Can Fast Food Cause Hair Loss?
06 / 15 / 21

Can Fast Food Cause Hair Loss?

The health of your hair is affected by many factors, including genetics, the environment, and medical conditions. However, it is nutrition that plays the largest role in how well your hair grows. Like every other system in your body, hair needs certain nutrients in adequate amounts for proper growth. There's no doubt that what you eat matters, but there's one burning question. Can eating fast food cause hair loss? This is your guide to fast food's role in hair loss and the nutrients needed to support healthy hair growth.

Fast Food's Role in Hair Loss

Fast food in itself does not cause hair loss. You are not going to eat fast food and then notice clumps of hair falling out. Occasionally eating fast food is not an issue. The problem is that this type of food does not contain all of the nutrients needed for a balanced diet. So, if you indulge all the time, then chances are good that you are not receiving adequate nutrients to support healthy hair growth and this can result in thinning and balding.

The bottom line is that fast food does not directly cause hair loss. Rather, it is the nutrient deficiencies that occur. Let's face it! Fast food is great when you're running short on time but not as an everyday occurrence.

Nutrients Needed to Support Healthy Hair Growth

Several nutrients are needed to support and maintain healthy hair growth. Failure to consume these in sufficient quantities can result in hair loss and thinning. Let's take a look at the primary nutrients necessary for hair growth.

Iron

Iron is involved in the production of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to the hair follicles. This stimulates cell repair and the growth of new hair. Leafy greens and red meat are both excellent sources of iron.

Biotin

This powerful vitamin is known as both B7 and biotin. It is responsible for stimulating keratin production and increasing the rate at which strands of hair grow. Carrots are one of the most popular sources of biotin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is what gives hair its shine and lustrous look. It also promotes a healthy scalp, reduces oxidative stress, and creates a barrier that locks in moisture and prevents your scalp and hair from drying out. Avocados and almonds are both excellent sources of vitamin E.

Vitamin C

Collagen is an important part of your hair's structure. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a positive antioxidant and plays a large role in producing collagen and absorbing iron. Citrus fruits and leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin C.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 is a fatty acid that is most commonly found in fish such as salmon and tuna. More research is needed to determine the extent of Omega-3's in the hair production process. However, what is known is that they play a part in maintaining hair health.

Where to Turn If It Is More Than a Deficiency?

Hair loss due to a nutrient deficiency is easily correctable by consuming a balanced diet. However, if you feel your hair loss or thinning is due to something more, there's no need to worry. As the leading hair restoration studio in North Carolina, LH Hair is here to help you with all of your hair loss needs. Our experienced hairstylists will help determine the root cause of your hair loss and present viable solutions for men and women that fit your unique situation and budget. We are happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact us today to schedule your FREE hair loss analysis.