The Link Between Weight Loss and Hair Loss

Picture this: you’ve been working out hard, and diligently cutting calories with the hope of reaching your goal weight. But then you start to notice that your hair is looking more sparse than it used to. Unfortunately, for many men and women, weight loss and hair loss are linked.

Don’t panic. Hair loss is actually normal after losing weight, especially if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight in a short time. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between weight loss and hair loss, and how to fix it.

The Truth About Weight Loss and Hair Loss

As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Hair is made up of protein, so it’s important to eat plenty of fish, chicken and other forms of protein for strong, healthy hair. Unfortunately, when dieting, many people don’t eat enough protein to sustain healthy hair growth. The body does not consider hair a “must-have”, so it reroutes your protein intake to your vital organs first. The result? You may see more hair thinning with your weight loss.

This temporary form of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. Luckily, hair loss from weight loss is usually temporary and usually will regrow once you resume eating an adequate amount of protein.

3 Ways to Disguise Hair Thinning After Weight Loss

So the good news is your hair will eventually grow back. But what should you do while you wait? Here are a few ways to make your hair look thicker now while you wait for results:

1. Use Toppik Building Hair Fibers to instantly thicken any visibly sparse areas, especially around the hairline and crown. Finish with Toppik FiberHold Spray for all-day hold.

2. Apply a small amount of Toppik Hair Fattener Advanced Thickening Serum to hair and blow-dry for extra volume. If you have long hair, flip your hair upside down to get even more lift at the roots.

3. Use a lightweight conditioner like Toppik Hair Building Conditioner, which moisturizes hair without weighing it down. When using conditioner, avoid applying it to the roots since this area doesn’t need as much moisture and extra moisture will only make hair look limp.

Hair Regrowth After Weight Loss

Hair generally takes around 3 to 6 months to regrow after weight loss. If you’re in the middle of a lifestyle change or you’re planning to start a major diet soon, here are some ways to help prevent hair loss from weight loss:

• Try to lose weight at a more gradual rate. The American Council on Exercise advises that you can healthily lose up to 2 lbs per week.
• Eat enough lean protein to help prevent thinning hair due to weight loss.
• Most dietitians recommend eating 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. If you’re not sure how much protein you’re eating, try tracking your food intake with a dieting app. You may be surprised by the nutritional content of your diet!
• Make sure that you’re eating plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are rich in other hair-healthy nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin C.
• For an easy way to get more B vitamins, iron, zinc and vitamin C in your diet take Viviscal™ hair supplement to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to promote existing hair growth.*

Remember: hair loss caused by weight loss is usually temporary. But if your hair does not begin to grow back within 3 to 6 months, it may be time to visit your doctor to rule out other possible causes of hair loss. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.