Researchers are investigating the impact of alcohol consumption on hair health

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common condition that affects millions of men and women worldwide. As the most common form of hair loss, AGA can affect an individual’s appearance and self-esteem, often leading to concerns about aging and social perceptions. Although AGA is primarily driven by genetic and hormonal factors, lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and stress have also been investigated as potential factors.

Alcohol consumption, a widespread behavior worldwide, is extensively studied for its health consequences, including risks for diseases such as liver damage and cardiovascular disease. However, whether alcohol intake could influence or worsen hair loss, especially AGA, remains uncertain.

One hypothesis is that acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, may disrupt the immune environment of the scalp; factors that may contribute to AGA. However, this proposed mechanism remains speculative.

To bridge this gap, a group of researchers led by Professor Yun Hak Kim from the Department of Anatomy of the School of Medicine of Pusan ​​National University conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings were published in the journal on November 11, 2024 Alcohol and alcoholism.

“The study found that although individuals who consume alcohol are slightly more likely to experience AGA compared to non-drinkers, this association is not statistically significant,” explains Prof. Kim. The risk of AGA among drinkers turned out to be 1.4 times higher than among non-drinkers, but with a large degree of uncertainty.

Cross-sectional and case-control studies have shown a modest association between alcohol intake and AGA, while cohort studies, which tend to be more robust, found no significant correlation. This discrepancy suggests that further high-quality research is needed to clarify whether alcohol has any influence on AGA risk.

The researchers call for larger, well-controlled cohort studies to better understand whether alcohol affects AGA, and if so, the underlying mechanism. They also recommend standardized criteria for diagnosing AGA and consistent definitions of alcohol use in future research to draw more definitive conclusions.

Prof. Kim concludes with the long-term implications of their research: “Our research could contribute to public health guidance, patient advice and targeted awareness campaigns, allowing individuals to make informed lifestyle choices regarding hair health. Over time, this could contribute to more comprehensive personalized health strategies, where factors such as diet, genetics and lifestyle are better understood and integrated into hair loss prevention and treatment plans.”

The researchers hope that this study will pave the way for improved and personalized treatments to improve hair health.