HAIR LOSS GUIDE · THE MEN CLINICS
Diet, Nutrition and Hair Loss
Nutrition matters when you are deficient. Beyond that, supplements do very little, and no diet reverses genetic hair loss.
Last clinically reviewed: August 2026
Hair is a non-essential tissue. When the body is short of resources, hair production is among the first things it deprioritises.
That is why nutritional deficiency shows up in hair before it shows up almost anywhere else. It is also why correcting a genuine deficiency can produce a noticeable improvement, while supplementing beyond normal levels does nothing.
The nutrients that genuinely matter
| Nutrient | Why it matters | Worth testing? |
|---|---|---|
| Ferritin (iron stores) | The most common correctable cause of diffuse shedding in adults | Yes |
| Vitamin D | Low levels associated with several hair loss conditions | Yes |
| Protein | Hair is largely keratin; inadequate intake impairs production | Via dietary review |
| Zinc | Deficiency causes shedding; excess can also cause it | If history suggests |
| B12 and folate | Deficiency affects rapidly dividing cells including follicles | Yes if vegetarian or vegan |
On supplements
Excess supplementation carries its own risks. High-dose selenium and vitamin A can both cause hair loss, and iron supplementation without deficiency can be harmful.
Rapid weight loss
Crash dieting and significant caloric restriction commonly trigger telogen effluvium two to three months later. This is increasingly seen with rapid weight loss on newer medications. Adequate protein intake and a slower rate of loss reduce the risk.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ducu Botoaca
Aesthetic & Hair Transplant Surgeon and founder of The Men Clinics, Soho, London. This page is general information and is not a substitute for a personal medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can a poor diet cause baldness?
It can cause diffuse shedding, which is different from male pattern baldness. Genetic pattern loss is not caused by diet and cannot be corrected by it.
Do hair growth supplements work?
Only if you are correcting a genuine deficiency. Blood tests should come before supplements, since taking nutrients you do not lack achieves nothing and can occasionally cause harm.
Does going vegan affect hair?
It can, if protein, iron, B12 or zinc intake is inadequate. A well-planned plant-based diet with appropriate supplementation is not a problem.
Will losing weight make my hair fall out?
Rapid loss can trigger telogen effluvium around two to three months later. Slower loss with adequate protein substantially reduces the risk.
KEEP READING
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The information on this page is general guidance and is not medical advice. It does not replace a personal consultation with a qualified clinician. Individual results vary. The Men Clinics, Soho, London.