Losing weight is a significant achievement, but it can sometimes bring unexpected side effects, such as hair loss. This article explains why some people experience hair loss after weight loss and discusses ways to treat and prevent the issue. Hair loss after weight loss is a common occurrence that may be the result of stress on the body or nutrient deficiencies. Experts generally refer to this as telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium begins about 3 months after the initial weight loss.
Understanding the Link Between Weight Loss and Hair Loss
The link between weight loss and hair health is intricate. While losing weight is often celebrated, it's also important to recognize its potential impact on the body, including the health of the hair. Rapid or substantial weight loss can result in nutrient deficiencies, which are known to be triggers for hair loss. Hair follicles rely on essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamins to maintain healthy growth cycles. When these nutrients become scarce due to rapid weight loss, the hair follicles are unable to function optimally, leading to noticeable hair thinning or loss.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Hair loss after weight loss is often a temporary condition that occurs when a person loses weight through restrictive dieting or weight loss surgery. This type of hair loss is generally known as telogen effluvium, and it is a common cause of hair loss. Stress on the body or nutrient deficiencies may be the cause. Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss caused by a stressor or change to your body. Telogen effluvium (TE) is characterized by diffuse hair loss following stressful events such as childbirth, prolonged surgery or anesthesia, and severe febrile illnesses, as well as intentional or unintentional rapid weight loss. It typically occurs about 3-4 months after rapid weight loss and lasts for up to 6 months. Telogen effluvium begins about 3 months after the initial weight loss. The condition is usually the result of nutrient deficiencies that arise from severely restrictive dieting or weight loss surgery. It will generally resolve within about 6 months as the body adjusts to the weight loss.
Hair Growth Cycle
Your hair has three stages of growth and loss (shedding):
- Anagen (growth): This is the most active stage of your hair growth cycle. The cells in the lower part of a hair follicle rapidly divide. Once new hair has formed, it pushes the hair out of your follicle and elongates your hair shafts. A hair follicle can grow hair in the anagen stage for up to four years. Around 80% to 90% of your hair follicles are in the anagen stage at any given time.
- Catagen (resting): This is a transitional stage of your hair growth cycle. The lower portion of your hair follicle regresses and the hair stops growing. Around 5% of all hairs are in the catagen stage at any given time.
- Telogen (shedding): This is the resting stage of your hair growth cycle. The hair follicle is inactive, and there’s a white bulb of keratin at the root (club hair). The bulb of keratin keeps the hair in the follicle until it sheds, which then starts the hair growth cycle over again. Around 5% of all hairs are in the telogen stage at any given time.
Hair shafts undergo several cycles during their lifetime. These are as follows:
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- The anagen phase: This occurs when hair is growing and can last for several years.
- The catagen phase: This is a short transitional phase of a few weeks.
- The telogen phase: This is a rest phase of 3-4 months. At the end of this phase, the hair will fall out, and new hair will grow in the follicle.
Telogen effluvium affects your hair when it’s in the telogen stage. After a stressor or change to your body, up to 70% of your hair in the anagen stage prematurely enters the telogen phase, which causes hair loss. Hair loss happens when stress on the body triggers the hairs to stop growing and enter the catagen phase too early. They will go on to the telogen phase and fall out prematurely.
Acute vs. Chronic Telogen Effluvium
- Acute telogen effluvium lasts fewer than six months, and your hair loss tends to happen two to three months after a stressor or change to your body. In 95% of cases, acute telogen effluvium goes away (resolves).
- Chronic telogen effluvium lasts longer than six months. It affects your entire scalp and may not have a clear cause. You may lose your hair in handfuls during the early stages of chronic telogen effluvium, but it won’t cause total baldness.
Who is Affected?
Anyone can develop telogen effluvium. However, your chances of developing chronic telogen effluvium without a detectable cause increase if you’re a woman and are between 30 and 60 years of age. Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of rapid hair loss. It’s also one of the most common causes of hair loss in women.
How Telogen Effluvium Affects the Body
Telogen effluvium causes hairs to enter the resting stage from the growing stage prematurely. Most people who are healthy lose up to 100 strands of hair per day. If you have telogen effluvium, you may lose up to 300 strands of hair per day. Telogen effluvium may affect the hair all over your scalp, but it most commonly appears on the top of your head rather than the back or sides of your head. It usually won’t affect your hairline or cause total baldness, but severe cases of telogen effluvium may affect other areas of your body, including your eyebrows and body hair. Occasionally, the hair-thinning can mimic male- or female-pattern hair loss. Telogen effluvium has heavy shedding and rapid loss. Male- and female-pattern hair loss has slow thinning.
