Foods That Can Contribute to Hair Loss

shiftframe • May 19, 2022

We know that the foods we put in our bodies can impact our overall health, but did you know it might be affecting our hair growth as well? In fact, some foods might actually contribute to hair loss. Continue reading to find out which foods might be causing or making your hair loss worse.

Fried Foods

Foods that are high in unhealthy fats are typically bad for our overall health. This is especially true for foods that contain hydrogenated oils or are fried. These foods could also be bad for your hair. 

Both saturated and unsaturated fats have been linked to increased levels of testosterone, which can lead to higher levels of DHT in the body. DHT is a by-product that has been proven to cause hair loss.

Hydrogenated oils have a different effect on the hair. They suppress the production of essential fatty acids which are needed to grow healthy hair.

Sugar-Free Foods

According to the FDA, aspartame (an artificial sweetener) has been linked to hair loss, bloating, impotency, and depression. 

Simple Carbohydrates

The benefits of eating brown or whole wheat carbohydrates over white have long been recognized. However, simple carbohydrates such as white carbs can actually be much more harmful than previously thought. 

When we eat refined carbohydrates, the nutrients which have been ingested are required to process the digestion of the ingredients, which are usually also high in sugar. This sugar is one of the most dangerous elements, which can lead directly to hair loss.

Complex carbohydrates, along with food high in fiber, will help ensure the right nutrients reach the body, making digestion much easier and providing a better blood supply to the hair follicles as well.

Additives

Additives, even those that are derived from natural ingredients, can directly cause hair loss. 

Carmine dye or cochineal extract is a coloring that is usually found in yogurts, fruit drinks, and other foods. This food coloring is taken from dried-out bugs and is believed to be a direct cause of hair loss.

Caramel color, which is a non-natural additive, is processed using various undesirable components including ammonia, caustic acid, and sulfites. It has also been linked to hair loss.

Conclusion

There are many foods that are bad for our overall health, and a lot of those foods are also linked to hair loss. However, there are plenty of foods that are good for us and our hair health. Try to steer clear of the foods mentioned above and you should be on the right path for your overall health, as well as your hair health. 

However, if you have run into some hair loss issues, you’re not completely out of luck. There are still many ways to combat hair loss. One of the newest hair loss treatments is scalp micropigmentation, or scalp tattooing. At SMP Ink , we provide our clients with natural, undetectable results. Schedule your free consultation today.

By Marvin Furrow • September 26, 2026
Can Scalp Micropigmentation Fix a Bad Hair Transplant? A hair transplant can be life-changing when it goes well. But sometimes the final result still leaves visible scars, thin areas, or uneven density. Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) can help improve the appearance of many hair transplant concerns by adding realistic pigment impressions that blend with your existing hair and reduce the contrast between the scalp and surrounding follicles. SMP does not regrow hair or physically repair a transplant. Instead, it can make certain problem areas look fuller, more balanced, and less noticeable. SMP for Low-Density Hair Transplants One of the most common concerns after a hair transplant is that the result still looks thin. Even when transplanted hair grows successfully, there may not be enough density to fully hide the scalp, especially under bright lighting or around the crown. SMP can be placed between existing hairs to reduce visible scalp and create the appearance of greater density. This is often called density SMP and can work well alongside both natural and transplanted hair. Can SMP Hide FUE and FUT Scars? Hair transplant procedures can leave different types of scarring. FUE procedures may leave small dot-like scars throughout the donor area, while FUT procedures can leave a more noticeable linear scar across the back of the scalp. SMP can help camouflage both by blending pigment into the surrounding area and reducing the contrast between scar tissue and the scalp. The scar itself does not disappear, but it can become much less noticeable, particularly with shorter hairstyles. Improving Uneven Donor Areas Some people are left with patchy or overharvested donor areas after a hair transplant. When too much scalp becomes visible between the remaining hairs, SMP can help create a more consistent appearance throughout the area. By adding follicle-like impressions where density is lacking, SMP can make the donor area look more balanced without another surgical procedure. Can SMP Improve an Unnatural Hairline? In some cases, yes. If the hairline looks thin , inconsistent, or lacks density, SMP can help soften the transition and create a fuller appearance. However, SMP cannot reposition transplanted hairs or change the direction they grow. If the issue is related to the placement of the grafts themselves, surgical correction may still be needed. SMP and Hair Transplants Can Work Together A hair transplant and SMP do two different things. A hair transplant adds real, growing hair. SMP helps create the appearance of additional density underneath and around that hair. For some people, using both treatments can create a more complete result than either one alone. SMP may also be used specifically to improve donor scars or areas where the scalp still shows through after a transplant. When SMP May Be a Good Option SMP may be worth considering if your hair transplant has left you with: Visible FUE scars An FUT strip scar Thin or low-density areas Patchy donor areas Visible scalp between transplanted hairs An uneven overall appearance The scalp should be fully healed before SMP is performed, particularly following a recent transplant. Hair Transplant SMP in Scottsdale, Arizona Every hair transplant result is different. At SMP INK AZ , we use scalp micropigmentation to help blend visible scars, improve the appearance of thinning areas, and create a more consistent look across the scalp. If you're unhappy with the appearance of a previous hair transplant, schedule a consultation with SMP INK AZ in Scottsdale to find out whether SMP can help improve your result.
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By Marvin Furrow • June 21, 2026
Considering SMP in Scottsdale? See why scalp micropigmentation is a low maintenance option for thinning hair, shaved styles, and summer confidence.