Protein malnutrition, such as in kwashiorkor and marasmus, can result in hair changes that include hair thinning and hair loss [64]. One study examined the role of L-lysine, an essential amino acid that may play a role in iron and zinc uptake.
The most effective way to treat and reverse hair loss due to a protein deficiency is to make sure you're eating healthy sources of protein. However, you may also be able to use medication to stimulate hair growth and speed up the process of restoring your normal hair thickness and density.
Adequate protein intake is therefore critical for providing the amino acids that are needed for normal hair growth. Correspondingly, protein deficiency can cause hair loss, make all types of hair loss worse, and adversely affect any hair loss treatment.
So, here's what I like to do instead. For most women who are experiencing hair loss, a good protein goal is 1-gram protein per 1 pound of body weight. For example, if you're a 150lb woman, that means aiming for 150 grams of protein per day.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
Nuts like peanuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts are great sources of protein, healthy fats, biotin and zinc which support healthy tissue development on the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
Too much protein and not enough moisture: the strand stretches more than usual then breaks, feels dry, stiff and brittle. Too much moisture and not enough protein: the strand keeps stretching without breaking, feels weak, mushy and limp.
Lentils, beans, and chickpeas are all rich in protein, iron, zinc, and biotin. These nutrients are essential for strong and healthy hair.
Luckily, since the cause for low protein is simple, so is the solution: Mild protein deficiency—meaning you may have low levels but are not malnourished—can be reversed by eating a sufficient amount of protein-rich foods, says Dr. Lacqua.
When the body doesn't have enough protein, it goes into what's called "starvation mode." In starvation mode, the body conserves energy by slowing down all non-essential functions. This includes hair growth. So, if you're not getting enough protein, your hair growth will slow down and you may start to lose hair.
DIY a protein treatment.
But, I'm also a fan of making some of my own. A really great recipe is to mix the following—an egg, half of an avocado, a tablespoon of Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of honey. Apply it to freshly washed hair, let it sit for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
If your hair keeps falling off every time you wash it, your hair needs some protein to give it strength and durability. Natural ingredients such as avocado, yogurt, egg, mayonnaise, and coconut milk are rich in protein and can be used as an essential part of your hair mask.
A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.
As with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness comes from hormone imbalances, specifically dihydrotestosterone imbalances, or DHT. This hormone is similar in structure to testosterone, but it is significantly more potent [3]. DHT can attach to receptors on the hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink.
Your hair may look and feel dry, brittle, dull, and stiff. If you take a closer look at your hair, protein overload may also cause split ends and breakage. It may also shed more. If you're noticing more strands on your comb or brush than usual, that could be a telltale sign of high protein hair.