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Alcohol and Hair Loss Causes, Recovery & Treatment Guide

Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: January 2, 2026

If you’re experiencing hair loss and you’ve been drinking regularly, you’re not alone. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an estimated 27.9 million Americans ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in 2023.

Research shows that chronic alcohol consumption leads to significant nutrient deficiencies, particularly B vitamins, zinc, and iron, all essential for healthy hair growth. In this guide, our medical team at The Hope House draws on over a decade of experience treating alcohol addiction in Scottsdale.

Does Alcohol Cause Hair Loss?

This is one of the first questions people ask when they connect the dots between their drinking and their thinning hair. The answer isn’t exactly straightforward, but it’s really important to understand: alcohol doesn’t directly cause your hair to fall out, but it creates the perfect storm of conditions that lead to hair loss.

Alcohol and hair loss aren’t directly related in the way that, say, chemotherapy and hair loss are. But when you drink an excessive amount of alcohol over time, it causes a cascade of health issues that trigger hair thinning or loss. The primary culprit? Nutrient deficiencies.

hair loss from alcohol use

How Alcohol Depletes Essential Nutrients

Your body needs adequate nutrition to keep your hair healthy, but alcohol inhibits nutrient breakdown and impairs absorption.

The most common nutrient deficiencies:

  • Vitamin B12: Essential for hair follicle health
  • Folic acid (B9): Critical for cell division and hair growth
  • Iron: Necessary for oxygen transport to hair follicles
  • Zinc: Supports hair tissue growth and repair
  • Biotin (B7): Crucial for keratin production

According to a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, nutritional deficiencies are found in nearly 38% of women experiencing hair loss.

Can Binge Drinking Cause Hair Loss?

In the case of binge drinking, you experience extreme dehydration, which dries out hair follicles and causes thinning. According to research on binge drinking, large amounts in a short period deplete protein stores. Since hair is keratin protein, this contributes to hair loss.

Drinking excessively can lead to alcohol poisoning, which alters vitamins. Remember that alcohol stays in your system for up to 48 hours.

What Does Alcohol Do to Your Hair?

Alcohol and hair just don’t get along. Over time, alcohol use causes dry, brittle, breaking hair and excessive hair loss.

What happens to your hair when you drink heavily:

  • Dryness and brittleness: Chronic dehydration strips moisture
  • Thinning and loss: Nutrient deficiencies weaken follicles
  • Dullness: Lack of vitamins reduces shine
  • Slower growth: Impaired circulation means slower hair growth

Hair Loss Due to Alcoholism

There are many long-term effects of alcoholism, and thinning hair is one of them. Alcoholism causes hair loss in three ways: elevated stress, impaired nutrient absorption, and hormonal disruptions.

1. Elevated Stress Levels

Long-term stress causes telogen effluvium, where hair stays in resting phase and falls out in large amounts.

2. Nutrient Absorption Impairment

According to research, chronic consumption damages intestinal lining, impairing nutrient absorption. Your hair follicles starve for building blocks.

3. Hormonal Disruptions

Alcoholism is linked to hormonal disruptions, affecting thyroid and reproductive hormones. When interrupted, hair loss occurs.

Additional hormonal effects:

  • Elevated cortisol: Stress hormone triggering hair loss
  • Disrupted estrogen/testosterone balance
  • Impaired growth hormone

Will Hair Grow Back After Quitting Alcohol?

The good news is, all is not lost. You can work to regrow your hair naturally. But we recommend addressing your alcohol consumption first.

We tell patients: save your money until you’ve addressed the drinking. Those treatments won’t work if you’re still depleting nutrients. Fix the foundation first.

The Timeline for Hair Regrowth

  • First 1-2 weeks: Body starts rehydrating and detoxing
  • Weeks 3-4: Nutrient absorption improves, less shedding
  • Months 2-3: New hair growth becomes visible
  • Months 6-12: Significant improvement in density and thickness

Natural Ways to Support Hair Regrowth

1. PROPER NUTRITION

  • Protein-rich foods: Eggs, fish, chicken, beans
  • Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil
  • Iron sources: Spinach, red meat, lentils
  • Zinc sources: Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds

2. QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS

  • B-complex vitamins
  • Iron (if deficient)
  • Zinc and selenium
  • Vitamin D
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

3. PROPER HYDRATION

Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily.

4. STRESS MANAGEMENT

  • Meditation and mindfulness
  • Regular exercise
  • Yoga or tai chi
  • Quality sleep (7-9 hours)

5. GENTLE HAIR CARE

Avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles.

Finding Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

To start, search “alcohol rehab Arizona” or replace with your city.

For quality treatment, The Hope House offers individualized programs for alcohol addiction treatment with complementary therapies.

Call us for a personalized, confidential assessment.

hair loss from alcohol use

About the Author

Tiffany Fuller is a creator for illumiflow, a revolutionary brand helping its customers regrow their hair, and Premium Web LLC.