Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved drinks, known for its ability to wake us up, energise us and make us feel positive. But could our beloved coffee be causing hair loss?
It’s a question many people have asked and one that the internet has plenty of opinions on. It may seem counterintuitive that the same energy-boosting beverage we rely on for an afternoon pick-me-up could be responsible for our hair falling out, but there is some evidence to suggest that this could be the case.
A study published in the Journal of Dermatology in 2019 explored the link between caffeine intake and the onset of androgenetic alopecia – a common form of hereditary hair loss, otherwise known as male pattern baldness. The results showed that men who consumed more than 500 milligrams of caffeine per day had a significantly higher incidence of hair loss, with more severe patterns of baldness.
The findings show a correlation between caffeine intake and hair loss, but do not indicate a direct causal relationship. However, there are several theories which could explain why caffeine may be contributing to hair loss. For instance, coffee is a diuretic and can cause increased levels of dehydration which can weaken the hair follicles, making them more prone to damage or shedding.
Coffee is also a very acidic drink and has been shown to increase stress levels, both of which could play a role in decreasing the rate of hair growth and causing hair loss. Caffeine has also been linked to worsening thyroid conditions which can also lead to hair loss.
It’s important to note that there is no definitive answer as to whether coffee causes hair loss, but the evidence does suggest that it is a potential risk factor that should be taken into consideration. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, advises that if you’re already experiencing hair loss, it might be sensible to cut back on your coffee consumption in order to minimise the risk.
Does Your Diet impact Hair Loss?
When it comes to hair loss the role of diet is often overlooked, yet the foods we choose to eat can have a huge impact on our hair health. Eating a balanced diet which includes plenty of leafy greens, healthy fats, nuts, fruit and protein can go a long way in promoting healthy hair growth and reducing the risk of any excessive shedding. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, zinc, selenium and biotin are all essential for healthy hair, so it’s important to make sure you’re consuming enough of these in order to maintain the health of your hair.
In addition to eating a healthy, balanced diet, it is also important to be mindful of which foods you are avoiding. For example, processed and sugary foods can increase the levels of inflammation in the body and weaken the hair follicles, making them more prone to damage. Likewise, alcohol and cigarettes can also have a negative effect on hair health and have been linked to hair loss.
Though it’s impossible to say for certain what will cause hair loss as everyone is different, it’s important to ensure that your diet is as nutritious and balanced as possible in order to support healthy hair growth and reduce the risk of any excessive shedding.
Medication and Hair Loss
Certain medications can also lead to hair loss, either as an unintended side effect or as the result of a medical condition. Many drugs used to treat conditions such as depression and high blood pressure have been linked to hair loss, along with some medications used to treat cancer and arthritis. It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication you’re taking and to speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about any unusual hair loss.
In some cases hair loss can be reversed when the medication is stopped or changed, while in other cases the damage is permanent. It is always a good idea to discuss any hair loss with your doctor in order to get to the root cause and make sure it is not a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Hair loss Treatments
There are many treatments available that can help to reduce or reverse hair loss, depending on the cause. For example, hair shedding caused by hormonal imbalances can be treated with medication, while hair loss caused by a deficiency in nutrition or vitamin levels can be reversed with supplements or fortified foods.
Many medical treatments are available which claim to restore hair growth, such as laser therapy, scalp micropigmentation, hair implants and hair transplants. These treatments typically involve using specialized procedures aimed at stimulating the growth of existing hair follicles.
If you’re experiencing excessive hair loss it’s always a good idea to seek medical advice in order to get to the root cause. Your doctor may be able to recommend the best course of action to take in order to treat the condition and reduce the risk of any further hair loss.
Can Natural Home Remedies Help?
In addition to seeking medical advice, there are many natural home remedies that have been used as treatments for hair loss. Natural ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil have been known to help strengthen the hair follicles and promote hair growth, while many citrus and antioxidant rich fruits have been shown to improve scalp health.
It’s important to note that these home remedies are not always effective and further medical advice should be sought if the hair loss persists. However, the use of natural remedies is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of their potential benefits.
Do Hair extensions Impact Hair Loss?
Hair extensions, when fitted and maintained properly, can be a great way to add length and volume to your hair without having to wait months for it to grow out, however using them can also have a negative effect on your hair health.
Tightly fitted hair extensions can pull the hair follicles and cause them to break, leading to excessive shedding and thinning of the hair. In some cases, hair loss can even become permanent if the scalp and follicles are damaged beyond repair.
Hair extensions can be a great way to instantly transform your look, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and to make sure the extensions are fitted by an experienced stylist. It’s also important to keep the extensions clean and to avoid wearing them for more than 8-12 hours per day, as this will help minimize the risk of any hair loss.
Conclusion
Though there are many potential causes of hair loss, it is always a good idea to take steps to reduce the risk where possible, such as drinking coffee in moderation, eating a balanced diet, avoiding medications which may contribute to hair loss and being careful when using hair extensions.
It can be very distressing to experience hair loss, so if you’re concerned it is always a good idea to speak to a doctor who can advise you on the best course of action and provide treatment if needed.
