Can Alcohol Cause Hair Loss?

Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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Can Alcoholism Cause Hair Loss?

It’s no secret that drinking too much alcohol can lead to some pretty unpleasant consequences. Weight gain, liver damage, and high blood pressure are just a few of the not-so-fun side effects that can come from overdoing it on the booze. But did you know that alcoholism can also lead to hair loss?

It’s true! When you drink too much alcohol, your body starts to depletion of certain vitamins and minerals, including zinc and vitamin A. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair growth, so when they’re depleted, hair loss can occur.

If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption causing hair loss, talk to your doctor. They can help you get your drinking under control and get your hair loss under control, too!

It’s no secret that heavy drinking can lead to some serious health consequences. Liver disease, heart problems, and cancer are just a few of the risks associated with chronic alcohol abuse. But did you know that alcoholism can also cause hair loss?

There are a few ways that excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to hair loss. For one, drinking too much can lead to dehydration. When the body doesn’t have enough fluids, it can’t properly function, and this includes the hair follicles. In order to survive, the follicles will start to slow down their growth cycle, which leads to thinner, weaker hair.

Heavy drinking can also cause nutritional deficiencies. Alcohol prevents the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, which are vital for healthy hair. Without these nutrients, the follicles will become weak and susceptible to breakage.

Additionally, chronic alcohol abuse can damage the liver. This organ is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, and when it’s not functioning properly, those toxins can build up and affect the whole body – including the scalp.

If you’re struggling with alcoholism, it’s important to seek help before it starts to take a toll on your health. There are many resources available to help you get on the road to recovery, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.