Drink enjoyed by millions every day ‘could trigger hair loss’

From Stanley Tucci to Terry Crews, some men have made baldness their signature style.

But if you’re not so keen to say goodbye to those luscious locks, medics say you may want to avoid one type of popular drink.

Portuguese researchers found people who regularly consume sodas and fizzy drinks could dramatically raise their risk of hair loss. 

But maintaining a good level of vitamin D could help prevent against alopecia – hair loss from any part of the body – the review of 17 studies also discovered. 

Writing in the journal Nutrition and Health, the scientists said: ‘Diet and nutrition plays a crucial role in hair health.

‘In particular vitamin D and iron supplementation, while limiting alcohol and soft drinks may be beneficial.’ 

However, they cautioned the findings did not prove sodas and fizzy soft drinks causes hair loss. 

Further studies instead are needed, to determine exactly what may trigger the effect, they noted.  

Research has previously suggested people who drink at least one sugary drink a day are at higher risk of suffering male pattern hair loss. 

One study by Chinese researchers in 2023 found that younger men who consumed sweet drinks seven times a week had more than triple the chance of having hair loss than men who didn’t consume them.

In the fresh research, scientists found that across the studies analysed sugary drinks impacted hair density, growth, thickness, shine, and hair loss. 

In one study in particular, those drinking more than 3500ml per week—roughly 11 cans—were more likely to suffer the condition, particularly men, researchers found. 

Studies have previously suggested this may be because high caffeine content in these drinks can increase cortisol levels, the stress hormone.

Excess sugar is also linked to poor circulation and inflammation which can both weaken hair follicles and increase hair loss. 

But the scientists also discovered that vitamin D lowered risk of both androgenetic alopecia—the genetic type—and alopecia areata—sudden hair loss, when the immune system attacks hair follicles.

One trial reviewed also found a lack of protein was linked to hair thinning and colours lightening.

Experts, however, have long been divided over whether sodas and fizzy drinks are linked to hair loss. 

Dr Susan Massick, an expert in dermatology at Ohio State University, told Healthline at the time: ‘Diet does play a critical role in your overall health, particularly regarding risk for developing obesity, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and hypertension.

‘However, male-pattern hair loss is multifactorial.’

While hair loss is usually associated with ageing, dermatologists have said they are increasingly seeing younger men seeking help for the problem.

Some going to the extreme, and expensive length, of getting hair transplants.

It’s estimated that around a quarter of men in their 20s show signs of balding — but by the age of 50, that figure rises to 85 per cent of men.

But, earlier this month it was revealed a breakthrough drug could provide new hair hope for millions of men and women dealing with baldness.

The medication, called PP405, triggered hair to regrow on the heads of men and women who were balding on the front and to the front and top of their scalp.

In the phase 2a trial, participants rubbed gel containing the medication onto their scalp daily and saw hair begin to regrow by week eight.