Is hair loss from heavy alcohol use reversible?

Question

I was never a drinker until I lost my job. For 4 months I was drinking heavily and I noticed I lost a lot of hear. I quit drinking all together, am taking Zinc and Iron suppliments, using the laser cap and Rogain as well as Niacin and Biotin. Can I reverse the damage Ive done?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

You won't be able to tell if your hair loss is permanent.  Only way is to wait to see if the hairs grow back.  It may take up to one year.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.Hair loss maybe reversible with cessation of alcohol but may also require other modalities.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thinning Hair -- Rogaine, Propecia, Viviscal, Progesterone, PRPIf you have thinning hair you really need an evaluation to see if it is genetic or from another cause like stress or autoimmune.  If it is determined to be genetic there are many options and traditional treatments like rogaine foam and propecia pills can be used.  I have great success in my practice using injectable progesterone and prp to the scalp.  Postmenopausal women also benefit from spironolactone.  I suggest seeing a dermatologist with expertise in hair loss.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

There are many causes of hair loss- some reversible and some not. Be sure to see a physician who specializes in hair loss for full evaluation.Also, a full physical examination by your family physician and possibly and extended blood testing profile could be useful as well. Ask your physician about the possible benefits of a multivitamin.

Greg Williams, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

The hair loss you have experienced may be due to a number of causes but is unlikely to be due to the alcohol itself. It may be due to the stress you experienced or to nutritional deficiencies if you had a poor diet during this period. It is not possible to predict whether your hair loss will recover - only time will tell. A healthy lifestyle - rest, healthy heating, hydration and exercise, along with avoiding toxins such as drugs, tobacco and alcohol is the best thing you can do to optimise the chances of getting your hair back.If it doesn't recover, or gets worse, you could see a hair loss specialist. If you have genetic hair loss there are effective treatments available.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

it depends on the cause for your hair loss. If your hair loss is not genetic and is from heavy drinking then it may be reversible. It is a good idea to see a hair reatoration specialist to find the cause for your hair loss and give you best treatment option.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I see you are local to my office. You should consider coming and visit our open house today where you aill get a free consultation and we can evaluate you. (see web reference below)

Gregory Pistone, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.  While I am not encouraging you to use alcohol I certainly understand.  There are many reasons for you to have hair loss and I can only speculate without knowing more.  The most likely cause is called Telogen Effluvium which is caused by a physical or emotional stress.  Hair loss will subside as the stress in reduced and most of it generally regrows.  If you have been on any medications for your stress they can contribute to hair loss.  Underlying medical conditions such as anemia and thyroid problems can contribute to hair loss. I would suggest, of course, that you consult with a dermatologist who is knowledgeable about hair loss who can further evaluate all these possibilities.  I wish you well.

Is hair loss from heavy alcohol use reversible?

Answers (8)

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