Certain summer foods could be contributing to hair loss (Image: Getty)
With more warm weather on the way, Brits will be enjoying barbecues, holidays and outdoor meals, but a hair restoration expert is warning that some seasonal favourites could be quietly affecting hair health.
While many people focus on protecting their skin from the sun and staying hydrated during warmer months, experts say the summer diet can also play a role in the condition of your hair. Studies published by PubMed have found that nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of key vitamins and minerals, can affect the hair growth cycle and contribute to increased shedding.
Dr Emrah Cinik, founder of Dr Cinik Hair Clinic, says some popular summer foods and drinks could be making hair weaker when they regularly replace nutrient-rich options, saying: “Summer is a time when people often change their eating habits. More barbecues, sugary treats and alcohol can become part of a weekly routine.
Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which is bad for maintaining a healthy scalp (Image: Getty)
“Your hair follicles need a consistent supply of nutrients to produce strong, healthy strands. When the diet lacks important vitamins, minerals and protein, it can affect the strength and quality of your hair.”
Dr Cinik said the summer staples that could affect hair health are ice cream and ice lollies: “When you eat large amounts of sugar regularly, it can increase inflammation in the body. Inflammation can affect the environment around the hair follicles, making it harder for them to produce strong and healthy strands.”
He adds that frequent sugar spikes may also affect circulation. “When blood sugar levels are repeatedly raised, it can impact how efficiently nutrients reach the scalp. Over time, this may contribute to weaker hair and increased shedding.”
From garden barbecues to summer picnics, sausages and chips are a popular warm-weather food, but Dr Cinik warned against eating too many processed meats and fried foods.
He said: “Processed meats can contain high levels of unhealthy fats and fewer nutrients that support hair growth. Hair follicles need a steady supply of vitamins, minerals and protein. A diet dominated by processed foods can make it harder for the body to provide what the hair needs.
“Foods that are high in unhealthy fats can increase inflammation and may affect the scalp environment. This can leave hair feeling dry, greasy or more prone to breakage, depending on the person.”
Holidays and outdoor events often mean more cocktails and alcoholic drinks, but Dr Cinik warns that excessive alcohol consumption can affect the scalp.
“Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, and hydration plays an important role in maintaining a healthy scalp. It can also affect the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients such as zinc, iron and B vitamins, which are all linked to healthy hair growth,” he explains.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
