Is there a connection between protein and hair growth? Can you take protein for hair loss? Does taking whey protein cause hair loss? If you’ve ever attempted to research protein and hair loss, you might be frustrated by all the conflicting information out there. Maria Turner clears up some common protein hair loss confusion.

Can a protein deficiency lead to hair loss? Should you take protein for hair growth?

Technically, it can. However, the deficiency would have to be so severe that other more serious problems would also develop. If you are experiencing hair loss for the first time but are otherwise healthy, chances are a protein deficiency alone is not the cause. Deficiencies aside, lower levels of protein can make hair dry and brittle, which is the main reason some people look to protein for hair growth.

Most people living in the developed world with a functioning digestive system and normal eating habits have no problem getting a reasonable amount of protein in their diet. If you are losing hair, it most likely is not form a lack of protein; therefore taking protein for hair loss is unlikely to reverse the problem, although it can help strengthen dry or brittle hair.

People who are at risk for a true protein deficiency are those with certain medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis and colitis. Anorexia can also cause a lack of protein. In such cases, the lack of protein can indeed cause hair loss and medical treatment is necessary. A severe protein deficiency can cause much more serious problems than hair loss. If you suspect you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet, ask your doctor for a blood test and see what he or she recommends.

Many people who take vitamins and protein for hair growth find that their hair is stronger, more resilient, and less prone to breakage. That’s because hair itself is made up of proteins. Topical protein treatment for hair can also temporarily strengthen your locks and help protect against the type of hair loss that comes from physical damage such as heat styling and tight pony tails.

Is there a connection between protein shakes and hair loss?

In a word, yes. Regular consumption of certain types of protein shakes can cause hair loss. Many of the non-organic protein shakes have growth hormones in them. These hormones stimulate the production of DHT, which in turn leads to hair loss. It’s particularly problematic for men. However, it’s important to note that only frequent use of high quantities of these protein shakes is problematic.

This does not mean you need to give up protein shakes entirely. Instead, look for shakes that are labeled as organic, free of growth hormones, and without branch amino acids.

The great irony here, of course, is the fact that many men turn to protein shakes in the first place because they want to improve their appearance, not realizing that the tradeoff is losing their hair.

In a recent article in Perth Now, Western Australian hair transplant surgeon Jennifer Martinick places the blame for some hair loss squarely on protein shakes. “They are 20 or 30-something, go to the gym, some even have Botox, take protein shakes to build up muscle but don’t realise it can contribute to baldness.”

The key word here, of course, is “contribute”. If you have a full head of hair, consuming whey protein shakes is not going to cause you to suddenly wake up bald. Whey protein hair loss won’t happen to everyone. If you already have a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness, it can make it worse. Otherwise there is little reason to worry about whey protein and hair loss.

Of course, if you have recently started protein supplements and are noticing more hair fall than usual, it’s a good idea to stop.

The Bottom Line on Protein for Hair Growth

Too much or too little protein can be problematic not only for your hair but your overall health as well. Consuming a well-rounded diet rich in sources of protein such as meat, nuts, eggs, and yogurt is a great idea for healthy hair and a healthy body. If your diet is severely lacking in protein, supplementing can help, but overdoing it can have the opposite effect. If you have any doubts about your protein levels, a quick blood test from your doctor is all it takes to find out for sure.