Can too Much Protein Cause Hair loss?

Having too much protein can be both good and bad for your hair. While protein is important for strong, healthy hair, too much protein can cause hair loss. It’s not as simple as just consuming a lot of protein shakes.

It’s like a balancing act. Your hair follicles need protein to grow, it’s important to get enough protein.

However, too much protein can strain your body and lead to a lack of nutrients like biotin, which is essential for hair growth.

So, unless you’re consuming an excessive amount of protein powder, it’s unlikely to be the main reason for your hair problems.

Today, I’ll share information on the can too much protein cause hair loss. I will also share my personal experiences and tips. 

Causes of High Protein

You can experience hair loss due to high protein intake or application. Multiple times, protein masks and diet are the main causes of high protein in hair, leading to dryness and hair fall.

Here are some factors to find out if your hair is going through high protein damage. 

• Dryness and lifeless hair
• Dull and luster appearance
• Hair breaks when you comb
• Tangle and shedding heavily
• Stiff texture

Protein Diet

An enriching protein and nutrients diet can help you maintain good health and even boost hair growth.

But overeating protein can harm your hair growth. That’s why you must consult a doctor or dietician before changing your diet plan. 

The rule of thumb is to intake, “depending on body weight per 1 pound protein 1-gram protein” according to Wikipedia.

However, around 15 to 30 grams in a specific quantity per meal. 40 grams can be taken daily, but only if you suffer from protein deficiency or other health issues.

If you are struggling with hair damage caused by high protein problems, you must cut these foods from your diet.

• Salmon
• Dark leafy greens
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Seeds

Hair Protein Treatment

It’s true! Hair treatments that are labeled to make your strands shine and strong can lead to hair damage.

Due to excessive chemicals in protein masks, the hair starts to shed and change texture.

You must avoid applying these products on your scalp, or you might encounter increased dandruff, hair fall, sensitive scalp, and burning sensation. 

In addition, overusing protein masks at home or salon treatments can be the reason for brittle, damaged, and hair loss.

I suggest avoiding these treatments unless necessary for hair health, especially professional-grade ones.

See also : How To Grow Low Porosity Hair

Intake Protein Supplement 

You may have heard supplements such as protein powder may not cause hair fall. However without a prescription, an overdose can lead to hair damage.

Some protein supplies contain certain nutrients, such as selenium and vitamins A and B, in unknown quantities.

Which leads to multiple toxicities and severe hair loss. 

However, according to some studies (Healthline), if you are taking supplies for hair growth, there is no such evidence that protein supplements work.

So, before you apply this method to your diet, consult with a dietician or check these factors. 

• It must carry 200 or fewer calories
• less than 5 grams of sugar
• Without hydrogenated oils and trans-fat
• 2 grams of saturated fat

Hair Repairing Natural Remedies

You can reverse the protein damage from your hair in specific ways. Check out these factors for better and healthier hair growth. 

Trimming your hair

Damage through excessive protein hair can be reversible due to trimming. Most hairdressers suggest that cutting an inch or two of your hair can benefit your hair.

Protein might be the reason for producing spilled ends but chopping them can prevent hair loss and damage. 

Also, trimming your hair won’t hurt your follicles and only affects the shafts. Leading to improved shaft growth, which can resolve hair loss and thinning hair issues.

After a haircut, it will feel healthier as it removes split ends. It can save your hair from falling out but not solve the regrowth of new follicles.

Using Essential oils

Some essential oils might help to reduce the protein impact on your hair. Peppermint, lavender, and clary sage oil will strip the excess protein buildup from the roots.

Gently apply on the scalp using your fingers and massage. This will cleanse the area from chemicals and increase blood flow, boosting hair growth. 

Before applying any essential oil, apply carrier oil, as it can dilute dirt and chemicals.

Moreover, these oils can boost hair growth while eliminating protein buildup. As per the report, essence oils can pump blood flow and oxygen to your scalp, strengthening hair strands.

Deep Cleansing

Luke warm water is a significant treatment that you can use to extract any chemical buildup from hair.

But to eliminate protein, you need a specific shampoo to clarify it from your strands.

Ensure the shampoo matches your hair type, and wash it with warm water regularly until you get better results. 

Read Also : 8 Ingredients To Avoid For Low Porosity Hair

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. Yes, Too much protein causes hair loss. While getting enough protein is essential for strong, healthy hair, overdoing it can indeed have some negative consequences.

But before you go tossing out your protein shakes and grilling every chicken breast in sight, remember that the key is finding the right balance.

I personally try to stick to the recommended daily intake of protein, which is around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.

That means if I weigh 150 pounds, I should aim for around 54 grams of protein per day. I find that this amount keeps my hair feeling strong and healthy, without any unwanted side effects. A

Of course, everyone is different, and what works for me might not work for you. If you’re concerned about your protein intake or are experiencing hair loss, try to follow our guide and it’s always best to talk to a doctor or registered dietitian.

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