Why Hair Loss On Keto?

Nov 26, 2017 Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss is a common condition where men of all ages start to lose their hair.  Men with this condition have hair follicles that are sensitive to the male hormone testosterone.  

A hair growth cycle normally lasts for three years.  Hair grows wispier and hairlines recede during the growth part of each cycle. Other reasons men may lose their hair include; stress, over styling, some medications, autoimmune diseases and lack of vitamin B. 

Extreme weight loss is also attributed to hair loss because the body suffers a degree of shock due to a change of food intake. The NHS provide advice to help you understand hair loss. The Keto diet is a high protein diet that is low in carbohydrates.  

Bodybuilders use the Keto diet to build up muscle mass and reduce body fat.  Some men notice a degree of hair loss when following the diet while others claim that a reduced carb diet encourages hair growth.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness is hair loss that is very common in middle-aged men. Younger men also suffer from male pattern baldness.  Hair loss occurs because the hair follicles are weakened by the hormone testosterone. Hair tends to get thinner all over in a distinctive pattern.

This type of hair loss is likely to be due to genetics and runs in families.  It is often easier for older men to deal with losing their hair than younger men.  There is no permanent cure for a receding hairline except for a hair transplant which is very expensive and not always guaranteed to work. Medication such as Aindeem and Propecia reduce the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles.  

Hair follicles convert testosterone into DHT which causes them to shrink reducing hair growth. This treatment only works if there is a significant amount of hair left.  If you stop taking this medication you will continue to lose hair.   This type of treatment is not a solution for everyone and has undesirable side effects such as erectile dysfunction.

Eventually, the best way to deal with male pattern baldness is acceptance.  Talk therapy is a good way to come to terms with your new appearance.

The Keto Diet And Hair Loss

The Keto Diet is favoured by bodybuilders because it is high in protein and low in fat and carbohydrates.  It is a very similar diet to the Atkins Diet and involves changing the way in which your body burns fat.

Normally your body burns carbohydrates to generate energy but this is not always a very efficient way to burn fat.  By virtually eliminating carbohydrates from your diet you force your body into a state of ketosis where fat becomes the main fuel.

Some people follow the Keto diet to save their hair while others claim that it causes it to fall out. Extreme changes in your diet cause changes in hair density because your body may not be absorbing the nutrients it needs to be healthy.

If you do change your diet and are noticing thinning hair chances are the diet is causing your problems and not male pattern baldness. Diet-related hair loss is remedied by eating a balanced healthy diet.

Male pattern baldness is not life-threatening but can cause emotional discomfort. If you have any concerns about the reason for your thinning hair contact your doctor for advice.

By Parv Sagoo (January 2018)