Telogen effluvium won’t affect your physical health, but it can affect you psychosocially (how society and social groups affect your thoughts and emotions) and psychologically (how you think about yourself and your behavior). Experiencing joy from achieving weight loss goals can quickly turn to concern when you notice your hair thinning noticeably. Many people find themselves frustrated and anxious about losing their hair after intense diet regimes.
Causes of Hair Loss Related to Diet and Weight Loss
Several factors contribute to hair loss during weight loss, including crash dieting, restrictive diets, and weight loss surgeries.
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Crash Dieting
The link between crash dieting and hair loss has been documented in research as far back as the 1970s. Your hair needs adequate calories and nutrients to grow properly. So, when your body doesn’t receive what it needs, side effects like hair loss can occur. Many studies have linked hair loss to rapid weight loss, calorie restriction, nutrient deficiencies, and psychological stress - all commonly in people who are following crash diets. For example, a 2015 study in 180 women with diffuse hair loss found that the most common causes of hair loss were iron deficiency and psychological stress. In eight of the cases, crash diets were the cause. Poorly planned diets, such as crash diets, can lead to deficiencies in essential fatty acids, zinc, protein, and overall calories, all of which can lead to hair loss.
Very Low Protein Diets
Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are essential for hair growth. That’s because amino acids are necessary for the production of keratin, the main structural protein of hair. Protein malnutrition - when your body doesn’t get enough protein - can result in hair loss. Thus, if you’re following a low calorie weight loss diet that doesn’t contain enough protein, you may experience hair loss as a result. When your protein needs aren’t met, your body prioritizes important protein-dependent functions like tissue repair, digestion, pH and water balance regulation, and hormone production. Because hair growth isn’t essential to keep you alive, hair loss may occur. Additionally, deficiencies in specific amino acids, such as histidine, leucine, valine, and cysteine, are common in people with hair loss. In a study in 100 people with hair loss, researchers observed histidine and leucine deficiencies in large percentages of participants across several types of alopecia, including androgenic alopecia and TE. The study also found that valine and cysteine deficiencies were common among the participants.
Weight Loss Surgeries
Weight loss surgery is associated with rapid weight loss and commonly causes deficiencies in protein, vitamins, and/or minerals, which in turn can spark hair loss. For example, a 2018 study that included 50 people who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach, observed hair loss in 56% of the participants. Hair loss was more common in women. Notably, the participants with hair loss had much lower levels of zinc and vitamin B12 both before and after surgery. In a 2020 study in 112 women who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy, 72% of participants experienced hair loss after surgery. In 79% of those who reported hair loss, the loss started 3-4 months after surgery and lasted an average of 5.5 months. In addition to reducing stomach capacity, some types of weight loss surgery allow food to bypass part of the intestines, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and increasing the risk for deficiencies.
Restrictive Diets
Just like crash diets, restrictive diets that cut out entire food groups can cause hair loss as a result of nutrient deficiency or stress. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, protein, selenium, and essential fatty acids have all been linked to hair loss. Very low calorie diets have been shown to cause hair loss as well. Major stress, which sometimes comes along with restrictive dieting, has also been linked to hair loss.
The Quantitative Relationship Between TE and Weight Loss
TE induced by weight loss occurred at a mean percentage of weight loss of approximately 15.21% or a mean rate of weight loss of approximately 3.54 kg/month. Women and older adults are especially vulnerable to TE, even if the degree of weight loss is not more severe than in men and young adults.
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A retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed with TE induced by weight loss in our institution, between June 2006 and March 2021. This study enrolled 140 patients with TE, of whom 30 were men and 110 were women, with a mean age of 34.57±13.89 years. The mean weight loss percentage was 15.21±7.18% and mean weight loss rate was 3.54±2.85 kg/months. The mean weight loss rate in men (5.03±3.92 kg/month) was significantly faster than that in women (3.14±2.35 kg/month) (p=0.026). The mean weight loss percentage was mostly higher in 10’s and became significantly smaller with age (p=0.004).
Diagnosis of Hair Loss
Before making a diagnosis, your doctor will likely give you a physical exam and ask about your diet, your hair care routine, and your medical and family history.
- Blood test.
- Pull test: Your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs to see how many come out.
- Scalp biopsy: Your doctor scrapes samples from the skin or from a few hairs plucked from the scalp to examine the hair roots under a microscope.
- Light microscopy: Your doctor uses a special instrument to examine hairs trimmed at their bases.
Treatment Options
Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year.
Medication
If your hair loss is caused by an underlying disease, treatment for that disease will be necessary. Medications are available to treat pattern (hereditary) baldness.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. To be most effective, apply the product to the scalp skin once daily for women and twice daily for men. Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both. It'll take at least six months of treatment to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth. It may take a few more months to tell whether the treatment is working for you.
