Our hair isn’t just a reflection of our genetics or the shampoos and conditioners we use. Our diet plays a huge role in the health of our hair, and the foods we avoid are just as important as those we choose to include in our meal plans. When it comes to thinning hair, which is a normal occurrence with age and hormonal changes, it’s even more crucial to keep inflammatory foods to a minimum. Foods with a lot of sugar can cause insulin and androgen spikes that can lead to more shedding and thinner, more brittle strands.
These are 11 of the worst foods and drinks that cause hair fallout and brittle locks — number four even leads to dry hair and dandruff.
1. Starchy White Foods
Starchy white foods like pasta, white bread, cake, pastries, and processed starches are converted into sugar, which causes insulin spikes and affects your body and hair.
2. Soda
Soda and fizzy sugary drinks (including diet versions) are made up of a great amount of sugar. All of that sugar and the absence of nutrients can take a toll on your hair.
3. Sugar-Free Foods
Even if a food is free of sugar and contains chemicals like aspartame, these artificial sweeteners can contribute to hair loss and thinning.
4. Alcohol
Not only does alcohol contain sugar that creates inflammation, but it can actually inhibit nutrients like copper, zinc, and iron all of which are incredibly important for hair health. Alcohol is also dehydrating and can make your hair more brittle, while triggering dandruff on the scalp.
5. Greasy Foods
Deep-fried foods like French fries are known to contain trans fat that can increase cholesterol and the production of sebaceous DHT, which can trigger hair loss.
6. The Keto Diet
The Keto diet is high in fat, contains moderate amounts of protein, and is low in carbohydrates. It may help with weight loss for some people, but it can also cause hair loss because of a lack of sufficient iron and protein.
7. Swordfish
Fish is a healthy food that contains numerous vitamins and minerals for healthy hair. But fish like swordfish can contain high levels of mercury that have been linked to hair loss. Other fish that are known for high mercury levels include tuna and mackerel.
8. Food Additives
Research has found links between food additives like sulfites and dyes to hair loss. Since many processed foods contain these additives it’s important to read labels and pick and choose products that do not contain these ingredients.
9. Dairy
Dairy products like milk and cheese have been known to actually clog pores and lead to a build up of plaque of scalp. This can shrink the hair follicle and lead to hair loss.
10. Too Much Selenium
Brazil nuts are one of the healthiest foods you can eat for your hair, but within reason. Selenium is an essential trace mineral for a healthy immune system, cognitive system, and more. But too much selenium can lead to selenosis, which causes hair loss.
11. Too Much Vitamin A
When eaten in moderation as a part of a healthy diet, foods that contain vitamin A supports cell reproduction in hair follicles. But, similar to selenium, eating too much vitamin A from foods like carrots and spinach has been associated with hair loss.
