Men from all walks of life could be affected by male pattern hair loss. So, if you’ve recently started noticing that your hair is thinning, then you’ve probably already begun your research into the potential causes. Something that people often wonder is whether there’s a relationship between alcohol consumption and hair loss. Below, we explain what the science tells us and whether there are any links between how much you drink and the health of your hair.
Alcohol’s influence on hair loss
There is no scientific substance to the claim that normal levels of alcohol consumption contribute to male pattern baldness or any other hair loss condition for that matter. So, a couple of beers with your friends or the occasional glass of wine with dinner won’t make your hair fall out. Still, excessive drinking might contribute to the deterioration of the health of your hair, so it’s important to be sensible as far as drinking alcohol is concerned.
Alcohol and nutritional deficiencies
Studies have shown that drinking alcohol in excess can reduce the digestive enzymes released by your pancreas. For some men, this can influence the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, which can have a knock-on effect on hair health. This is because your hair is reliant on Vitamins A, B12, C, D, and E, to grow successfully. If your body cannot successfully absorb and benefit from these nutrients, the quality of your hair could be impacted.
Still, it’s important to note that no evidence currently exists to support the claim that male pattern baldness is caused by nutritional deficiencies. Instead, if nutrient deficiency is the cause of your hair falling out, it’s likely that you’re suffering from a condition called telogen effluvium, also known as hair shedding. This alters the coverage of your scalp and may even cause your hair to lose some of its thickness.
Smoking and hair loss
Smoking cigarettes can impact various aspects of your health, whether you smoke infrequently or daily. One study discovered that smokers are more at risk of premature greying and hair loss, which is likely caused by the effect that smoking has on the structure of your DNA. So, whether you’re a social smoker or have a daily habit, now is the ideal time to stop smoking, particularly if you’re concerned about the health of your hair.
Other causes of male pattern hair loss
Although alcohol may influence the health of your hair, it’s not actually one of the leading causes of male pattern hair loss. Most men who suffer from hair loss do so because of a genetic predisposition to the hormone DHT, which binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink. When compared to the damage caused by DHT, the role that alcohol consumption plays in hair loss is minimal.
The best way to treat hair loss
Minoxidil and Finasteride are the only two medications that have been scientifically proven to treat male pattern hair loss. Sons’ hair loss treatments combine Finasteride and Minoxidil to good effect and are successful for around 90% of men. Whether you opt to treat hair loss with products in isolation or opt for a non-prescription combo plan, you can take your first steps towards a healthier head of hair today.
