When your hairline goes MIA, it's easy to point the blame at your parents' genetics. But hair loss is a complex condition with many potential triggers—including vitamin D deficiency. If your lack of strands is accompanied by fatigue, bone pain, and muscle weakness, it might be time to get your nutrient levels checked.
If you suspect vitamin D deficiency is the root cause of your thinning tresses, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll go over the science behind vitamin D deficiency hair loss and how to naturally increase your vitamin D intake.
But what happens when supplements don’t cut it? We’ll share more advanced and proven effective treatments for hair loss. Let’s dive in.
DOES VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY CAUSE HAIR LOSS?
Yes, vitamin D hair loss is a real thing. Studies have found a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and alopecia areata—an autoimmune disorder where your cells mistakenly attack hair follicles. In one study, scientists tracked 86 people with alopecia areata and found that they all had "significantly lower" vitamin D levels than people without the condition.
So—can vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss? While the correlation between hair loss and vitamin D is clear, more research is needed to fully understand the cause and effect between the two. However, experts feel confident that vitamin D should be considered as a potential treatment for those suffering from the autoimmune condition.
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN VITAMIN D & HAIR LOSS?
Vitamin D is a valuable nutrient for overall health, but its impact on hair loss is often underestimated. Hair growth happens in three distinct stages—anagen (active growth), catagen (transitioning), and telogen (resting). Vitamin D helps fuel the anagen phase, encouraging follicles to grow and mature. Without enough of it, the anagen phase can be cut short, leading to more follicles entering the resting stage and eventual hair loss.
There’s enough evidence to support the link between vitamin D deficiency and hair loss. But before you load up with vitamin D supplementation; be wary that too much vitamin D can be toxic. Vitamin D toxicity is rare, but it's a serious health issue that can cause weakness, frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting.
If left untreated, it can also lead to more bone pain and kidney problems, so make sure to consult your doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement.
HOW TO BOOST YOUR VITAMIN D INTAKE
Given the state of our modern world—where working indoors and eating a highly processed diet is the norm—it's no surprise that an estimated 1 billion people worldwide are deficient in vitamin D. Not only is this bad news for your strands, but lacking in this nutrient can also weaken your bones, increase your risk of infection, and cause an array of other medical issues.
So even if you're not experiencing hair loss, it's worth checking your nutrient levels and finding simple ways to up your intake.
Here’s what you can do.
Vitamin D Supplements
Your first line of defense against vitamin D deficiency hair loss is supplementing with an oral dose. This is the quickest and most efficient way to get your nutrient levels up, but make sure you're taking a safe amount to avoid toxicity. Talk to your doctor to determine the proper dosage for your age and body weight.
Sun Exposure
Your body produces vitamin D when it's exposed to sunlight, so a daily dose of sunshine can help keep your strands healthy. Studies show that midday exposure to UVB radiation (the type of radiation emitted from the sun) gives your body the best chance at producing vitamin D. Aim for 15-30 minutes of sun exposure during lunchtime every day (without sunscreen) to give yourself an extra boost. Best way to soak up those midday rays? Take a walk after lunch to soak up vitamin D and get an endorphin boost!
Nutrition
Don't forget about the power of a nutrient-packed plate. Vitamin D is abundant in many foods, including fatty fish like salmon and tuna, cheese, eggs, and fortified milk. Adding these to your grocery list can help keep your nutrient levels up without having to rely too heavily on supplements.
WHAT IF VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS & LIFESTYLE CHANGES AREN'T ENOUGH?
If boosting your vitamin D levels and making lifestyle changes isn't enough to control hair loss, you may want to consider more advanced treatments. Pairing vitamin D supplements with proven hair loss solutions can bring even more powerful results. Adding the following hair-loss weapons to your arsenal can help you fight back against thinning strands.
