Hair loss can affect anyone at any time. The most common causes of hair loss include genetics, autoimmune diseases, stress, anaemia and low vitamin D. However, a lesser known cause of hair loss is allergic reactions, as some allergies can have a serious impact on hair growth.
Allergies can occur seasonally or all year round, with some reactions having worse effects than others. If you are experiencing hair loss and are unsure as to what might be causing it, it could be due to some kind of allergy. Therefore, it is worth seeking medical advice.
In this guide, we will explore how allergies can cause hair loss, which ones can have the most impact, and ways you can solve your hair loss problems.
Allergies that cause hair loss
Latex
A latex allergy can occur when the immune system rejects the material and launches an attack against it. An allergic reaction to latex can lead to hives and rashes which can be extremely itchy. If these appear on the scalp, the hair around the infected area may fall out. This can grow back after the rash is gone, but it is not guaranteed.
Hair products
Can shampoo allergy cause hair loss? Hair products, such as shampoo and hair dye, can contain ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and parabens which certain people are allergic to and can contribute to scalp irritation. Symptoms differ but irritation can range from mild to severe. If the shampoo or hair dye allergy is severe, it can lead to hair follicle damage, and hair loss may then follow.
Depending on the severity, your hair may grow back after an allergic reaction to hair products. However, there is a possibility that it will not grow back.
Food
Hair loss may occur due to food allergies in cases where someone develops a nutritional deficiency. You could get a nutritional deficiency if you avoid foods that you are allergic to, which can then cause hair loss. Lack of vitamin D, iron, fat, or protein have all been known to cause hair loss.
Hair loss may also occur if a food-associated autoimmune condition is developed. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a link between walnut allergies and the autoimmune disease pemphigus vulgaris. This is a painful, blistering skin condition that affects the scalp and can lead to hair loss.
Seasonal
In severe cases of seasonal allergies, the body’s immune system may try to conserve energy to protect other organs by temporarily halting the hair growth process. Hair follicles might then stop producing new hair, and they can even become weak, which can lead to breakage.
A change in climate can also impact your hair’s health, and the spring and autumn seasons are usually the most problematic for hair growth.
How can I reverse allergy hair loss?
Most people will experience some form of hair loss in their lifetime, but is hair loss reversible? In many instances, once the root issue of allergy hair loss has been addressed, the hair will start to grow back naturally. However, in cases where the hair loss is permanent, there are options to regain a full head of hair. The option of an FUE or FUT hair transplant is available at Crown Clinic for those who are eligible.
We also offer a range of hair loss products, from pharmaceuticals to Help Hair products. Help Hair provides the highest quality, all-natural products to promote the growth of healthy hair.
Hair loss advice and more with Crown Clinic
If you’re interested in finding out more about hair loss and ways to prevent it, check out our most recent blogs. You can also view our celebrity case studies to see examples of our previous hair transplants.
Talk to us about your hair loss today with a consultation at Crown Clinic where we’ll walk you through the treatments on offer, all of which are performed by our highly regarded surgeon, Dr. Asim Shahmalak. Our FUT and FUE transplants may be just the thing for your hair loss concerns, as they can help to rebuild your confidence.