Food for hair growth: what to know

Hair is made from keratin, a protein, so very restrictive eating or inadequate protein can affect the hair cycle. Meals containing eggs, fish, poultry, beans, lentils, tofu, dairy, nuts, and seeds can help provide building materials. Iron-rich foods such as meat, lentils, beans, leafy greens, and fortified grains support oxygen delivery to tissues. Pairing plant sources with vitamin C foods can improve iron absorption. These choices support follicles when a nutritional shortfall is contributing; they do not reverse inherited pattern loss or an autoimmune condition by themselves.

Build meals around a protein source, vegetables or fruit, and a whole-grain or starchy food. Avoid crash diets and seek advice before taking high-dose biotin, iron, or other supplements, because unnecessary doses can cause harm or interfere with testing. A clinician can review your diet and decide whether blood tests are appropriate rather than treating a suspected deficiency blindly.

Arrange a dermatology review for sudden shedding, smooth bald patches, scalp scale or inflammation, broken hairs, or loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. Hair loss can occur with Alopecia Areata, Scalp Ringworm, or other conditions, and early assessment helps match treatment to the cause. A rapidly changing skin lesion should also be checked; see [Basal Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/) for context.

Could my eating pattern, medicines, or recent illness affect my hair cycle? Which tests would clarify a deficiency? Should I use a supplement, and what dose is suitable for me? Does the scalp need examination for inflammation or infection?