We often get asked how veganism can affect our hair. The truth is, like with any contributing factor to hair loss, the causes of hair fall vary from person to person, but that's not to say there aren't common hair loss triggers and trends.

In this article, we'll take a look at how a vegan diet can affect our hair. To clarify, veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan. Distinctions may be made between several categories of veganism.

So, basically, vegans do not eat any foods that are animal based, and that includes any form of dairy product. So, along with meat and fish, vegans do not eat cheese, milk, butter, eggs etc.

Can Vegan Diet Cause Hair Loss?

To say a diet causes baldness would be slightly misleading, because in truth, most cases of hair loss is caused by genetics, or other common factors such as stress and seasonal shedding. However, a lack of certain nutrients can escalate the hair shedding, which is not ideal for people who already suffer from hair loss.

Low protein consumption and rapid weight loss associated with a vegan diet could lead to hair loss. But as long as you are combining foods to make complete proteins and including all the amino acids, then vegan hair loss should not be a problem for you.

However, suddenly removing meat, dairy and other animal products from meals could cause hair loss. There have been many reports of people who have suffered severe hair fall right after going on the vegan diet. This is a common occurrence, but the exact reasons why are inconclusive.

Unhealthy Diets Can Result in Sudden Hair Loss

When you don't get the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body needs from your diet, it can cause a loss of hair. For example, too little protein in your diet can damage healthy hair, and inhibit your body's ability to build new hair follicles. Protein is the main source that your hair needs to thrive, and unfortunately for vegans, the richest source of protein comes from meats.

Where To Get Protein in a Vegan Diet? 

When you go vegan you cut out a lot of food that are high in calories, but you are also cutting out a lot of food that contains excellent nutrients for your hair. Some high-protein foods that you can get from a vegan diet include nuts, lentils, and beans. And although these aren't as good as protein for your hair as meats are, they'll still boost your daily intake of much needed protein. 

It should be said that vegan diet will not cause your hair to fall out, but if you are already prone to shedding, a vegan diet is not ideal. 

 

How To Get The Right Nutrients for Your Hair in a Vegan Diet?

Taking a multi-vitamin and supplements can help make up for any deficiencies you may have. If you have thyroid problems, you may also consider taking iodine supplements to avoid hair loss that can be cause by your soy intake. 

If you are on a vegan diet, but suffering from sever hair shedding, then multi-vitamin hair supplements are your best solution. Some of them are vegan friendly, and they will help get all the right vitamins and minerals into your system that help benefit the hair.  They can help slow down and even stop hair loss, while promoting stronger, thicker, healthier hair growth.