Zinc supplements for hair loss – Do they work?

Quick Summary: Zinc Supplements for Hair Loss

• What is Zinc? Zinc is a mineral vital for biological functions, including enzyme activity, immune system function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Dietary sources include meat, shellfish, dairy products, bread, and cereals.
• Zinc and Hair Health: Zinc is essential for keratin production, hair growth cycles, and follicle integrity. Supplements have shown promising results for addressing hair loss and related issues.
• Zinc Deficiency Symptoms: Zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, brittleness, and scalp issues. Other symptoms include a weakened immunity, skin problems, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite and taste.
• Supplement Guidelines: The recommended daily intake of zinc is 9.5 milligrams (mg) for men and 7mg for women. Excessive intake (more than 25mg per day) can cause health problems.
• Professional Advice: Persistent or significant hair loss should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, with treatments including hair transplant surgery for severe cases.

At The Treatment Rooms London, we understand the significant impact hair loss can have on a person’s confidence. Genetics do play a role, but factors like stress and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to hair loss. In the search for solutions, zinc, an essential mineral, has been linked to hair health. Can zinc supplements truly prevent hair loss? Let’s explore the science behind zinc and its impact on hair growth.

What is Zinc?

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in numerous biological functions. It is crucial for the activity of over 300 enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion, nerve function, and many other processes. Zinc is also important for immune system function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. The body does not store zinc, so it must be consumed regularly in your diet. Sources of zinc include meat, shellfish (oysters being particularly rich), dairy foods (such as cheese), bread and cereal products (especially wheat germ)¹. We have an entire article that also explores how a balanced diet can help with your hair too. This can be found here: Diet For Healthy Hair

The Role of Zinc in Hair Health

Zinc is a powerhouse mineral that plays a multifaceted role in maintaining healthy hair. Here’s a closer look at its key contributions:

• Keratin Production: Hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein responsible for its strength and structure. Zinc acts as a cofactor in the enzymes needed for keratin synthesis². In essence, without sufficient zinc hair can become weak, brittle, and prone to breakage.
• Hair Growth Cycle Support: Hair growth follows a cyclical pattern consisting of anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting) phases. Zinc is involved in cell division and protein synthesis, both crucial for hair follicle activity during the anagen (growth) phase. This ensures development of new hair strands.
• Follicle Integrity: A healthy scalp environment is essential for optimal hair growth. Zinc contributes to maintaining the structural integrity of hair follicles³.

Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

While hair loss can be a telltale sign of zinc deficiency, it is not the only symptom to watch out for. Here’s a broader look at what a zinc deficiency might manifest as⁴:

• Weakened Immunity: Zinc is a key player in immune function. A deficiency can leave you more susceptible to infections, with frequent colds or illnesses being a common indicator.
• Skin Issues: Zinc contributes to healthy skin barrier function. Deficiency can manifest as rashes, dry skin, or delayed wound healing.
• Diarrhoea: Zinc plays a role in gut health. Deficiencies can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to diarrhoea.
• Loss of Appetite and Taste: Zinc is involved in taste perception. A deficiency can lead to a diminished sense of taste and appetite loss.

Hair-related symptoms of zinc deficiency can include:

• Excessive hair shedding⁵
• Hair that is dull, brittle, or dry in appearance. Strands may be prone to breakage and appear more lacklustre⁶
• Issues related to the scalp, including dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) and an itchy scalp⁷
• Premature hair greying⁸

Diagnosing Zinc Deficiency

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is essential to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Diagnosing zinc deficiency involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. The most common method to diagnose zinc deficiency is through a blood test that measures serum zinc levels. Additional diagnostic tests might include a full blood count (FBC) to check for anaemia and other potential deficiencies, as well as a comprehensive metabolic panel to assess overall health. Since zinc levels can be influenced by various factors, including infection and stress, your doctor may also consider dietary assessments and medical history to confirm the diagnosis accurately⁴.

Treating Hair Loss with Zinc Supplements

While research on zinc for hair loss is ongoing, some studies have shown promising results. For example, a study on alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) found that nine out of fifteen participants experienced improved hair growth after taking zinc supplements⁵. Another study explored the use of chelated zinc (a form of zinc easily absorbed by the body) alongside topical minoxidil for female pattern hair loss. The study suggests that chelated zinc played a positive role in hair regrowth⁹.

