Hair loss is one of the most common things that happens to people who go vegan because of the lack of nutrition and animal proteins that our hair needs to grow and be healthy.
We’ve probably heard all our lives that our bones and teeth need calcium and vitamin D. Many of us know that our skin needs vitamin E and our eyes could use vitamin A, but most people don’t realize that our hair needs certain things too.
Protein is necessary everywhere in our bodies. It is essential for our muscles, skin, bones, blood, body tissues, and our hair is made almost entirely of protein. Consuming enough of it is very important for hair growth. When people go vegan and eliminate meat and animal byproducts, the body’s natural reaction is to stop hair growth to conserve energy for more essential body functions. A severe loss of protein can cause hair loss and serious protein deficiencies can cause swelling, fatty liver, skin degeneration, and more.
Iron is another important nutrient that our hair needs. Non-vegans and non-vegetarians would normally get their iron from foods like red meat, eggs, and fish and clams and oysters. Without enough iron, our body will stop hair growth in order to save energy for other body functions – just like it does without enough animal protein. Additionally, an iron deficiency can lead to issues such as Iron-Deficiency Anemia, and iron deficiency is a major cause of hair loss in women.
Vitamin A is also important for our hair. All cells need vitamin A for growth, including hair, which is the fastest growing tissue in our human bodies. Vitamin A also helps skin glands make sebum which moisturizes our scalp and helps keep hair healthy. However, too much sebum can be a bad thing and too much vitamin A can contribute to hair loss. Vitamin A can be found in animal products such as milk, eggs, and yogurt.
B-Vitamins are good especially a B-vitamin called biotin. Studies have linked biotin deficiencies with hair loss. Other B-vitamins help us to create red blood cells which carry the other vitamins and nutrients to, and around, our scalp and hair follicles. B-vitamins come from many foods including meat and seafood, but the only good sources of vitamin B12 are animal foods.
Vitamin C is needed to create a protein known as collagen which is an important part of hair structure. Vitamin C also helps our bodies absorb iron (see above about iron).
Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to hair loss and it is thought that vitamin D may help create new hair follicles. Our bodies produce vitamin D through direct contact with the sun and we can get it from some fatty fish and cod liver oil.
Zinc is important in hair growth and repair. Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency however too much of it may contribute to hair loss. Because of this, it is preferred to get zinc that comes naturally from our food. Great sources of zinc include oysters and beef.
There are some other related issues to take into consideration. Sudden or rapid weight loss is common for new vegans and this sudden change can stress and disrupt our body’s natural processes which can lead to hair loss. Vegans often have an increase in soy intake which can worsen thyroid problems and result in hair thinning.
HairStart® Essentials™ has been formulated to help make up for deficiencies our bodies may have. It is the best product taken internally for healthy hair. It is good for everyone, not only people with thinning hair. Among the proprietary ingredients that help make it so good for us are zinc, biotin, and vitamin B6 to name a few.
New England Associates® Protein Treatment Formula is another of the two best products for all human hair. It helps to replace and hold protein that our hair needs by applying it directly to our hair. It also helps to repair hair that has been damaged from things such as chemical procedures.
There are other things you can do to help you keep the hair you have as well as get back the hair that you lost. The hair loss experts at New England Associates® can tell you all about them as well as help you transition to veganism with minimal hair loss. Arrange a free consultation at one of our locations.
Since 1982 the goal of New England Associates® has been to help you “Look As Good As You Feel!™” and restore your hair and your confidence. At New England Associates®, how you feel about your hair, and making the right choice to solve problems, is what matters to us. Make New England Associates® “Your First Step to a Better Looking Future!™”
New England Associates® is one of the only accredited Hair Replacement businesses at the Better Business Bureau® in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine and Vermont. We are also proud members of the American Hair Loss Council.
Sources: https://www.ahlc.org/go-vegan-without-losing-hair/ and https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamins-hair-growth