Water is the basis of life on Earth, but many people still underestimate how important it is to our basic health. The list of major organs that depend on being adequately hydrated is seemingly endless: the brain, kidneys, liver, digestive system, and the skin.
It’s that last one people most often forget – and the one that is the first to suffer when we allow ourselves to get dehydrated. Since the health of our hair is often tied to the health of our skin, dehydration can cause hair loss.
Does Dehydration Affect Your Hair?
Studies suggest that even though our skin is 63% water, it’s one of the first places the body tries to conserve water when we aren’t getting enough. Thirst isn’t a good indicator of dehydration either. A person can be dehydrated without feeling thirst, especially in winter.
When the skin doesn’t get enough water because you are dehydrated, it can’t eliminate the toxins that you encounter in your food and daily environment. That can lead to everything from wrinkles to dry scalp and psoriasis. Dry scalp and psoriasis, in turn, can lead to hair loss.
But it’s more than just the condition of your scalp that leads to hair damage and loss when you are dehydrated. Your hair is likely to become brittle and break when you are dehydrated. In addition to the hair loss at the root, hair that is breaking because it is unhealthy is going to emphasize the appearance of hair loss. It’s also likely to be upsetting as you see more hair than usual in the drain or in your comb.
Can Drinking More Water Help Hair Thinning?
The first way that drinking more water helps with thinning hair is that it can prevent problems caused by a dry scalp. In fact, a medicated shampoo should be your second step when trying to eliminate a dry, itchy scalp… the first step is drinking more water. It is also important to remember that caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and therefore contribute to dehydration – so you should drink a glass of water for every glass of caffeine or alcohol you have.
The second way that drinking more water can help thinning hair issues is by literally making your hair thicker. When your hair is dehydrated, it becomes thinner and brittle. Think of it a little like spaghetti noodles: add water and they plump up, becoming much softer. Adequate water consumption is especially important if you have other habits that can dry out hair – like swimming in salt or chlorinated water… or using heated styling tools.
Is Hair Loss From Dehydration Permanent?
If dehydration is the only thing causing your hair loss, good news: It can be reversed.
Drinking more water, while also taking care of your scalp to treat the dry skin, can encourage new hair growth. Most of us get at least some amount of water from the beverages we drink and water-dense foods we eat (like fresh fruit and vegetables) but adding in just plain water is a great way to improve your health and your hair.
Consuming enough water every day is important to everything from your blood pressure to your skin health. When you improve your hydration, your body will thank you.
RHRLI Are the Experts in Hair Restoration
Not sure if your hair loss is due to dehydration, diet, or genetics? That’s okay. We can help you figure it out. In addition to nonsurgical options, Dr. Baiju Gohil utilizes the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System to perform a FUE hair transplant procedure that is minimally invasive and will get you back to your day-to-day life quickly. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help restore your hairline and your confidence.