Are Streamers More Prone to Hair Loss?

Streaming on platforms like Twitch has become immensely popular over the last few years. Instead of watching TV, younger demographics of people are tuning into their favourite personalities playing video games or just chatting with their stream. In August 2022 alone, Twitch had 1.2 billion visits. 

The interactive and extensive relationship between streamers and their audience means that all kinds of topics can be explored, including hair loss. Here we will analyse how streamers may be more likely to lose their hair and look at some current examples.

Summary

1. What Could Contribute to Streamer Hair Loss?
2. Trainwreckstv and Traction Alopecia
3. Mizkif and Telogen Effluvium
4. Conclusion

What Could Contribute to Streamer Hair Loss?

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Nutrient Deficiency

The extended streaming sessions and need for high energy interactions can cause a negative impact on diet and lifestyle. Streamers may be inside for long periods of time, not getting enough nutrients such as vitamin D from sunshine. Their diets can also be effected if they don’t have time for a nutritious meal during long streams or the consumption of harmful energy drinks. 

Nutrient deficiencies can result in hair loss as the body needs to prioritise what stores it has, and hair growth is not considered a vital function. Hair loss due to nutrient deficiency is temporary and is known as telogen effluvium. It can be resolved by ensuring your body has the right amount of vitamins and minerals from a healthy diet and exercise.

Stress

Another short term cause of hair loss which streamers may be prone to is stress. This is also known as telogen effluvium and usually presents itself 3 months after an inciting incident. The stress of streaming for long periods of time and needing to ensure your income through subscriptions can cause hair loss. 

While it may be confusing why the hair may fall out weeks or months after a period of stress has subsided, the hair will typically regrow on its own within 6–12 months as long as the stressors have been mitigated. Consistent stress then can cause prolonged hair loss unless it is under control.

Trainwreckstv and Traction Alopecia

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A more niche form of hair loss which Twitch streamer Trainwreckstv encountered live on stream is traction alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by persistent pulling on the hair, causing tension between the strand and the root. It’s most often seen in women and men who wear tight hairstyles, the persistent and extended use of headphones may also contribute to this type of hair loss. 

Streamers are frequently seen wearing large headphones with a band which connects the ear muffs together over the top of their head. The pressure that this band exerts on the hair may be the cause of hair loss. That’s why Tyler Faraz Nikam, also known as Trainwreckstv, may have inadvertently showed his audience his bald spot that his headphones usually cover. 

Treatment

While it may also be as a result of hereditary hair loss, the appearance of the concentrated bald spot with no thinning or receding hair surrounding it makes it more likely that it is a different type of hair loss. As Nikam reports, he decided to start taking topical hair growth product Rogaine in order to combat the bald spot.

Mizkif and Telogen Effluvium

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Telogen effluvium can be caused for a number of reasons, and it can be difficult to pin down exactly what may be the issue. Streamer Mizkif revealed on stream that he noticed he was losing a lot of hair lately. 

While people typically lose 50–100 hairs a day, the streamer reported that just from running his hand through his hair, he could count about 30 hairs falling out. What’s more, he said there was further shedding he was noticing in the shower and the number of hairs seems to be cause for concern. Initially, as you can see in the video below, he wonders if it could be stress causing his hair loss. 

Treatment

However, he does reveal that he recently started taking antidepressants, which his chat confirmed could likely be the cause of his sudden hair loss. Certain medications can have an impact on hair growth and Mizkif jokes “you’re telling me I have to choose between antidepressants and going bald, can I really not just win?”. 

Thankfully there are options for those on medications such as antidepressants, as there are a variety of types which you can discuss with your doctor to find the right one for you to balance the side effects with the effectiveness.

Conclusion

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The openness of these streamers in talking about their hair loss is a great indication of the normalisation of speaking on these issues. There can be a variety of causes of hair loss for those in the streaming community, and their candour in talking about the topic can help others to face their own hair loss and find an effective solution.

Are you suffering from hair loss and looking for a permanent solution? Contact one of our experts today in order to find out how you can get a hair transplant, so you can leave your hair loss worries behind.