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Pete Scott, MD Written by Erin D. Updated on 5 Mar 2024
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EXPERT GUIDE

Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Loss?


Pete Scott, MD

This text was written according to the highest scientific standards and reviewed by medical experts. Find out more about our quality assurance.

Written by Erin D. Updated on 5 Mar 2024

Fitness enthusiasts around the world remain divided when it comes to the benefits and side effects of Whey protein. And now, this latest claim about whey protein causing hair loss has just added fuel to the fire. Especially since multiple studies claim that 80% of all men and 50% of all women will experience hair loss in their lifetimes. The guide below, however, should give you a definitive answer as we discuss the relationship between hair and proteins in detail.

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Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Loss?

The greater science community seems to have differing opinions on if whey protein can actually cause hair loss. For example, a famous study by Dr. Larry Shapiro states that the isolated form of whey protein may aggravate hair loss in both men and women. 

 

Hair Growth Cycle

Now, keep in mind that the study does not outright claim that whey protein causes hair loss. Instead, it states that the product may play a role in accelerating hair loss in people who are already experiencing it. 

On the other hand, other studies claim that the concentrated form of whey protein can actually aid hair regrowth as well as promote the growth of new hair follicles. 

Keeping these differing views in mind, one thing is for sure: Whey protein may be able to accelerate hair loss, but it cannot outright cause hair loss. 

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What Can I Do Against Hair Loss?

To start with, we’d advise switching from whey protein isolate to concentrated whey protein as soon as possible. Since, the concentrated form of whey protein is evidently the better option for your hair’s growth. 

Of course, you could also try fulfilling some of your daily protein requirements through proper food sources instead of protein supplements. 

After all, a proper diet can go a long way in reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth. However, these are all precautionary steps and not actual treatments. Therefore, they may not help if your hair loss is advancing too quickly. 

In that case, you may want to get a prescription for minoxidil or finasteride from your dermatologist to prevent further hair loss. 

How do minoxidil and finasteride work?

Connection Between Proteins and Hair

Proteins are considered one of the basic building blocks of the human body, making them important for healthy bones, hair, and skin. In terms of your overall hair health and growth, proteins play a central role as they are actually responsible for the creation of hair follicles. 

Which is why healthcare experts put great stress on maintaining protein levels. Especially if you are an avid gym goer or regularly engage in physically demanding work. Some studies back this claim even further by citing nutritional deficits, mainly proteins, as the contributing factors to the loss of hair through natural aging or male pattern baldness. 

However, if we are being honest, there are still plenty of gaps in our knowledge regarding how a lack of nutrients, especially proteins, affect hair loss. Having said that, we do know that a healthy intake of protein is essential to maintain the health of your hair follicles and reduce hair loss. 

Sources

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