A new study says there’s a direct link between alcohol and hair loss. L360 speaks to the experts to see if we need to give up the spicy margs.
Whether for vanity or health, there’s a definite increase in what’s being dubbed ‘sober-conscious living’. While heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to a number of health-related conditions, new research suggests that there’s a direct correlation between hair loss and alcohol consumption. The . It found a link between a high intake of alcoholic and sugary beverages, and hair loss.
But how much alcohol can we enjoy with dinner or over the weekend before it starts affecting our hair volume? And how do we really know if our hair loss is related to alcohol consumption at all? L360 investigates.
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Does alcohol cause hair loss?
Dr Anatalia Moore, an NHS GP and cosmetic dermatologist, tells Living360 that prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can indeed lead to hair loss. “This happens by leading to deficiencies in nutrients that are integral for general body health as well as hair growth,” she says. She adds the main nutrients that are impacted are zinc, iron, biotin, and vitamins D, A and B. It impacts hair growth as these are needed to produce keratin, from which the health of your hair is maintained.
She added that drinking alcohol can have a knock-on effect on what you eat. “Often the high calories that alcohol contains mean food is not desired as much and what is, isn’t necessarily the most nutrient dense.” On top of this, regular and excessive alcohol consumption can put significant stress on the body.
The good news is there’s no need to give up a glass of wine with dinner. Dr Manish Mittal, a hair transplant surgeon at Mittal Hair Clinic says, “Moderate drinking is unlikely to cause noticeable thinning.” The NHS guidelines advise not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. For reference, a 750ml bottle of red, white or rosé wine, with a 13.5 ABV contains 10 units. So, as long as your consumption levels are low to moderate, your hair shouldn’t be affected.
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How would I know if I’m losing hair due to alcohol consumption?
Dr Anatalia says any sudden or moderate hair loss should be discussed with a GP or a skin or hair clinician. “Hair loss can be caused by a combination of factors,” she says. Dr Manish adds that unlike genetic hair loss, which follows a patterned thinning (i.e. a receding hairline or thinning in one area), “Alcohol-related shedding is often more diffused across the scalp.”
He concurs that blood tests carried out by your GP or specialist can pick up on deficiencies in vitamins. Dr Anatalia adds that seeking the advice of a doctor will not only pinpoint the source of hair loss, but also support if excessive drinking is a regular occurrence.
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Which hair-loss remedies actually work?
The golden question, to which there’s no magic answer. The experts say keeping your scalp healthy and ensuring you have adequate nutrients in the body through a good diet and supplementation is key to good hair health. “A solid diet rich in iron, zinc and biotin is a must, and don’t sleep on scalp massages as they stimulate those sleepy follicles,” says Natasha Brown, a certified trichologist at 7even Clinic. She adds that whatever hair-loss remedy you opt for, such as minoxidil, microneedling or hair growth serums, the key is consistency.
As for a healthy scalp, Dr Anatalia says choosing skin nourishing ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids and niacinamide are great for maintaining skin health. “If you have itchy skin on your scalp, and are prone to other skin conditions, it’s so important to get a medical professional to check if there’s underlying scalp psoriasis or dermatitis,” she adds.
Feature image: Freepik
