Does dehydration cause hair loss? Dermatologist shares 7 tips to save your hair

Consuming sufficient water daily is a should to make sure correct functioning of your physique. In case you don’t have a lot water, your pores and skin might get dry and itchy. Identical to your pores and skin, even your hair will get affected. Dehydration can result in dry, brittle or coarse tresses. Your hair can lose shine and look extraordinarily boring. However can dehydration trigger hair loss too? It’s attainable to lose far more than 100 hair strands a day in case your physique doesn’t get a superb quantity of water. So, whereas loading up your plate with meals wealthy in protein and iron, be sure to seize a glass of water too.

What are the signs of dehydrated hair?

• Elevated hair shedding: Don’t panic should you spot a number of strands of hair in your brush. It’s regular to shed anyplace between 50 and 100 hair strands in a single day, in line with the American Academy of Dermatology Affiliation. “However when you have dehydrated hair, you would possibly discover extra strands in your brush, within the bathe drain or in your pillow,” says dermatologist Dr Sheena Kapoor.
• Dry hair: Your hair might really feel tough, straw-like, and lack its normal softness. It would snap simply if you attempt to use a comb or type it.
• Lack of luster or shine: Hair that’s well-hydrated usually has a pure sheen. Dehydrated hair tends to look boring and lifeless.
• Diminished elasticity: Wholesome hair has some elasticity, which implies it could stretch a bit with out breaking. Dehydrated hair will possible break simply when stretched.

Can dehydration trigger hair loss?

“Sure, it could. Dehydration happens when your physique loses extra fluids than it takes in, resulting in a disruption in its regular capabilities,” says the professional. This fluid imbalance can have a direct affect in your hair well being within the following methods:

1. Impaired follicle operate

Hair follicles, the tiny organs in your pores and skin accountable for producing hair, require a gentle provide of water and vitamins to operate optimally. “If you end up dehydrated, blood movement to your scalp can lower, limiting the supply of important nutritional vitamins, minerals, and oxygen to the follicles. This deprivation weakens the follicles, making them much less environment friendly at producing new hair and doubtlessly resulting in current hair turning into brittle and extra susceptible to hair loss,” says the professional.

2. Diminished cell regeneration

Correct hydration is essential for wholesome hair development, in line with analysis printed within the Worldwide Journal Of Medical Sciences. It’s essential for cell regeneration and turnover all through the physique, together with within the scalp and hair follicles. Dehydration can decelerate this course of, which means that new hair cells should not produced as effectively, and broken hair cells should not changed as rapidly. This could result in slower hair development and a rise in hair breakage.

3. Dry and brittle hair

“Hair itself consists of about 10-15% water. When the physique is dehydrated, it could draw water from non-essential areas, together with hair strands, to keep up very important organ operate,” says the professional. This causes the hair to develop into dry, brittle, and missing in elasticity, making it extra inclined to breakage.

cope with hair loss from dehydration?

You possibly can cease asking your self, “Can dehydration trigger hair loss?” As a substitute, strive these options:

1. Enhance water consumption

Particular person water wants range based mostly on components like age, exercise stage, local weather, and general well being. Nonetheless, consuming about 2.7 litres (about 11.5 cups) of fluids per day is required. Intention to drink ample water all through the day then you’ll cease asking, “can dehydration trigger hair loss?”

2. Electrolyte-rich fluids

For extra extreme dehydration or if you’re partaking in strenuous exercise, contemplate electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water or oral rehydration options. These assist replenish important minerals, together with magnesium, misplaced with fluids. Throughout a examine, printed in Cosmetics, magnesium deficiency was discovered to be widespread in individuals with hair loss drawback.

3. Hydrating meals

Simply consuming water might not be sufficient. Incorporate water-rich vegetables and fruit into your weight-reduction plan, equivalent to watermelon, cucumber, oranges, strawberries, and lettuce in your weight-reduction plan. “These contribute to your general fluid consumption and supply extra vitamins,” says Dr Kapoor.

4. Keep away from dehydrating drinks

Beginning your day with espresso or tea, and ending with sodas or alcohol? Restrict or keep away from extreme consumption of caffeinated drinks like espresso, tea and sodas and alcohol, as these can have a diuretic impact, selling fluid loss, and affecting your hair.

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5. Topical hydrating therapies

Utilizing hydrating shampoos, conditioners, serums and hair masks can assist enhance the speedy look and really feel of dry, brittle hair. “Search for hair care merchandise with substances like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and pure oils,” says the professional.

6. Light hair care practices

Warmth styling can assist enhance the looks of your locks. Nonetheless, minimise warmth styling, utilizing harsh chemical therapies, and tight hairstyles. These can put extra stress on hair that’s already fragile as a consequence of dehydration.

7. Tackle underlying well being points

Can dehydration trigger hair loss? Sure, however additionally it is as a consequence of underlying well being circumstances. Hereditary hair loss and immune system overreacting are a few of the commonest causes of hair loss, as per the American Academy of Dermatology Affiliation. Seek the advice of a health care provider, as they’ll rule out different causes and suggest applicable therapy.

Can dehydration trigger hair loss? Sure, it could, however you’ll be able to keep away from it by specializing in constant hydration all through the day. Don’t wait till you might be thirsty, so be sure to hold a water bottle, set reminders, and make efforts to drink water recurrently.