Hangzhou, China — Thailand’s national breakingdancing team made waves at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, as they opened up about a lesser-known challenge that comes with their sport – hair loss. As breaking, commonly known as breakdancing, made its debut at the Asian Games this year, team members revealed some of the unique difficulties they face in their pursuit of excellence.
During a discussion on the kind of support performers need, the team pointed out the lack of proper training facilities in Thailand, which forces them to practice in parks or shopping malls. However, one team member, Kantapon Rodsaart, raised another pressing issue – hair loss.
“I have to wear a hat while dancing to protect my hair because it’s thin. The more I dance, especially on a rough floor, the more my hair falls out. So, I would like to ask for support or sponsorship for hair treatment,” Kantapon shared with a touch of humor. Despite the laughter from him and his teammates, the issue of hair loss is indeed a genuine concern.
Kantapon went on to emphasize the significance of this issue, stating, “I am serious about this; it would boost my confidence. Currently, I have to wear two hats. If I don’t wear it, you will see a shine from my head.”
A study published in the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science earlier this year highlighted a unique form of alopecia, often referred to as “headspin hole” or “breakdancer overuse syndrome,” specifically associated with breakdancers. The study found that individuals who practiced more than three headspin sessions a week were significantly more likely to experience hair loss. It also noted that breakdancers were less inclined to seek medical assistance for this issue.
The debut of breakdancing at the Asian Games in Hangzhou comes less than a year before it becomes an official Olympic sport in Paris next year. The talented B-Boys and B-Girls, as the performers are known, competed in front of a panel of judges and a captivated audience.
Japan’s Shigeyuki Nakarai secured the gold medal in the men’s category, while China’s Liu Qingyi took home the gold in the women’s category.
In response to this unique challenge, Kantapon took to Facebook to share a clip of his media interview with the caption, “I’ll keep sharing until a sponsor appears,” indicating his quest for sponsorship for hair treatment and a laughing emoji. The issue highlights the often-unseen challenges faced by athletes in various sports, emphasizing the need for support and solutions beyond the traditional confines of their disciplines.