Gut Health and Hair Growth's Surprising Connection

Do you have a problem with hair growth? You're not alone if you've ever felt jealous when you see someone with a head of full, thick, healthy-looking hair. On the surface, maintaining gorgeous hair appears simple: have a regular haircare routine, come in for haircuts at the first sign of split ends, and use deep conditioning treatments. But did you know that having gorgeous locks could be related to gut health?

It may be time to examine your gut health if growing out your locks seems more challenging than usual. While it may sound far-fetched, research suggests that healthy hair growth and retention may be related to your internal well-being and genetic makeup.

Stress levels, diet, genetic conditions, and even your gut microbiome can affect your locks. An unhealthy gut microbiome can even lead to significant and visible hair loss.

There are three phases of hair growth: anagen or the growing phase, the catagen or the transitional phase, and the telogen phase, when the follicle stops producing hair and the hair strand falls out. During the anagen phase, your hair follicles produce keratin and lipid cells that make up the structure of your hair strands. Your hair will go through all three. If your hormones work properly, your follicles should transition back to anagen when it produces new hair.

Any disruption in the growth cycle can lead to hair problems such as thinning, hair loss and struggles with hair growth.

How does your gut health play into all this? Your gut microbiome is crucial in producing nutrients needed for growing hair. It also helps balance the hormones that facilitate the transition between the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. Your gut microbiome is essential to metabolizing various essential vitamins that support hair growth.

Gut bacteria may also help regulate hormones responsible for hair growth, such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.

Having a healthy gut can help you achieve your hair goals. Here are a few ways to improve yours.

Probiotics can help improve your gut health and digestion by introducing good bacteria into your system and creating a healthy balance of microorganisms. Eat fermented foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, raw milk cheese, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and more. Consult your doctor before taking any probiotic supplements.

Hormonal imbalances can inadvertently affect your hair growth. As in men, high levels of androgen can cause hair thinning in women. It can shrink your hair follicles and shorten their cycle, causing hair to fall out. If you suspect your hormones are in disarray, see your doctor so you can get prescribed medication and treatment to correct your hormones.

Stress can affect your hair. The American Hair Loss Association says elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, is one of the most common triggers of hair loss. External stressors can affect your gut health, increasing inflammation and stomach acid secretions. They also cause other gastrointestinal conditions such as cramping, bloating, appetite loss, and diarrhea. Keeping stress levels in check prevents these gut problems and regulates the nutrients that keep hair healthy and strong.

If you experience hair fall, choose products that address weak hair strands and support growth. To strengthen your locks, try Dove Botanical Anti Hair Fall Shampoo, a gentle, silicone-free formula with 100% botanical oil that nourishes weak and brittle hair.

Meanwhile, to promote healthy hair as it grows, use Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo. It has biotin and aloe vera that keep the hair strong and prevent breakage. Follow it up with Cream Silk Ultimate Reborn Hairfall Defense Conditioner. It has three nourishing oils – argan, rosehip, and marula – to fortify your hair from root to tip.

Beautiful hair is a product of genetics, a good haircare routine, and your internal health. Consult your doctor about your gut health to achieve your hair growth goals.