Use INTACT Anti-Hair Shedding Treatment
Every strand counts when you're struggling to hang on to your hair. INTACT's powerful anti-shedding formula grips your follicles at the root to help each piece stay put during high-shed activities like brushing, washing, and styling. Simply apply it to your scalp a half-hour before you shower, and you'll enjoy up to 77% less shedding after the first use.
Regrow Your Hair with Minoxidil
Minoxidil is one of the few FDA-approved hair loss solutions and for good reason. It's a powerful treatment that's resulted in some incredible mane transformations. That being said, three circumstances need to be met in order for Minoxidil to work:
- You must have genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
- You have to have enough SULT1A1 enzyme activity on your scalp (this is what converts Minoxidil into its active form.
- You have to use it twice daily, every day, for the rest of your life.
Why You Should Take a Minoxidil Response Test First
Many people make the mistake of thinking Minoxidil will work for everybody—but that couldn't be further from the truth. As you can see from the parameters above, this isn't the case.
That's why it's vital to test your scalp for SULT1A1 enzyme activity before starting Minoxidil treatment. This will give you a better idea of whether or not Minoxidil is right for you and save you from wasting valuable time and money. Click here to order Daniel Alain's Minoxidil Response Test for women or men, and get started on the path to stronger, thicker tresses.
Wear a Human Hair Wig or Topper
Waiting for your hair to grow is like waiting for paint to dry—it can be an agonizing process. To help yourself look and feel your best while you're waiting, invest in an instant hair transformation with a high-quality human hair wig or topper.
These luxury pieces can be cut and colored to match your current style and give you the confidence boost you need while your own hair regains its strength.
Before you embark on your wig search, here are a few factors to look for in the perfect human hair wig or topper:
- Choose premium 100% European, Remy or Virgin hair for the most natural looking hairpiece
- Shop from brands that are transparent about their sourcing methods for collecting hair.
- Look for brands with real customer reviews and testimonials that offer social proof that their product is high-quality and worthy of your investment.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ensure your needs are met. Buying a hairpiece is an extremely personal process that must take into account your lifestyle and preferences.
We’ve been manufacturing the world’s highest quality wigs for 30 years, and are proud to meet all of the above qualifiers. Click here to browse Daniel Alain's collection of premium human hair wigs and toppers.
Download the Ultimate Wig Buying Guide
STOP VITAMIN D HAIR LOSS IN ITS TRACKS AT daniel alain
At Daniel Alain, we believe that the ability to take control of your hair loss should be accessible to everyone. That's why we've developed a range of treatments and products to help you stop vitamin D-related hair loss in its tracks—no matter how severe your hair loss is.
Our INTACT Anti-Hair Shedding Treatment is an easy-to-use formula that grips your follicles at the root for up to 77% less shedding (without any harsh chemicals), and if you need an even bigger boost, our Minoxidil Response Test can tell you whether or not this FDA-approved treatment is right for you.
Don't want to wait months to see results? Our human hair wigs and toppers can give you an instant confidence boost while you wait for your own hair to regrow. Whichever route you choose, Daniel Alain has the perfect solution for hair loss caused by vitamin D deficiency.
Get started on your path to stronger, thicker hair today by scheduling a free consultation with one of our hair experts. We'll help you find the perfect solution to combat your vitamin D deficiency-induced hair loss and give you all of the tools and support you need for a successful journey.
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Our stylists will help you find the right hair loss solution just for you
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Hair Grow Back After Vitamin D Deficiency?
The most common symptom of vitamin D deficiency hair loss is thinning or patchy bald spots on the scalp, as well as other parts on your body. You'll also likely experience fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, low mood, and possibly even depression.
Can Low Vitamin D Cause Hair Thinning?
Yes—low levels of vitamin D can cause your hair to become thin and brittle, leading to breakage. Additionally, vitamin D affects the growth cycle of your hair follicles, so a deficiency can interfere with new hair growth.
Does Vitamin D Improve Hair Growth?
Yes, but only if you're deficient in vitamin D. This vitamin plays a key role in stimulating hair follicles, so if you're not getting enough of it, your hair won't be able to grow as effectively. But if you are getting enough vitamin D, increasing your intake will likely not make much of a difference in terms of hair growth.
