7 enemies of your hair. These are the main foods that accelerate hair loss!

Wednesday 19 March 2025 09:03
7 enemies of your hair. These are the main foods that accelerate hair loss!

Hair loss is a common problem that affects many people, and factors such as genetics, stress, illness and diet can influence hair health. Although the main focus is usually on nutrients that promote healthy hair growth, some foods can actually contribute to hair loss. Poor diet or excessive consumption of certain foods can damage hormonal balance and scalp health, resulting in hair loss.

Here are 7 foods that experts say can contribute to hair loss:


1. Sugar and processed foods

Excessive consumption of sugar and processed foods is directly related to increased inflammation in the body and hormonal imbalance, which can have a negative impact on hair health. Sugar can lead to an increase in insulin production, which can trigger excessive sebum production, clogging hair follicles and contributing to hair loss.

In addition, diets rich in refined foods (such as breads, cakes and soft drinks) can lead to fluctuations in insulin levels and stress-related hormones such as cortisol. These imbalances can affect the hair's natural growth cycle.


2. Foods rich in trans fats

Trans fats, found in industrialized foods such as fast food, cookies and fried foods, can be harmful to health in general and specifically to hair health. Excessive consumption of these fats can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol and inflammation in the body, affecting blood circulation in the scalp and the nutrition of hair follicles.

Over time, this type of diet can weaken hair, making it more prone to breakage and hair loss.


3. Foods rich in mercury (fish)

Although fish are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit hair health, large fish (such as tuna, wild salmon, swordfish belly) can accumulate mercury in their bodies, which can be toxic to the human system. Mercury can interfere with the absorption of nutrients essential for hair growth and can damage the health of the scalp.

Exposure to mercury is known to negatively affect the hair cycle and can contribute to hair loss.


4. Foods rich in gluten

People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can experience hair loss due to the immune system's reaction to gluten, which causes inflammation in the body. Even for people without a diagnosed condition, a diet rich in gluten can contribute to nutritional imbalances and inflammation, affecting the health of the scalp and resulting in hair loss.

In addition, gluten can cause difficulties in the absorption of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which are essential for healthy hair growth.


5. Fried and fatty foods

Fried foods, especially those prepared with low-quality oil or transgenic oils, can contribute to increased sebum production and clogged pores on the scalp. This can weaken the hair follicles and hinder healthy hair growth.

In addition, these foods tend to be low in nutrients and high in empty calories, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies that affect hair health.


6. Foods rich in alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which damages the health of the hair and scalp. When the body is dehydrated, hair strands lose their vitality and become more fragile, resulting in increased hair loss. Alcohol can also interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair growth, such as vitamin B and zinc.

In addition, alcohol can increase stress levels and unbalance hormones, both of which can contribute to hair loss.


7. Dairy products

Although the consumption of dairy products is a good source of calcium and protein, some people may be sensitive to the hormone present in milk, called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), which can stimulate the production of sebum and interfere with healthy hair growth. This is especially relevant for individuals who have a predisposition to hormonal problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Excess dairy products can, in some cases, exacerbate hormonal conditions that are directly linked to hair loss.


Eat well

Food plays a crucial role in hair health. Although the above foods may be related to hair loss, it is important to remember that the cause of hair loss can be multifactorial and vary from person to person. Factors such as genetics, stress, nutritional deficiencies and underlying diseases are also determinants.

To maintain healthy hair, it is recommended to focus on a balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients for hair growth, such as vitamins A, C, D, E, biotin, zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean proteins. Reducing your consumption of the foods mentioned can be an important step for anyone looking to improve hair health and reduce hair loss.

Source of information:


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MirellaMirella
I am the editorial manager at Petitchef (Portugal and Brazil) and a huge enthusiast of travel and world cuisine, always in search of new flavors and experiences. However, as much as I love exploring the delights of different cultures, my mom's cooking will always be my favorite — with that unique flavor that only she can create.