Studies have also shown that oral zinc sulphate can be effective in treating alopecia areata, with a low chance of hair loss after stopping treatment⁵. Additionally, combining zinc with L-cystine, another amino acid, may be beneficial for diffuse hair loss (thinning hair all over the scalp) by increasing hair count, density, and keratin content, a protein essential for hair strength¹⁰.

Zinc’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may further contribute to a healthier scalp environment for hair growth. Even dandruff treatment can involve zinc chelates combined with pyrithione, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of zinc for scalp health¹⁰.

While more research is needed, zinc supplementation may offer a promising approach to promoting hair growth, particularly when combined with other hair loss treatments.

Let’s explore ways to address a potential zinc deficiency and promote optimal hair health.

Zinc Supplements: How much should you take?

If getting enough zinc through your diet proves challenging, then zinc supplements can be a viable option. The NHS recommends 9.5mg daily for men (19-64 years) and 7mg for women¹. Zinc supplements come in various forms (sulphate, acetate, gluconate) and delivery methods: single-ingredient capsules, combination options with other hair-friendly nutrients, or as part of a multivitamin⁴. 

But be cautious! Exceeding recommended amounts (over 25mg per day) can disrupt copper absorption and lead to health problems, such as anaemia and weakening of bones¹. Always consult a doctor before starting zinc supplements to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs and discuss potential interactions with any medications you’re taking.

Hair Transplants as a Solution for Hair Loss

In cases where hair loss is permanent, patients may consider hair transplant surgery as a viable solution. Hair transplants involve relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp (the donor area) to the recipient area¹¹. This procedure can effectively restore hair growth and improve a patient’s appearance and self-confidence.

It’s essential to consult with a specialist to determine your suitability for a hair transplant, as factors like your age, gender, hair colour, hair type and hair loss area need to be considered to provide a personalised solution. Please feel free to reach out to our friendly team at The Treatment Rooms, as we’re here to help you explore your options and address any concerns you may have.

Conclusion

Zinc is crucial for hair health, supporting keratin production and the hair growth cycle. While supplementation shows potential benefits, particularly for conditions such as alopecia areata, further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness. Ensuring adequate zinc intake through diet or supplements may enhance hair health, and it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any supplementation regimen.

References 

1. Vitamins and minerals. NHS choices. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/
2. Ogawa, Y. et al. (2018) ‘Zinc in keratinocytes and Langerhans cells: Relevance to the epidermal homeostasis’, Journal of Immunology Research, pp. 1–11. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2018/5404093
3. Kil, M.S., Kim, C.W. and Kim, S.S. (2013) ‘Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss’, Annals of Dermatology, 25(4), p. 405. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870206/
4. Office of Dietary Supplements – Zinc. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
5. Park, H. et al. (2009) ‘The therapeutic effect and the changed serum zinc level after zinc supplementation in alopecia areata patients who had a low serum zinc level’, Annals of Dermatology, 21(2), p. 142. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861201/
6. Guo, E.L. and Katta, R. (2017) ‘Diet and hair loss: Effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use’, Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, pp. 1–10. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315033/
7. Aktaş Karabay, E. and Aksu Çerman, A. (2019) ‘Serum zinc levels in seborrheic dermatitis: A case-control study’, Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, 49(5), pp. 1503–1508. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7018314/
8. Kumar, A., Shamim, H. and Nagaraju, U. (2018) ‘Premature graying of hair: Review with updates’, International Journal of Trichology, 10(5), p. 198. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6290285/
9. Thuangtong, R. (2014) ‘A pilot study of the efficacy in treatment of female pattern hair loss using 5% minoxidil solution combined with oral chelated zinc supplement’, Hair : Therapy & Transplantation, 04(01). Available at: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/a-pilot-study-of-the-efficacy-in-treatment-of-female-pattern-hair-loss-using-minoxidil-solution-combined-with-oral-chelated-zinc-supplement-2167-0951.1000113.pdf
10. Hosking, A.-M., Juhasz, M. and Atanaskova Mesinkovska, N. (2018) ‘Complementary and alternative treatments for alopecia: A comprehensive review’, Skin Appendage Disorders, 5(2), pp. 72–89. Available at: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/492035

Rassman, W. R., Bernstein, R. M., McClellan, R., Jones, R., Worton, E. and Uyttendaele, H. (2002) ‘Follicular unit extraction: minimally invasive surgery for hair transplantation’, Dermatol Surg, 28(8), pp. 720-8. Available at:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12174065