breeze without deep roots will easily topple. But a tree that endures weight and storms is forced to strengthen its roots. The same applies to hair. Long hair places constant gravitational weight on the root. The weak roots that can’t handle this weight fall out. But the ones that survive thicken their surroundings and become stronger. In other words, long hair makes already strong roots even stronger.
So why does men’s hair fall out more than women’s? There are two distinct reasons: one psychological, the other physical.
The psychological reason: Because of the molds society imposes on them, men bottle up their emotions—they don’t cry, they don’t share their troubles. This multiplies their stress. Women get worn down just as much, perhaps even more. But women touch, brush, and caress their hair, and that alone is a form of relief. The man, on the other hand, dwells on his problems in his head but never actually touches his hair to relieve the tension. Stress hormones directly damage hair follicles, and men carry this burden without any release. To dwell on something in your head—literally, to “wear it on your mind”—is, in the most real sense, what causes hair to fall out.
The physical reason: Men wear skullcaps, conical hats, helmets, pûşi, turbans, beanies, and similar headgear on their heads. Of course, women also cover their heads at times, but the difference is that men often wear these items all day long, for years on end. These materials suffocate the scalp, increase sweating, and trap dirt and bacteria. Hair roots cannot breathe, and blood circulation slows down. Just as a plant separated from its natural environment withers and dries up, a scalp left without air and covered in grime cannot hold onto its hair.
All of this explains why men’s hair falls out more than women’s. But this is not destiny.
If men today grow their hair long, comb it regularly, and gently massage it, blood flow increases and roots strengthen. If they take off the things they put on their heads and let their scalps breathe, the skin rejuvenates. If they learn to talk instead of bottling up their troubles, stress decreases and hair roots relax.
What’s more, these habits get passed down to future generations through selection. Men with long, healthy hair are preferred more, and their genes continue. Within a few thousand years, baldness genes could become completely inactive.
The key is to keep the soil fertile. To regularly touch the scalp, keep it clean and breathable, and stimulate the roots. The care you show your hair is one of the deepest dialogues you can have with your body.
In conclusion: baldness is neither fate nor a curse. It is merely the reflection of a neglect inherited from our ancestors and our own habits. It is in our hands to change this legacy now. Touch your hair, grow it long, and don’t dwell on things—neither mentally nor physically. Your descendants will thank you.
Thanks.