- Finasteride (Propecia): This is a prescription drug for men. You take it daily as a pill. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show new hair growth. It may take a few months to tell whether it's working for you. You'll need to keep taking it to retain any benefits. Rare side effects of finasteride include diminished sex drive and sexual function and an increased risk of prostate cancer.
- Other medications: In the most common type of permanent hair loss, only the top of the head is affected. During a hair transplant procedure, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon removes hair from a part of the head that has hair and transplants it to a bald spot. Each patch of hair has one to several hairs (micrografts and minigrafts). Sometimes a larger strip of skin containing multiple hair groupings is taken. This procedure doesn't require hospitalization, but it is painful so you'll be given a sedation medicine to ease any discomfort. Possible risks include bleeding, bruising, swelling and infection. You may need more than one surgery to get the effect you want.
Laser Therapy
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a low-level laser device as a treatment for hereditary hair loss in men and women. A few small studies have shown that it improves hair density.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
You might want to try various hair care methods to find one that makes you feel better about how you look. For example, use styling products that add volume, color your hair, choose a hairstyle that makes a widening part less noticeable. Use wigs or extensions, or shave your head. Talk with a hair stylist for ideas.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing hair fall while losing weight requires a combination of proper nutrition, scalp care, and healthy habits.
Gradual Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss places immense stress on the body, often leading to temporary hair loss. Losing weight slowly-1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) per week-helps your body adjust, reducing the likelihood of hair loss.
Improve Diet and Nutrition
When considering the impact of diet and hydration on hair health, it’s easy to overlook their significant influence. Protein, a crucial component of our hair structure, plays an essential role in maintaining healthy locks. Ensuring that your diet includes foods rich in protein such as lean meats, legumes, and nuts is fundamental in supporting new hair growth and fortifying existing strands. Protein acts as the building blocks for new hair, nurturing the growth of follicles and maintaining their strength, flexibility, and resilience. Adding iron-rich foods to your diet is also vital for promoting healthy hair growth. Iron enables red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body, including the scalp, thereby contributing to robust hair health. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C facilitates better iron absorption. Therefore, incorporating vitamin C-rich sources such as oranges or bell peppers into your meals alongside iron-rich components can significantly enhance the benefits for your hair health. In addition to protein and iron, biotin and vitamin E are also vital nutrients that contribute to overall hair health. Found in foods like eggs, seeds, and avocados, these nutrients support keratin production and promote scalp circulation.
Look for:
- shellfish
- seeds
- nuts
- eggs
- dairy
- legumes
- spinach
- quinoa
- turkey
- broccol
- fish
- cashews
- chicken
Hydration
Sufficient hydration is equally critical for healthy hair. Adequate water intake ensures that essential nutrients are effectively transported to the hair follicles, preventing dryness and brittleness in both your hair and scalp. Proper hydration maintains scalp health, promoting optimal circulation-an environment conducive to healthy hair growth. Whether it’s increasing protein intake or ensuring consistent hydration throughout the day, implementing these dietary adjustments can significantly impact maintaining healthy hair while counteracting potential loss resulting from weight loss efforts.
Tips for Stress Reduction
Stress can significantly impact our overall well-being, including our hair health. High levels of stress trigger the production of cortisol, a hormone that disrupts the natural hair growth cycle. One effective way to combat stress is through mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga. Engaging in these activities can help lower cortisol levels in the body, reducing the negative impact of stress on hair growth. By taking time to focus on breathing and being present in the moment, you’re giving your body a chance to relax and unwind, creating an environment conducive to healthy hair growth. Meditation is a powerful tool that allows you to train your mind and develop a deep sense of calm. Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine cultivates mental resilience and equips you with the ability to manage stressful situations more effectively. Another effective method for reducing stress is through regular exercise. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These endorphins can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, providing a natural mood boost while indirectly contributing to maintaining healthy hair.
Scalp and Hair Care Tips
Caring for your scalp and hair is essential in preventing hair loss, especially during weight loss or its aftermath.
- Gentle Hair Care: For those experiencing hair loss, maintaining a healthy scalp and hair routine is essential. Using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners can make a significant difference as these products are milder and won’t strip away essential oils from your scalp Incorporating Nutrafol supplements can provide your body with the necessary nutrients to support hair growth from within, targeting the root causes of thinning hair. In addition, Nutrafol’s microbiome shampoo and conditioner are designed to promote a balanced scalp environment, enhancing overall hair health. These products nourish the hair follicles while strengthening strands, making them an excellent addition to your daily regimen. Together, they can help rejuvenate your hair and scalp, fostering a fuller, healthier appearance.
- Regular Scalp Massages: Giving yourself a scalp massage and using hair oils like Nutrafol’s hair serum for men or women can significantly enhance scalp health by providing essential nutrients and hydration, promoting a balanced environment for optimal hair growth. Many find scalp massages to be quite relaxing.
