When you fully switch to a plant-based diet, you’re embracing a lifestyle that benefits both the environment and your health. However, it’s common to have concerns about how this change might affect various aspects of your health, and one of the aspects that could get affected is your hair. Hair loss can be distressing. And we understand you if you wonder if your dietary choices influence your hair’s health.
In maintaining healthy hair, nutrition plays a key role. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your plant-based diet includes all the essential nutrients your hair needs. Just like any other part of your body, your hair requires a balance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to thrive. A well-planned plant-based diet might provide plentiful nutrients for hair growth, but it’s also crucial to be aware of potential nutrient deficiencies that might damage your hair.
By focusing on variety in your meals, and perhaps supplementing where needed, you can enjoy the advantages of a plant-based lifestyle without compromising the health of your hair.
Remember, hair loss can also be a result of factors other than diet, such as stress or genetics, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing significant hair loss.
Reasons Why You Lose Hair in a Plant-Based Diet
A plant-based diet can do wonders for your overall health. But if you don’t get all the essential nutrients, you might notice your hair isn’t as thick and full as it used to be, since missing out on certain vitamins and minerals can lead to hair loss.
Let’s talk about the essential vitamins and minerals that are vital in growing healthy and fuller hair.
You Lack Essential Vitamins
Vitamins play a significant role in maintaining healthy hair growth. On a plant-based diet, you may inadvertently cut out crucial vitamins typically plentiful in animal products.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is crucial for hair health, and since it’s mainly found in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy, those on a plant-based diet might find themselves at risk of deficiency. Hair loss is a common symptom of low B12 levels. To counter this, look for plant-based foods fortified with B12 or consider a B12 supplement to ensure your hair stays healthy and strong.
- Vitamin D: Known for its role in bone health, Vitamin D also plays a significant part in the hair growth cycle. A deficiency can lead to thinning hair or hair loss. Plant-based sources of Vitamin D include fortified plant milks and mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight.
However, Vitamin D is challenging to obtain in sufficient quantities from diet alone, especially if you have limited exposure to sunlight. Research on the role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss shows that low levels of vitamin D cause patchy scalp and androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). A supplement can help maintain adequate levels, supporting your scalp’s health and promoting hair growth.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A is extremely important in keeping your hair thick and growing because it helps with making the oils that protect your hair. According to a study, if you don’t get enough Vitamin A, you might experience a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium.
For those who eat everything, foods like beef liver, fish oil, milk, and eggs are great sources. But if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can still get plenty of Vitamin A from eating colorful fruits and veggies like carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens like kale and spinach. These foods not only brighten up your plate but also help keep your hair healthy and vibrant.
You Lack Essential Minerals
Minerals are equally important for hair health, and some critical minerals might be less abundant in a plant-based diet.
- Iron: An essential mineral for your hair, iron helps carry oxygen to your hair follicles, crucial for healthy hair growth. An iron deficiency can result in anemia, which can then possibly cause patterned hair loss.
Boost your iron intake with plant-based sources such as lentils, chickpeas, spinach, and other leafy greens. These foods not only help prevent iron deficiency but also support overall hair health and vitality.
- Zinc: Zinc plays a key role in hair health. It makes sure the oil glands around each hair are doing their job, which keeps your scalp from getting dry and flaky. And those in plant-based diets may be deficient in zinc because it’s poorly bioavailable.
To keep your hair and scalp happy, munch on foods packed with zinc like pumpkin seeds, tasty nuts like cashews and almonds, and hearty whole grains. Adding these goodies to your meals can really give your hair a boost and keep your scalp feeling good.
Will Your Hair Grow Back?
Hair loss in people with a plant-based diet can be either temporary or permanent, depending largely on the cause. As mentioned in the previous section, a plant-based diet can lead to deficiency in iron, zinc, vitamin D, A, or B12. If that’s the case, your hair loss could just be temporary. The good news? This kind of hair issue is usually just temporary. Spruce up your meals with these nutrients or grab some supplements, and you can expect your hair to start growing back in no time.
But here’s the twist: sometimes, it’s not about what you eat. Things like family hair history, hormonal imbalance, or other health quirks might be the root cause. Before you play the guessing game, consult with a healthcare professional so that they can help you figure out the why and the how to get back on track.
Prevent Hair Loss on a Plant-Based Diet
Maintaining a full head of hair on a plant-based diet depends on including a broad spectrum of nutrients. You need to eat a variety of foods to ensure you’re not missing out on any vitamins and minerals that contribute to strong, healthy hair.
Start by using an online food diary to keep track of the nourishment you’re getting. Recording your meals several times a week can provide a snapshot of your nutrient intake. Consult with your healthcare professional for advice on vitamin and mineral levels if necessary.
If you discover you’re low on certain nutrients, don’t rush to supplements. Instead, figure out which specific nutrients are lacking. Test your blood levels to identify any deficiencies and consider supplementing with precision. For a well-rounded meal plan that aligns with healthy hair growth, reach out to a registered dietitian.
Pair Your Eating Habits with 30 Natural Hair Growth Boosters
Are you aware that many contemporary hair loss treatments come with unwelcome side effects like facial swelling, diminished sexual health, and even depression? Dive into How Not to Go Bald to uncover 30 natural, science-backed ways to enhance your hair growth.
Start your journey to fuller, healthier hair and a boost in confidence by checking out this book now!

Discover real, drug-free solutions in our e-book, backed by clinical research.
Topics include:
-Anti-inflammatory strategies for improved blood flow to the scalp
-How to balance estrogen and prolactin naturally
-The downside of frequently wearing hats
-Organic alternatives to Rogaine
-Ditching sulfates for a healthier scalp
-Unbound iron and its role in oxidative stress
And much more!
This website participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Posts may contain links that result in an affiliate commission for the site owners if a qualifying purchase is made.