Hair loss due to nutrition - can my hair density level return after eating better?

Question

When I compare my hair density from 2017 to now in 2023, my hair is significantly thinner. Its not thin at a specific spot but overall less dense. One of the biggest causes of this was nutrition and not eating right and lacking many vitamins. I have begun to eat better, take the necessary supplements, drink lots of water, and focus on good gut/liver health. Do you think it is possible for my hair to return to the hair density level it was back in 2017?

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Hair loss could be attributed to poor nutrition but it would have to be severe malnutrition. There is most likely something else going on so I suggest you see your doctor and have some testing done. Best of luck to you

Dr. T

Dr. T

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It’s possible but it really depends on the diagnosis and degree of malnutrition. For most people, the degree of malnutrition is not severe enough to account for all the changes. The key thing here in this story is to 100 % completely and confidently exclude a diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia. No, one can not do that themselves in the early stages and one needs an expert to help. I do not feel that all of the loss is likely attributable to a nutritional issues but a proper history and proper example can confirm this. If there are any uncertainties about the diagnosis, then a scalp biopsy can be done.

Hair loss due to nutrition - can my hair density level return after eating better?

Answers (2)