Last updated on January 30, 2025
Weight loss often brings plenty of great health benefits, from reduced risk of diseases and an increase in energy to being able to fit perfectly into your favourite pair of jeans – but it can also lead to unexpected side effects, such as hair loss. Because this isn’t very well known, many people are surprised when they notice more hair shedding during or after their weight loss journey. So, if you’re trying to get the benefits of healthy weight loss without the risks of hair thinning, this article is for you! By understanding the connection between weight loss and hair loss, you can take steps to protect your hair and address any concerns quickly and effectively, supporting healthy hair growth.
How Weight Loss Affects Hair Growth
Hair growth is closely linked to your overall health. When your body undergoes significant changes, such as rapid weight loss, it can experience stress. This stress disrupts the hair growth cycle, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium, where more hair follicles than usual enter the resting phase.
Common causes of hair loss related to weight loss include:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Restrictive diets or low-calorie plans can lack essential nutrients and vitamins like iron, zinc, protein, and biotin, which are crucial for healthy hair.
- Hormonal Changes: Weight loss can affect hormone levels, which may impact the hair growth cycle.
- Physical Stress: Sudden or extreme changes in body weight and intense exercise routines can put strain on the body, leading to hair shedding.
Sudden weight loss can shock the body, disrupting the natural hair growth cycle and causing increased shedding known as acute telogen effluvium. This often occurs due to stress, hormonal changes, and nutrient deficiencies.
Signs of Hair Loss After Weight Loss
Hair loss caused by weight loss usually becomes noticeable a few months into or after the process. Common signs include:
- Excessive shedding when brushing or washing hair.
- Thinning hair across the scalp, rather than in patches.
- Hair that feels brittle or looks dull.
This type of hair loss is often temporary, but it can be distressing. By addressing the underlying causes, you can support regrowth and healthier hair.
How to Prevent Hair Loss During Weight Loss
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A nutrient-rich diet with lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps maintain hair health. Also read about the best food for hair.
- Avoid Rapid Weight Loss: Losing weight gradually is gentler on the body and less likely to trigger telogen effluvium.
- Supplement Where Necessary: Consult a healthcare professional about taking supplements, such as biotin or iron, to support hair growth.
- Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration promotes scalp health and overall well-being.
- Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-relief techniques, such as mindfulness or light exercise, to reduce the strain on your body.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss After Weight Loss
If your hair loss persists or worsens, professional intervention can help. At Hair Doctors in Sydney and Melbourne, we provide a range of treatments tailored to your needs, including:
- Growth Factor Therapy: A natural hair growth treatment that uses growth factors in your own blood to support follicle health and stimulate hair regrowth.
- Mesotherapy: This involves the infusion of small doses of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into the scalp to stimulate circulation and nourish the hair follicles.
- Comprehensive Hair Assessments: Identifying the root cause of hair loss and creating a customised treatment plan.
Our clinic is dedicated solely to hair loss treatments, ensuring that our expertise is focused entirely on achieving the best results for you.
When to Seek Help
Hair loss caused by weight loss typically resolves within six months if the underlying factors are addressed. However, if you’re noticing prolonged or excessive shedding, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent hair loss may indicate other health concerns, such as thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies, which require professional evaluation.
Concerned About Hair Loss? Get Professional Hair Regrowth Treatments
Hair loss during weight loss can be concerning, but with the right care and professional support, it’s not only manageable, but the right treatments can help restore thick, healthy growth effectively.
Contact Hair Doctors in Sydney or Melbourne to explore personalised solutions and restore your hair’s health.
FAQs
How soon after weight loss does hair loss occur?
Hair loss usually begins 2-3 months after significant or rapid weight loss, whether from a change in diet and exercise or weight loss surgery. This delay is due to the hair growth cycle, as stress shifts more hair follicles into the resting phase. If you’re noticing excessive shedding, book an appointment at Hair Doctors in Sydney or Melbourne for expert care.
Is hair loss from weight loss permanent?
In most cases, hair loss caused by sudden weight loss is temporary. Once your body adjusts and you meet your nutritional needs, hair follicles typically move from the resting phase into the growth phase. However, our team at Hair Doctors offers personalised hair loss treatments to support a faster and more effective recovery and help improve hair health.
Can nutritional supplements alone prevent hair loss?
Supplements like iron, biotin (vitamin B7 or vitamin H), and zinc can support healthy hair growth, but they work best alongside a balanced diet rich in lean protein and fresh produce, and healthy lifestyle. For targeted solutions, visit a leading hair loss clinic in Australia, where we can create a plan tailored to your individual needs based on a comprehensive hair and scalp assessment. We offer a wide range of non-surgical hair restoration services as well as hair transplantation services.
How do I know if my hair loss is due to weight loss or another issue?
It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of hair loss without professional advice. At Hair Doctors, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the root cause and recommend effective treatments in our Sydney or Melbourne clinics.
Why choose Hair Doctors for hair loss treatment?
As a doctor-led clinic specialising exclusively in hair loss, we provide expert care in a discreet and welcoming environment. With personalised assessments and proven treatments, our focus is entirely on helping you achieve the best possible results. Book a consultation today to learn more about how we can help.
About The Author
Dr. Ossman Ashraf
In 2009, Dr Oz graduated from the University of Dundee, UK with a qualification in Men’s Health and Aesthetic Medicine. He then furthered his qualifications in medical education and is currently the Medical Advisor/Educator for MOSH, Australia’s leading online Men’s Health platform. He is accredited by the London Hair Restoration Academy and specialises in using the most up-to-date micro FUE extraction and DHI implantation techniques for transplant surgery.
Hussein B
After years of research, calling and consulting with different hair transplant surgeons across Sydney, I can definitely say Hair Doctors Australia is the best in the business. If you’re after qualified hair transplant surgeons who actually put their patients best interests first, look no further.
Samuel Levi
From the first initial consult, to my first day of surgery I can not highly recommend the team here at the Bondi clinic enough. So professional, and friendly, plus answered every question and worry I had, that was running through my mind. It made the entire process seamless. I’ll be recommending them whole heartedly to anyone who was in a similar situation to me, and wanting a hair transplant.
