Does becoming a vegan affect your hair?

by Beatrice
(Miami, Fl)

For the last 6 months I have tried to become a vegan, I don't eat meat of any kind, no dairy products, but I do eat eggs. I have noticed my hair becoming very thin, and dry. Is my diet affecting my hair?

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Hi Beatrice,

Great question! It is absolutely possible that the change in your diet could be affecting your hair. Some people also notice changes in their skin as well. However these changes are usually positive, so you should definitely pay attention to this.

As you have altered your diet quite radically, I would first recommend asking your doctor to do a blood test. I would recommend doing this every 6 months if possible for awhile, until your body adjusts. This way you can monitor what is going on in your body and rule out the change in your hair as being anything other than diet.

The thing I really noticed in what you said is that you were emphasizing what you have cut out of your diet. But becoming a vegan is also about all the nutritious and wonderful foods that you can add to your diet!

To be healthy, you need to make sure you are getting the right balance of vitamins, minerals (including calcium and iron), protein, fiber, and fat.

Brittle hair indicates a possibility that you are not getting enough good fat in your diet. Unsaturated fats and oils are an essential part of a healthy diet. The following foods are loaded with good fats:

• Avocados


• Olive Oil (preferably raw)


• Coconut Oil - I recommend Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oi - I put 1 tbsp of it in my smoothie every morning!


• Nuts, especially walnuts and almonds

So try adding any of these foods and see if your hair improves. Again, I would also like to emphasize that it is important to check with your doctor and get a blood test. This will give you very important feedback about what your body needs.

If you get a chance, drop a comment below and let us know how you are doing.

Cheers,

Fiona