‘You are what you eat.’ We’ve all heard that old saying, but how does it apply to the health of your hair? Can your dietary choices lead to hair loss? Can they counter it? Reverse it? 

The primary causes of hair loss are genetics, hormonal dysregulation, hypothyroidism, tension on the hair (tension alopecia), scalp trauma, infection and dietary factors such as nutrient deficiencies. 

Micronutrient deficiencies can have an effect on the health of your hair. To understand why let’s have a look at what our hair is actually made of. Hair consists of two main structures — the hair shaft, which is what you see, and the hair follicle, which is hidden underneath the skin. Hair grows from the hair follicle.

The average growth rate for human hair is typically around 0.35 mm per day. Meanwhile, the average scalp sheds about 100 hairs per day, which can increase with hair care practices like excessive shampooing and forceful brushing.

Hair follicles are highly active and sensitive structures. The fact that hair follicles are among the most rapidly dividing cells in the human body, explains why nutrient deficiencies can negatively affect hair growth.

Below are some essential nutrients for maintaining healthy hair growth:

Iron – Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world and can cause hair loss.

The result of iron deficiency is telogen effluvium (TE), that is hair loss marked by a disruption in the normal growth cycle. This leads to hair loss through excessive shedding. Laboratory studies have shown that those who suffer from hair loss tend to have lower than average iron levels in their blood.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D plays an important role in healthy hair growth. Vitamin D levels are lower in people with certain hair loss conditions, particularly female pattern hair loss. Vitamin D supplements may encourage hair regrowth resulting from a vitamin deficiency, but are of no use in treating genetically caused hair loss.

Zinc – The mineral zinc plays an important role in protein synthesis and cellular division, both processes are essential to healthy hair growth. Zinc is a necessary mineral for hair follicle function and helps protect against follicle shrinkage and promote recovery of damaged hair. 

Other nutrients that may affect hair loss include: biotin, vitamin B12, folate, and riboflavin.

If you think that you may be experiencing hair loss due to a nutrient deficiency, taking a daily multivitamin may help. Hair restoration shampoos like GroMD are highly recommended for daily use. If symptoms persist then consult a medical professional for further guidance.

It is important to remember that most hair loss in men is caused by genetic factors. Vitamins will not cure male pattern baldness. The only 100% effective treatment of which is FUE or FUT hair transplant surgery. Dr. Yazdan of Modena Hair Institute is a seasoned professional in the field of hair restoration and your surest path to the head of hair you want – and deserve! 

If you want to explore a hair loss solution with a 100% effectiveness rate or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the merits of different hair loss treatments, please contact us at Modena Hair Institute today for more information. At Modena Hair Institute we pride ourselves on consistently providing our patients with the highest standard of custom hair restoration treatment available, directly tailored to their individual needs. Dr. Yazdan is eagerly awaiting your visit or digital consultation. Contact us today!

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.