Soda and Alcohol to Blame for Hair Loss?

You might think hair health hinges on the right shampoo or styling trick, but new research shows your beverage choices could matter just as much. Drinking lots of sugary sodas or alcohol was linked to higher rates of hair loss, while nutrients like vitamin D and iron were linked to stronger, healthier hair.

So how does what’s in your cup work against your hair? Sugary sodas and alcohol can fuel inflammation, disrupt hormones, and weaken follicles over time. Each sip gives your body a spike of glucose and insulin, both of which can throw your hair’s growth cycle off track. Alcohol adds another layer by depleting nutrients your hair needs to thrive, like zinc, B vitamins, and protein. Together, that double hit is a recipe for shedding.

The research also showed that low vitamin D and iron were common among those experiencing hair loss. This means that on the flip side, foods and drinks that nourish your body like fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, beans, nuts, and seeds deliver the protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants strengthen hair from the inside out. And don’t forget water -- each strand of hair is about 25% water, so staying hydrated helps keep hair resilient.

While this particular research pulled data involving more than 61,000 people, online forums and social media platforms are also filled with stories of people who noticed less shedding after cutting back on soda or replacing nightly cocktails with sparkling water.

It’s no surprise that there’s a long list of increased health risks linked to drinking sugary sodas, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Drinking alcohol puts you in a similar boat, increasing your risk of certain cancers, liver disease, heart disease and stroke, and mental health conditions. Cutting back on sugar and alcohol is not only good for your heart and waistline, but your hair may thank you too. And no, swapping one Coke for a smoothie won’t turn you into Rapunzel overnight, but those small changes can add up over time.