Can Going Vegan Cure Hair Loss?

I have recently read several testimonials that say animal products may be the cause of hair loss. Many people have said that they cured their hair loss by going vegan, is this true?

There are several forms of hair loss.   One of these includes malnutrition and / or a  vitamin deficiency. Some individuals may stop their hair loss by changing their diet or supplementing with vitamins and minerals. However, there is a clear distinction between androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss) and other forms of hair loss.

Genetic hair loss follows a distinct pattern. This is because certain hair follicles are vulnerable to the effects of the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to the androgen receptor sites of the vulnerable hair follicles and gradually shrinks the hair follicles until they no longer grow. This process is called miniaturization or thinning.

Unfortunately, there is no diet or exercise that could prevent, slow or stop male pattern baldness. This condition is genetic and is triggered by hormones. Every year there is a new fad diet or “miracle” treatment that is supposed to stop a myriad of conditions. Hair loss always seems to be one of the ailments that these so-called “miracle” diets or treatments can treat. Unfortunately, if curing hair loss was as simple as changing your diet, no one would go bald.

Currently, there are only two medications that have been approved by the FDA to treat male and female pattern hair loss. The medications are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) both of these treatments have been clinically proven to work. Rogaine (minoxidil) is a topical treatment that is applied twice a day to the affected balding areas. Propecia (finasteride) is a pill that requires a physician prescription, the medication works by inhibiting the production of DHT.

There is no pill, lotion or potion that can regrow hair on a completely bald scalp. The only proven method for regrowing hair on a completely bald scalp is through surgical hair restoration. Luckily, the old “dolls hair” hair plugs of the 80’s and 90’s are long gone. Today, hair transplantation is a refined procedure that is undetectable by the general public.

Written and published by,
Melvin- Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network and The Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians