Does the Keto Diet Cause Hair Loss and Damage?

 

In the past decade, the keto diet has gained popularity for its weight loss benefits, and management of certain health conditions. While the weight loss benefits are widely documented (principally on social media), there are also reports that suggest hair loss and damage while following a strict keto diet. 

This brings up a lot of questions. Some of the major ones are:

 

• Does the keto diet really trigger hair loss? 

• How is the keto diet connected to hair loss?

• Is it possible to reverse hair loss caused by a keto diet? 

 

Lordhair - globally trusted for men's hairpieces and women's wigs - created this blog to share everything about the relationship between hair loss and a keto diet.

Let’s start with a little introduction to the keto diet!

 

 

What Is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet followed to shift the body’s metabolism into a state where it burns body fat for fuel. To come straight to the point, the keto diet doesn’t directly cause hair loss problems but some men and women may face hair challenges that can lead to damage and eventual hair loss. 

The relationship between the keto diet and hair loss is often indirect and influenced by multiple factors. Read on to learn about elements that can trigger hair loss alongside a keto diet. 

 

Major Keto Hair Loss Factors

Below are the six major factors related to keto diet hair loss:

 

Nutrient deficiencies

The keto diet is low in nutrients such as biotin and other B vitamins that are required for healthy hair growth. The deficiency of these can trigger hair problems including hair thinning.

 

Sudden weight loss

Rapid weight loss is stressful on the body as well as hair. Telogen effluvium is often linked with the keto diet. This temporary hair condition often linked with physical and emotional stress can further aggravate hair loss. 

 

Lack of variety

Some people do not consume a well-balanced diet while on keto. It leads to limited diversity in their food choices and results in deficiencies of various nutrients critical for overall health and healthy hair.

 

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Hormonal changes

Being on a keto diet for a long time can affect hormones like insulin and thyroid. It may indirectly trigger hair loss as hormonal imbalances often cause hair as well as scalp problems.

 

Protein intake

Restricting the intake of protein while on the keto diet could lead to hair problems such as thinning and bald spots. It's scientifically proven that consuming enough protein is essential for hair growth and repair. 

 

Dehydration

During the early stages of the keto diet, people often face increased urination and potential dehydration. Dehydration can affect the overall health of hair and lead to hair loss. 

 

5 Tips for Keto-Related Hair Loss

It is important to understand that the keto diet doesn’t cause hair loss for everyone. But if you are facing hair loss problems due to dietary challenges, then, these five tips will help you recover:

 

Focus on nutrients 

Add adequate intake of essential nutrients such as biotin, B vitamins, zinc, and iron to your daily diet. Consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements. 

 

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Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated the whole day is crucial for the overall health of hair and body while following the keto diet. Make sure to drink the required amount of water, especially when you are experiencing dehydration symptoms. 

 

Eat healthy fats

The Keto diet is high in fat content but it is best to prioritize healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats provide essential fatty acids that support overall health including hair wellness.

 

Avoid extreme calorie restriction

Do you know extreme calorie restriction can also contribute to hair loss? Make sure that you are consuming enough calories for your body’s daily needs while on the keto diet. Taking proper calories will help you to improve hair health.

 

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Manage stress

Stress is one of the major causes of hair loss while on the keto diet. Practice stress-relieving techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to help manage stress. It will help you in improving your hair health.

 

 

Recover from Keto Diet Hair Loss

We hope that the above blog helped you learn everything about the relationship between the keto diet and hair loss. If your hair loss has become visible, it may be best to buy a hair system. For those who don’t know, hair systems - also known as toupees, wigs, and hairpieces - are non-surgical hair recovery solutions that can be directly attached to the head to cover up bald spots or thinning hairline.  

Have any questions to ask? Drop them in the comments to get a quick reply from our team of hair experts.