Does Whey Protein Trigger Hair Fall?

Losing about 50-100 strands of hair daily is normal. Your hair goes through a cycle where you naturally lose a few strands and grows new strands to replace the lost ones. However, a problem occurs when you notice excessive hair fall or hair thinning and do not witness the growth of new hair stands on the scalp.

There may be several reasons for hair fall, and one of them could be the consumption of whey protein. You may have heard a million times that protein and vitamin supplements are good for hair growth. However, recent studies claim that modern dietary supplements or protein shakes could be a major reason for hair loss in people, especially in men.

What is ‘whey protein’?

Whey protein, found in dairy products, is an essential protein. It is contained in whey, the milky fluid that separates from the curd in the process of making cheese. Whey protein provides your body with substantial amounts of amino acids that help you function properly – build muscle and gain strength.

Usually, athletes and people, who are into sports or bodybuilding, incorporate whey protein as a part of their exercise regime to improve muscle strength.

How does whey protein trigger hair fall?

Whey protein contains inorganic growth hormones like DHEA and creatine, which not only increases your muscle mass but also, promotes high levels of testosterone hormones in the bloodstream. Testosterone is converted into the chemical DHT, which impedes the growth of new hair follicles and thus, contributes to baldness. Over time, due to lack of hair growth, you lose copious amounts of hair through the process of normal shedding, which cannot be replaced.

A higher level of testosterone in your blood means more of it is converted into the androgen DHT. This eventually affects hair follicles more than it normally should. Therefore, protein shakes themselves do not lead to a receding hairline, but certainly, they accelerate the process of hair loss in men who have a family history of male pattern balding or alopecia.

How does Ayurveda help cure hair loss?

Ayurveda offers a whole range of natural remedies to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth in a safer and simpler way. Here are a few tried and tested home remedies that will work wonders for your hair fall –

• Bhringraja – Popularly known as ‘the king of herbs’ due to its umpteen benefits on your hair health, Bhringraja helps to prevent grey hairs and reverses balding. You can simply apply herbal oils prepared from the extracts of the herb, or apply a paste made of its leaves on the scalp. Alternately, you can add some dried bhringraja to water and apply the mixture on your scalp to nourish the hair follicles.

• Amla – The antioxidants and vitamins in Amla are just what your hair needs to stay shiny, strong, healthy, and free from greys always.  Drink the juice of amla every day, or apply it on your hair in the form of oil to reap the benefits. You can also go for a hair pack made of amla and henna. Mix powdered amla with yoghurt and henna, and apply it on your hair. Leave it on for two hours and then rinse off.

• Neem – Regular use of neem strengthens hair roots and improves circulation of blood to the scalp. Moreover, neem effectively counters dandruff problems. Just boil a few neem leaves and allow it to cool. After that strain the solution and keep it aside. Wash your hair normally as you would, but for the final rinse, use the solution. For best results, try this thrice a week.

• Reetha – Reetha is known for improving volume and hair texture. Regular usage of reetha does not rob your hair of its natural oils because the herb itself is very mild in nature. Simply soak a handful of reetha in water and leave it overnight. Boil the solution the next day and use it as a shampoo. Take a small amount of the solution, massage it on your scalp for five minutes, and wash it off gently.

Hair loss or hair fall is a major problem and can be extremely disturbing for the person going through this. You may have to alter your dietary habits and lifestyle to counter hair fall or male pattern balding. In this context, Ayurveda seems the most appropriate treatment option. Instead of using medicinal supplements, hair serums, or going for expensive hair treatments, consider using these natural Ayurvedic remedies at home.