Can High Cholesterol Cause Hair Loss? Here’s the Answer and More!

Hair loss can come knocking on your doorstep for a vast range of reasons. While genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and aging, are some common culprits, high cholesterol is also being hailed as a contributing factor. Yes, you read that right! In addition to its negative impact on overall health, high cholesterol can also result in thinning hair and hair breakage.

We know many of you might be thinking, “That can’t be true!” but don’t worry, we are determined to uncover the truth! In this blog, Lordhair - trusted globally for hairpiece toupees - will explore the connection between high cholesterol and hair loss while providing you with all the information you need to understand the complex issue.

But first, let’s understand what cholesterol is.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the blood and cells of the human body. Also known by the name of 3beta-Hydroxy-5-cholesterol acid, it is an important component that ensures normal bodily functions in men and women. While most of us consider it a bad agent, cholesterol plays an essential role in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and other substances necessary for digestion and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Now, this may lead our readers to wonder, "If cholesterol is so crucial for the human body, why is it often considered to be negative?". Just like many other aspects of biology or indeed life, cholesterol also has two sides - good and bad.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, play an important role in maintaining good health. They are responsible for removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and supporting important bodily functions. On the other hand, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), commonly referred to as bad cholesterol, transport fat molecules throughout the body.

Medical experts say that it is important to maintain a balance between these two types of cholesterol. An excess buildup of LDL cholesterol can negatively impact one's health.

can high cholesterol cause hair loss

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Before exploring the connection between high cholesterol and hair loss, it's important to understand what causes elevated cholesterol levels in both men and women. Here are some of the known reasons:

Diet: Lordhair believes that we all are what we eat and our cholesterol levels are a reflection of our diet. Eating foods that are high in saturated and trans fats such as fatty meals, full-fat dairy products, and processed snacks can elevate cholesterol levels.

Lack of physical activity: Lack of physical activity can boost cholesterol levels in multiple ways. The most common is weight gain, which in turn can cause an accumulation of cholesterol and fat in the bloodstream. Additionally, decreased physical activity can lead to a reduction in levels of good cholesterol (HDL), further exacerbating the issue.

Age: Age may just be a number but it has a direct impact on our cholesterol and hair. As we grow old, cholesterol levels tend to increase naturally. The same increases faster for people who don't follow a healthy lifestyle.

Genetics: Most of us consider genetics as a major reason behind hair loss. But do you know that it can also be the reason behind high cholesterol levels? Yes, some medical professionals believe that high cholesterol can be inherited from family members and that some people may have a genetic predisposition to elevated cholesterol levels.

Medical conditions: Another known reason for high cholesterol levels in men and women. Certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and liver or kidney disease can also affect the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol levels and make them escalate.

6 medical conditions that cause hair loss in men and women

Is There a Connection Between High Cholesterol and Hair Loss?

The wait is over! Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that there is a correlation between high cholesterol levels and hair loss.

Proof?

According to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, USA discovered that a diet high in fats and cholesterol can lead to skin inflammation, hair loss, and whitening.

The research was conducted on genetically modified mice that expressed symptoms of atherosclerosis and were split into two groups with one receiving a regular diet and the other a western-style diet (high-fat, high-cholesterol diet). After 36 weeks, a staggering 75% of the mice on the western-style diet showed signs of hair loss, whitening, and skin lesions.

The researchers concluded the study with the following statement:

“Our findings show that a Western diet causes hair loss and hair whitening in mice, and we believe a similar process occurs in men who lose hair and experience hair whitening when they eat a diet high in fat and cholesterol.”

Further proof is provided by the Olivetti Longitudinal Heart Study, which involved 872 male employees from the Olivetti Factory in Naples, Italy. Among the participants, 36.8% showed no hair loss, 31.3% had frontal baldness only, and 31.9% had frontal-occipital baldness - a typical male-pattern baldness that includes hair loss on the crown and a receding hairline.

It was also found that men with frontal-occipital baldness had higher levels of serum cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure compared to those in the other two groups.

Therefore, it is reasonable to deduce that there is a correlation between high cholesterol and hair loss.

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How Can High Cholesterol Cause Hair Loss?

Scientists state that cholesterol, in addition to being a crucial component of our cell membranes, also plays a role in regulating cell signaling. It plays a key role in biochemical processes that significantly affect hair growth.

The processes include:

Hedgehog protein: Cholesterol regulates the production of hedgehog protein in the body. Although the role of hedgehog protein is complex, its shortage can result in hair loss.

Wnt signaling: Since cholesterol also controls the activation and deactivation of Wnt signaling - a crucial factor in hair growth and graying prevention, researchers have considered it as a potential cause for male-pattern baldness.

Sebaceous gland: Cholesterol may also impact the functionality of sebaceous glands in the scalp. It causes them to produce more oil in areas of the scalp which later causes balding. Abnormal oil production can persist even after hair loss has occurred.

Is It Possible to Stop Hair Loss Caused by High Cholesterol?

Although there is no evidence to suggest that hair loss caused by high cholesterol can be completely reversed, one can attempt to control further damage by addressing unhealthy lifestyle factors. Familiarize yourself with your cholesterol levels and other health conditions to assess your risk for hair fall.

Understanding how other factors like diabetes and high blood pressure can contribute to hair loss can also help. Make dietary and lifestyle changes by incorporating healthy foods such as nuts, whole grains, beans, and pulses into your diet. These may not only help lower your cholesterol level but also improve your overall quality of life.

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High Cholesterol Causes Hair Loss: Final Words

As you have read, high cholesterol can negatively affect hair health and growth. Although there is no proof that hair loss caused by high cholesterol can be reversed, making dietary and lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol levels may help reduce the risk of hair fall and also improve overall health. It's important to consult a doctor if hair health deteriorates.

Wearing a hair replacement system can also be an option if nothing works well. Lordhair offers a variety of wigs and custom hair systems for men and women with thinning hair. Our units are shipped to 100+ countries and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Got any questions? Send them to support@lordhair.com and have them answered by our hair experts.