Sharing a hat this winter? Stop now, it may cause infections, trigger hair loss

New Delhi: As the temperatures drop and winter layers come out, a surprising habit could quietly put people at risk. According to specialists, borrowing someone else’s hat—something many of us do without a second thought—may expose wearers to a troublesome and highly contagious scalp infection that can also trigger hair loss.

During the festive season, hat sharing becomes even more common. Office parties, school events, and gatherings are full of Santa hats passed around for photos and fun. But Sam Cinkir, CEO of the Este Medical Group, warns that this simple gesture can have unpleasant consequences for the scalp.

The main concern is scalp ringworm, a fungal condition misleadingly named, as it involves no actual worms. The infection typically shows up as round, itchy patches, often accompanied by redness, flaking, and in more stubborn cases, temporary bald spots. Although children are particularly prone to it, adults are by no means immune. In fact, experts estimate that a significant portion of the population will deal with it at some point in their lives.

Cinkir explains that the infection spreads easily through items that come in contact with the head—towels, combs, pillowcases, hairbrushes, and yes, hats. Now, because fungi thrive in enclosed, warm environments, winter accessories can make room for them to thrive better and move from person to person. On the bright side, though, scalp ringworm is usually treated with specialised shampoos or antifungal medication. But delaying treatment increases the chances of more visible hair loss, which can take weeks or months to reverse. For that reason, Cinkir urges people to be cautious rather than dismissive.

Barbers across the country have also raised concerns, reporting more cases of ringworm among young men. Some attribute this rise to the popularity of close-cut "skin fade” hairstyles combined with poorly sanitized clippers. When the scalp is nicked or irritated, it becomes more vulnerable to infections.

Cinkir emphasizes that catching the infection early makes all the difference. He advises avoiding scratching—no matter how tempting—as this can spread the fungus to other parts of the body. Anything that touches the scalp, from pillowcases to hats, should be washed promptly. And if symptoms appear, a GP can confirm the diagnosis, often by examining the affected area or taking a small skin sample. His simplest piece of advice for winter: keep your hat to yourself. A little caution can spare you a great deal of irritation—and possibly your hair.