Water accounts for approximately 60 percent of the human body. It is vital to the health of every cell — regulating body temperature, metabolizing food, lubricating the joints, cushioning the brain and spine, and flushing waste from the body. Water is so essential, yet nearly a quarter of us don’t consume enough water to maintain optimal bodily functions.
Is Proper Hydration Good For Your Hair?
Water is even important for the growth of your hair. Drinking sufficient amounts of water:
- Nourishes hair follicles. Water allows the flow of minerals and other nutrients to reach your scalp, providing it with the nutrition it needs to grow healthy hair.
- Allows proper absorption. Healthy hair has a high water content. When it is deprived of the water it needs, hair becomes dull and lifeless. When it receives proper hydration, hair looks fuller and more vibrant.
- Flushes toxins. Toxins accumulate in the hair, causing it to become brittle and easily broken. Adequate water consumption removes these toxins and allows them to be excreted.
- Improves overall health. If one is in good overall health, it’s more likely hair will be fuller, stronger, and healthier… and less prone to the excess shedding and poor growth of health-related telogen effluvium.
Can You Lose Hair from Lack of Water?
Dehydration can absolutely lead to hair loss. Hair follicles are among the fastest-growing tissues in the human body – and they require hydration to function properly. Being dehydrated can cause new hair fall or accelerate existing hair loss.
What Does Dehydration Hair Loss Look Like?
Minor dehydration can cause hair to look dull and unhealthy. More serious dehydration causes hair to become dry, thin, brittle, and easily broken. It may even lead to excess shedding and thinning hair throughout the scalp.
How Do You Know If You’re Chronically Dehydrated?
Dehydration symptoms may include excessive thirst; dry mouth, lips, tongue, or eyes; sunken eyes; infrequent urination, often with dark-colored urine; fatigue; dizziness, and confusion. While excessive thirst is one of the signs of dehydration, be aware that you can be dehydrated and not feel thirsty.
If you suspect you may be dehydrated but are unsure, try the skin turgor test. Pinch the skin on the back of your hand and release it. If it remains loose or raised – and doesn’t return to normal – there is a good chance you are experiencing significant dehydration. If you experience frequent or constant dehydration, we strongly suggest visiting your physician to find and address the underlying cause.
Can Hair Loss from Dehydration Be Reversed?
Unless your hair loss has an additional cause, dehydration-related hair loss typically is reversible. If the cause of your dehydration is resolved, you should see renewed hair growth within several months.
The easiest way to stay properly hydrated is to drink more water, and to avoid liquids that contain caffeine or sugar. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as these contain water and electrolytes. If this doesn’t help, you may need to drink water with added minerals and electrolytes. In certain cases, IV hydration may be helpful or even necessary.
Reef Hair Addresses the Root of Your Hair Loss
If you’re dealing with hair loss, Reef Hair can help you determine the cause and choose the treatment that is right for you. We offer both non-invasive procedures and transplantation options – including device-assisted ARTAS® and NeoGraft® hair replacement, as well as classic manual FUE and FUT transplants. Contact us to set up a consultation, where we will perform a hair and scalp analysis, and discuss potential treatments to help you achieve the hairline you desire!