- Limit Heat and Chemical Treatments: Overuse of heat styling tools like hair dryers and straighteners or chemical treatments like dyes and perms can worsen hair loss, especially during weight loss when the body may already be under stress. Embracing natural hairstyles occasionally instead of relying solely on heat-styling tools can provide relief to your tresses.
Essential Vitamins and Supplements
Incorporating essential vitamins into your daily routine is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Vitamins such as biotin, vitamin D, and zinc play vital roles in hair growth and follicle health, helping to strengthen strands and prevent further loss. Nutrafol supplements for men and women are specifically formulated to address the unique needs of each gender, providing a blend of natural ingredients that target the underlying causes of hair thinning. These supplements combine botanical extracts, vitamins, and minerals designed to improve hair health from the inside out. What sets Nutrafol apart is its focus on addressing multiple factors affecting hair health, such as stress, hormonal changes, and environmental influences. Each capsule contains a proprietary blend of adaptogens and other key ingredients that work synergistically to promote scalp circulation and nourish hair follicles. This holistic approach not only supports hair growth but also enhances overall well-being. By integrating Nutrafol supplements into your daily routine, you can create a strong foundation for vibrant, healthy hair.
Monitoring Progress and Adjustments
Keeping track of your hair health after weight loss is crucial for making informed decisions about your regimen. One effective method is keeping a hair health journal. This journal will help you document any changes in your diet, hair care routine, and supplements you’re taking. By tracking these factors alongside any alterations in hair density and overall condition, you can identify trends or patterns that may be affecting your hair health.
Consultation with Professionals
Seeking guidance from a reputable source like Utah Hair Restoration is paramount for tailored treatments that combat hair loss due to weight loss. The experts at Utah Hair MD offer personalized advice and treatments specific to your unique needs. These specialists combine their expertise with modern advancements in hair restoration to provide comprehensive solutions personalized for each individual’s journey. By consulting with professionals at Utah Hair Restoration, you can gain access to advanced treatment options tailored to address the root cause of your post-weight-loss hair loss concerns. Taking charge of your post-weight-loss hair health requires diligence but the rewards are invaluable. Consultation with professionals and consistent monitoring will equip you with the necessary tools to nourish and rejuvenate your hair back to its former glory.
Key Considerations
- Impact of Sudden vs. Gradual Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss places immense stress on the body, often leading to temporary hair loss. Gradual Weight Loss: Losing weight slowly-1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) per week-helps your body adjust, reducing the likelihood of hair loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies are one of the primary causes of hair loss during weight loss.
- Scalp Massages: Scalp massages improve blood circulation, delivering more nutrients to hair follicles and encouraging hair regrowth.
- Time for Regrowth: Regrowing thicker hair takes time.
Addressing Common Questions
- How does weight loss affect hair growth? Weight loss can have an impact on hair growth due to various reasons. Firstly, crash dieting or extreme calorie restriction can lead to nutritional deficiencies that affect hair health. Additionally, rapid weight loss can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to shedding and thinning. Maintaining a balanced diet and gradual weight loss are crucial for healthy hair growth during weight loss journeys.
- Can exercise impact hair growth during weight loss? Yes, exercise can impact hair growth during weight loss. Regular physical activity increases blood circulation and delivery of nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Additionally, exercise helps reduce stress levels, which is another common cause of hair loss. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have healthier and thicker hair compared to sedentary individuals. So, incorporating exercise into your weight loss journey can have a positive impact on your hair growth.
- Are there any specific diets or nutrients that can help prevent hair loss during weight loss? Yes, certain diets and nutrients can help prevent hair loss during weight loss. A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins (especially vitamin D and E), iron, and biotin has been found to promote healthy hair growth. Consuming foods like lean meats, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the necessary nutrients for strong and vibrant hair. Studies have shown that a deficiency in these nutrients can lead to hair loss, so incorporating them into your weight loss diet can positively impact your hair health.
- What are the common causes of hair loss during weight loss? The common causes of hair loss during weight loss include nutritional deficiencies, sudden changes in calorie intake, and hormonal imbalances. When individuals restrict their caloric intake for weight loss purposes, they may not consume enough essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin, which are crucial for hair health. Sudden weight loss can also trigger hormonal imbalances that disrupt the hair growth cycle.
- Are there any natural remedies or treatments for hair loss caused by weight loss? Yes, there are several natural remedies and treatments that can help combat hair loss caused by weight loss. A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals promotes hair growth. Additionally, incorporating essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 found in fish oil or flaxseed oil, strengthens hair follicles. Regular scalp massages stimulate blood circulation and provide nourishment to the hair roots. Studies have shown that herbal supplements like saw palmetto and ginseng can also inhibit hair thinning and promote regrowth.