Can Your Metabolism Cause Hair Loss?

Just like the health and function of your skin, your scalp and hair are affected by your overall wellbeing. Because of this, it can feel like there’s an endless number of ways your scalp and hair can be impacted by environmental and internal factors – from air quality to sun exposure to nutrition and stress. One question we are asked frequently in clinics is how – if at all – your metabolism impacts your hair health and growth. While people typically think of metabolism in connection with weight, energy and exercise, it’s actually integral to every single function within your body – including hair growth.

What is metabolism?

Let’s start from the beginning: your metabolism is the set of chemical processes that occur within the body; where cells convert food (vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc) into energy, work to build and repair tissue, as well as regulate bodily functions. Your age, gender and genetics all impact your metabolism, and your basal metabolic rate (BMR) – which is your resting metabolic rate – keeps your body functioning while you’re inactive. While it’s not entirely in your control, your BMR can be somewhat impacted by exercise, weight gain and loss, ageing, hormones and more.

What bodily functions does your metabolism impact?

Every function within your body is affected by your metabolism – from your body temperature to hormones, digestion, immune system, and brain function. Of course, many of those functions also affect the health of your scalp and hair.

How does your metabolism affect hair health and growth? 

Because there are so many functions that your metabolism contributes to, there are several ways it can impact your hair. The hair follicles are sensitive and respond quickly to body changes as hair is one of the most actively growing cells within the body. Here are some common ways your metabolism impacts your hair growth and health:

• Nutrient Absorption
  Deficiencies in vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids and fatty acids can negatively impact your scalp and hair health; manifesting as thinning hair, excessive shedding, and/or brittle strands. If your metabolism is functioning optimally, so should your body’s ability to absorb nutrients that are essential to healthy scalp and hair.

• Energy
  Through a process called “aerobic glycolysis,” your hair follicles use glucose (primarily found in carbohydrates) to create the energy needed for the hair’s growth (anagen) phase. Converting nutrients into energy is just one of the many functions powered by metabolism and is essential to the hair growth cycle.

• Hormones
  It’s a little complicated, but it works both ways: hormones impact your metabolism and your metabolism impacts your hormones. Hormonal imbalances – caused caused by all kinds of conditions including ageing, menopause, perimenopause, thyroid disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, PCOS, stress and more – can disrupt the hair’s natural growth cycle. 

• Hydration
  Your metabolism plays a significant role in your body’s production of and use of hydration. When metabolising food, your body produces water as a byproduct, using it for temperature regulation and energy. Hydration is crucial for all bodily functions – including your hair growth, as it affects your scalp’s sebaceous glands, hair follicles and strand health.

• Tissue and Cell Maintenance
  One of your metabolism’s main roles is maintaining, repairing and regenerating cells and tissue within your body – your scalp and hair follicles included. Damaged cells inside hair follicles are repaired and re-energised in an optimal metabolic environment, meaning they are able to grow stronger, healthier strands at a faster rate.

Can hair loss caused by metabolism be treated?

No matter the reason for your disrupted or slowed metabolism – whether it’s hormonal imbalances, ageing or genetics – it’s crucial to create and maintain healthy habits to support optimal metabolic function and overall well-being. That means eating unprocessed nutrient-dense food, drinking plenty of water, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, exercising and always visiting your doctor or chosen healthcare professional when you’re concerned about your physical, mental or emotional health. Improving or maintaining your overall health will positively impact your body’s ability to grow stronger, healthier hair.

How can Hårklinikken help with hair loss caused by a slowed or disrupted metabolism?

Our diagnostic approach to hair health, The Hårklinikken Method, is personalised for each client to create and maintain optimal scalp health and long-lasting hair gain. We are able to achieve this through one-on-one consultations, formulas customised to each clients individual needs, rich in constituents derived from botanicals and proprietary ingredients, and regimens designed for every client’s unique requirements and goals.

Book a consultation and start getting the hair you want today.