Occasionally drinking alcohol is not bad for hair. However, regular alcohol consumption through drinking or using certain alcohol-containing hair products may have negative effects on the hair.
Alcohol is a chemical substance in liquor, wine, and beer. A person who consumes it in excessive amounts may not be getting enough nutrients to maintain the health of their hair. Overconsumption of alcohol may also lead to damaged hair and hair loss.
Some hair care and household products contain alcohol that may also damage the hair with excessive use.
Continue reading to learn about alcohol, when alcohol is bad for the hair, the effects of alcohol on hair and other body systems, and how to promote hair health.
Alcohol is a broad term for a variety of chemicals, and it has different names and effects on hair.
Short-chain alcohols include regular ethanol and denatured alcohols. The structure of this alcohol type allows it to evaporate quickly. This alcohol type may be too drying and harmful for hair.
Ethanol is also called ethyl and grain alcohol. It is the type of alcohol within beer, spirits, and wine. Drinking modest amounts of alcohol may not harm overall hair health.
Denatured alcohol is ethanol with an added denaturant substance that makes it undrinkable. This alcohol is an ingredient in many hair care products and cosmetics.
The
In adults who drink alcohol, the
In the United States, a standard drink is:
Ethanol acts as a diuretic, which pulls water out of a person’s body through sweating and urination. This diuretic effect can make an individual and their hair dehydrated.
Damage easily occurs with dehydrated hair. Examples of
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can harm hair, which requires adequate amounts of nutrients to grow and stay healthy. According to a 2018 review, chronic alcohol consumption can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Alcohol is an empty-calorie liquid, meaning it has no or little nutritional value. A person may feel full from drinking and not be able to eat nutritious meals.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, not getting enoughbiotin, iron, or zinc can lead to noticeable hair loss.
According to a
People who drink may also smoke. A 2021 research article links tobacco smoke to baldness, as it damages hair follicles and can interrupt the hair growth cycle.
Some alcohol types might harm hair health because they are overly drying. Dry hair can develop split ends and look frizzy. These types of alcohol include:
According to the
Excessive drinking includes:
The CDC adds that as alcohol affects every system in the body, it can lead to both short- and long-term health risks.
Read more about the risks of chronic drinking.
Short-term health risks of alcohol consumption include:
Long-term health risks of alcohol include:
By reducing the amount of alcohol a person consumes, they can lower the risk of developing alcohol-related health. People can also consult their doctor about support groups or sessions to help cut back or give up drinking.
Find out what are the best alcohol support groups.
To further reduce the risk of alcohol-related harms, the
However, the
Additional things a person can do to preserve hair health include:
There are certain types of alcohol that can help maintain hair health. Fatty alcohols, also known as lipid or long-chain alcohols, can help moisturize hair. Products, such as leave-in conditioners and deep conditioners, usually contain these fatty lipids.
The types of alcohols present in these products are:
Some individuals may also apply beer directly to the hair as a conditioner to make their hair smooth and shiny. Read on about the use of beer on hair.
However, there is limited scientific evidence to support applying beer or other forms of ethanol to hair.
Consuming a modest amount of alcohol is generally safe for a person’s hair. However, drinking minimal or no alcohol is best for maintaining hair health and promoting hair growth.
Certain types of alcohol in hair care products may either harm or help hair health.
The overconsumption of alcohol can have negative effects on the hair. Losing vital nutrients from dehydration and consuming empty calories can lead to hair damage, hair thinning, and baldness.
Being aware of what types of alcohol are in their hair care products can help a person avoid using harmful varieties for their hair.
Last medically reviewed on April 27, 2022
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