Contact Us

Alcohol and Hair Loss Are they connected?

Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: November 1, 2022

If you are experiencing hair loss, it’s easy to fall down the Google rabbit hole in search of answers. Some sources point to genetics, while others suggest hormones are to blame. Along the way, you are also likely to come across articles linking hair loss to your favorite glass of wine.

While enjoying margaritas with the girls or having a beer at the BBQ will not directly cause hair loss, there are connections between alcohol and hair loss depending on how much alcohol you consume. If you want to understand alcohol’s impact on your hairline and discover holistic ways to support hair regrowth, keep reading.

Does alcohol cause hair loss?

Here’s the deal: alcohol and hair loss are not directly related, but excessive drinking can contribute to health issues that may trigger hair thinning or loss. Consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to nutrient deficiencies that negatively affect hair health. Your body needs proper nutrition to function efficiently and maintain healthy hair, but alcohol can interfere with nutrient breakdown and reduce your body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.

Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies associated with heavy alcohol use include vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. Long-term alcohol consumption may also contribute to deficiencies in vitamins A, C, D, E, and K. Your body relies on these nutrients to support hair growth, strengthen nails, improve sleep quality, and maintain healthy brain function. When malnutrition develops, both your overall health and your hair can begin to decline.

Can binge drinking cause hair loss?

As mentioned above, alcohol does not directly cause hair loss, but it can contribute to conditions that lead to thinning hair and increased shedding. In cases of binge drinking, the body can become severely dehydrated, which may dry out the hair follicles and eventually contribute to hair thinning. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase acid levels in the body, depleting protein stores that are essential for healthy hair growth and overall wellness.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period can also result in alcohol poisoning, which may significantly disrupt vitamin levels in the body and lead to serious health complications, including seizures or permanent brain damage. It is also important to remember that alcohol can remain in the body for up to 48 hours, with traces in the bloodstream lasting approximately 12 hours. This added stress on the body can interfere with healthy hair growth and, in some cases, contribute to hair loss over time.

What does alcohol do to your hair?

Alcohol and hair simply do not work well together. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dry, brittle, and breaking hair while also contributing to excessive hair loss. The combined effects of dehydration and nutrient deficiencies make it more difficult for your body to repair itself, support healthy hair growth, and function at its best.

As hair becomes dry, weakened, and thinner, the body may struggle to restore healthy growth on its own. In many cases, additional remedies and holistic approaches may be needed to help regrow hair and improve overall hair health.

Hair Loss Due to Alcoholism

There are many long-term effects associated with alcoholism, and thinning hair is unfortunately one of them. Alcoholism can contribute to hair loss in three primary ways: by increasing stress levels, impairing nutrient absorption, and disrupting hormone balance.

1.) Elevated Stress Levels

Chronic stress has long been linked to hair loss and can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium occurs when hair remains in the resting phase of the growth cycle for an extended period. When this happens, new hair growth slows or stops, causing increased shedding and noticeable hair loss. Normally, hair moves through three distinct growth phases, so becoming stuck in one stage can negatively impact overall hair health and growth.

2.) Nutrient Absorption

As mentioned earlier, alcohol affects your body’s ability to break down and absorb essential nutrients. Healthy hair depends on a nourished scalp, proper circulation, and a consistent supply of vitamins and minerals. When alcoholism interferes with nutrient absorption, hair thinning and increased shedding can become more common.

3.) Hormones

Alcoholism is also associated with hormone imbalances, particularly those involving the thyroid. The thyroid plays an important role in regulating hormones throughout the body. When thyroid function is disrupted by conditions such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, the normal hair growth cycle can be affected, potentially leading to hair loss.

Will hair grow back after quitting alcohol?

The good news is that all is not lost, and it is possible to support hair regrowth naturally. Before exploring the top holistic remedies for hair loss, it is important to first address your alcohol consumption. If you need help reducing or quitting drinking, there are many resources available to support your recovery journey. Addressing alcohol use allows your body to absorb nutrients more effectively, regulate hormones, and improve overall health.

Once your recovery journey is underway, there are several natural approaches that may help encourage hair growth, including LLLT. Also known as low-level laser therapy, LLLT uses light energy to support scalp health, stimulate hair regrowth, and promote cellular regeneration. This technology has been clinically studied, and certain laser cap brands have received FDA clearance for safety and reliability.

If you are unsure about the cause of your hair loss or whether LLLT is right for you, consider taking a free quiz to learn more about your options.

Hair loss supplements may also help restore nutrient levels and address deficiencies caused by excessive alcohol consumption. These supplements provide important vitamins and minerals that support healthy hair, skin, and nails. While supplements can be beneficial, maintaining a nutritious diet is equally important. Foods such as nuts, seeds, eggs, and avocados provide essential nutrients that promote healthy hair growth. Although hair loss can be difficult to experience, it does not have to be permanent.

Take care of your body, and in return, your body can begin to take care of you.

Finding Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

While finding treatment for alcoholism can feel overwhelming, there are many effective options available to support your recovery journey.

A simple online search, such as “alcohol rehab Arizona,” can be a helpful first step toward finding treatment resources. You can also search for alcohol rehabilitation programs in your local city or state to discover options near you.

For compassionate, individualized care, Arizona IOP offers personalized treatment programs for alcohol addiction that focus on both recovery and overall wellness. Their approach includes complementary therapies such as nutritional rebalancing, massage therapy, and acupuncture, all of which can help support your body’s healing process and prepare it for renewed hair growth. Contact their staff today to schedule a personalized assessment and learn more about your treatment options.