While most people will experience some form of hair loss in their lives, the chances of experiencing common forms of hair loss – including male and female pattern baldness – increase with age. We know that for many, baldness is a genetic disposition… but we strive to do what we can to delay or even avoid the inevitable if possible. Our overall health does impact our hair health, so making sure we’re getting a proper amount of sleep, exercise, and watching what we eat can go a long way.
We’re going to focus on the last part, specifically what we eat. Some foods we know are always going to have a negative impact on our health (such as foods high in fat, cholesterol, and sugar). Having too much of a certain grouping of food can be harmful to our health as well. One group that we know we should have in moderation is dairy. Could dairy products negatively impact our hair health?
Is Milk Good Or Bad For Hair Loss?
Milk has a number of beneficial nutrients that we need for our overall health – in addition to our hair health. The most important of which are Vitamin D and protein. Vitamin D affects the strength of our hair follicles. When we have low levels in our system, we are more prone to hair loss as a result.
In fact, a 2020 study showed that nearly 80% of people experiencing hair loss suffered from low levels of Vitamin D. In terms of the importance of protein, our hair is made up almost entirely of protein… and thus it is absolutely necessary for maintaining strong hair. That said, milk and dairy products may have some negative effects on our hair as well.
Do Dairy Products Increase DHT Levels?
Unfortunately, many dairy products commercially available come from pregnant cows. As a result, they contain dihydrotestosterone (or DHT) – which has been linked to hair loss. Today there are a number of milk and dairy alternatives that can help reduce the amount of DHT you are taking in through your diet.
Additionally, it’s important to have a balanced diet that can help offset DHT levels. Foods rich in lycopene – such as carrots, onions, and tomatoes – can help reduce DHT.
RHRLI Restores Hair And Provides Diet & Lifestyle Advice To Keep Your Hair Strong
Whether we have dairy in our diet or not, the vast majority of us will still experience some form of hair loss over the course of our lives. Here at RHRLI, we utilize the ARTAS® robotic hair transplant system designed to restore your hair line in a minimally invasive way that will get you back to your day-to-day life quickly. We will assess whether robotic hair restoration is an appropriate treatment for you or if one of our other hair restoration services would be a better fit. Our team will also provide you with lifestyle advice (including diet tips) to help keep your hair healthy after your hair restoration. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.