When most people think about hair loss, alcohol doesn’t usually make the list of causes. But while alcohol itself doesn’t directly cause hair loss, the effects it has on your body — from disrupting sleep to depleting nutrients — can absolutely affect the health of your scalp and hair. Let’s explore what’s really happening beneath the surface.
1. Stress and Cortisol: The Hidden Connection
Stress is one of the most common internal triggers of hair loss. According to Harvard Health, elevated cortisol levels can push hair follicles into a resting phase — a process known as telogen effluvium — where shedding occurs more easily. When this happens repeatedly, it can lead to visible thinning across the scalp. High stress also disrupts hormone balance and scalp oil production, often resulting in increased itch, dandruff, or inflammation that further weakens hair growth.
changes. The body produces less of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are the main triggers for hair growth. When the levels of progesterone and estrogen drop, hair growth slows and hair tends to become thinner. Lifestyle changes, including diet and sleeping habits, can also take a toll. For women experiencing menopause, the added anxiety of hair loss can have devastating effects on one’s self-confidence and daily outlook.