Hair growth is a surprisingly energy-hungry process. In fact, it takes around 160 calories to produce just one gram of hair — that’s the same as a 35-minute brisk walk or a 22-minute aerobic session. This highlights just how demanding hair growth is on your body’s energy reserves.

To grow strong, healthy hair, your body needs a steady supply of nutrients — especially protein, vitamins, and minerals. Without them, hair growth slows, and shedding can increase.

Why Nutrition Matters for Hair

Hair is made up of about 85% keratin, a fibrous protein. But keratin alone isn’t enough. Your body also relies on:

• Iron and zinc for cell division

• Vitamin D to support follicle health

• B-complex vitamins and biotin to fuel growth

When these nutrients are lacking, your natural hair cycle is disrupted. This is a key factor in weight loss hair loss, especially when diets are restrictive.

The Link Between Dieting and Hair Shedding

If you’ve recently changed your eating habits or started a low-calorie diet, you might notice more hair fall after 6–8 weeks. This is often due to a condition called Telogen Effluvium — a temporary form of hair loss caused by stress on the body, including nutritional deficiencies from dieting.

What Is Telogen Effluvium?

When your body is under stress or short on nutrients, it pushes more hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase too early. As a result, hair sheds more than usual. While weight loss hair loss from Telogen Effluvium is usually temporary, it can last for up to six months — or longer in extreme cases.

To recover, your body needs:

• Balanced, nutrient-rich meals

• Time for the hair growth cycle to reset

• Supportive supplements, if needed

Did You Know?

Hair follicle cells are the second-fastest dividing cells in the human body (after bone marrow). That’s why they’re so sensitive to even minor nutritional changes. Your scalp contains 100,000–150,000 hairs, and each grows 0.3–0.5mm daily. That’s over 36 metres of hair every day — all powered by nutrition!

What to Eat for Healthy Hair

To support healthy growth and reduce weight loss hair loss, make sure your diet includes:

• Protein (chicken, tofu, eggs, lentils)

• Iron and zinc (red meat, spinach, pumpkin seeds)

• B vitamins and biotin (nuts, wholegrains, eggs)

• Vitamin D (oily fish, eggs, fortified foods or supplements)

Final Thoughts

Your hair health depends on the nutrients you consume daily. If you’re planning to lose weight or switch to a new diet, it’s important to support your hair in the process. Poor nutrition can lead to weight loss hair loss, but with the right fuel, your hair can thrive.

If you’re experiencing excessive shedding after a diet change, it may be time to speak with a trichologist. At Renova Hair, we’re here to guide you with professional advice and proven treatments.

If you’re concerned about weight loss hair loss or experiencing unexplained hair shedding, don’t wait—contact us today to book a consultation with our expert trichologists and get personalised advice tailored just for you.