How Much Vitamin D Should I Take for Hair Loss?
The optimal daily dose of vitamin D for adults up to 70 years old is 600 IU (or 15 mcg). If you're over 70, that increases to 800 IU. The amount of vitamin D you need will depend largely on how deficient you are in the vitamin, so it's best to consult your doctor for a tailored recommendation.
How Long Does it Take for Vitamin D to Improve Hair Loss?
It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months for your hair to regrow after restoring vitamin D levels to a healthy range. However, it's important to note that vitamin D alone may not be enough to reverse your hair loss. You should also consider other lifestyle changes and treatments in order to see the best results.
What are the Main Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Most people experience a vitamin D deficiency simply because they're not getting enough of the nutrient in their diet and/or they're not spending enough time outside. Other causes can include weight loss surgeries, digestive issues that interfere with nutrient absorption, and certain medications.
What are Other Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms?
In addition to hair loss, vitamin D deficiency can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, low mood, and depression. You may also experience frequent illnesses, bone loss, weight gain, and anxiety.
What Other Vitamin Deficiencies Cause Hair Loss?
In addition to vitamin D, there are only four other vitamin deficiencies that can cause hair loss: riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12. However, when your body is lacking in any kind of vitamin or mineral, it can go into fight-or-flight mode and stop "wasting" precious energy on nonessential functions like hair growth.
Can Too Much Vitamin D Cause Hair Loss?
There's no evidence that too much vitamin D can cause hair loss. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. If you suspect you may be taking too much vitamin D, speak to your doctor immediately.
Is There a Way to Immediately Stop Hair Loss From Low Vitamin D?
Unfortunately, stopping vitamin D hair loss takes anywhere from six weeks to six months before it can be fully reversed. However, using Daniel Alain's INTACT Anti-Hair Shedding Treatment locks in those precious strands and prevents them from falling out during high-shed activities like brushing, washing, and styling. Click here to learn more.
Does INTACT Contain Vitamin D?
No, INTACT does not contain vitamin D. However, its potent combination of our patented PiliLock Sevilla Orange Complex and niacinamide (B3) is clinically proven to reduce hair shedding by up to 77%. And best of all, you'll notice fewer strands falling out after just one use. Click here to grab your bottle of INTACT today!
Is INTACT Safe to Use on My Hair?
Yes! INTACT is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, oils, SD-alcohol, artificial dyes, and gluten. It's also vegan-friendly and safe for color-treated hair.
Does INTACT Regrow My Hair?
No—INTACT is not meant to regrow hair. It's designed to reduce shedding, so you can keep the strands you already have. The gripping effect it has on your hair follicles also helps to lift the cuticle and make your hair appear fuller.
Does Minoxidil Actually Work to Regrow Hair?
Yes—but only on a portion of the population. Minoxidil is FDA-approved to only treat those suffering from male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss, but not other forms of alopecia. On top of that, researchers recently discovered that you need a certain amount of SULT1A1 activity on your scalp to convert Minoxidil into its active form.
That discovery is what led Daniel Alain to create the first-ever Minoxidil Response Test that helps you determine if the treatment will actually work for you.
Why Doesn't Minoxidil Work for Everyone?
It depends on the type of alopecia you have and the amount of SULT1A1 activity on your scalp. If you don't have genetic alopecia or enough SULT1A1 activity, Minoxidil won't work for you. That's why it's a good idea to test your enzyme levels before you invest too much time into this treatment. Daniel Alain's Minoxidil Response Test can help you determine if Minoxidil will actually be effective—and point you in the direction of a more successful treatment plan.
How Does Minoxidil Testing Work?
Daniel Alain's Minoxidil Response Test is as easy as it is effective. Simply order your test and when it arrives, submit six hair samples to our state-of-the-art testing lab. Within seven to 14 days, you'll receive your digital results along with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
