Females who are fond of brushing their hair may be more at risk of hair loss, it has been claimed.

An article in the Irish Independent addressed common myths pertaining to thinning hair and noted that this particular old wives' tale is true.

"Too much brushing may cause injury, leading to loss of hair," it stated, adding that certain styles can also contribute.

Tight plaits, ponytails and corn rows are particularly damaging, the news provider explained, as well as winding hair too tightly around heated rollers.

Legends dispelled by the paper included hats being a cause of hair loss and improving blood circulation boosting hair growth.

Neither of these are true, it commented, as is the rumour that washing one's head in cold water every morning will help.

Hair loss was described as a symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome by Dr Christian Pope earlier this month in an article for SouthCoastToday.com.

Posted by George Watson