Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

5 foods that steadily cause hair loss without you knowing about it

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Jan 5, 2026, 18:51 IST
Comments
Share
1/6

5 foods that steadily cause hair loss without you knowing about it

Buying all those expensive hair oils, serums, shampoos, and conditioners, and yet the hair fall continues? Well, you may have to look deeper to identify the real problem. No, it's not another luxe oil or serum, but something on your plate. What you eat has a significant impact on your hair health. Similarly, something on your plate might be worsening hair loss. Here are five foods that could be the secret culprits behind your hair loss.

2/6

Refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks

All the refined carbs in your diet, such as white bread, biscuits, and pastries, are coming between you and healthy hair. Along with these sugary snacks, such as sweetened cereals and desserts, also contribute to hair loss. A 2016 study found that excess consumption of simple carbohydrates could lead to inflammation, which worsens hair loss in women.

3/6

Deep-fried foods

If you want to stay healthy and also protect your hair, the best thing to do is to remove deep-fried foods from your diet. These deep‑fried snacks are often rich in trans fats, omega‑6 fats, and salt; however, lacks nutrients. These components trigger systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can damage hair follicles. Instead of eating deep-fried foods, switch to whole foods to protect your hair from thinning and hair loss.

4/6

Tuna

Large fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and some types of tuna may be perfect for your taste buds, but not for your hair. These big fish tend to accumulate higher levels of mercury. A 2019 study found that eating tuna, a fish high in mercury, potentially resulted in hair loss.

5/6

Red meat

Red meat may not necessarily be your hair's ally. Not only do they increase your risk of colon cancer, but they also lead to a negative impact on your hair. A 2010 study found that avoiding red meat and fried foods is beneficial for hair health. These foods negatively affect hair health, as they cause overactivity of sebum and oil glands.

6/6

Sugary drinks

You need to stay away from those sugary drinks. They are not only bad for your gut, but also for your health. Even the diet versions are not great, as they contain artificial sweeteners that may negatively affect the gut microbiome. Poor blood sugar control and an unhealthy gut environment are a recipe for inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption, which in turn will affect your hair.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • Love quote of the day by Aristotle: "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies"
  • Don’t throw away potato peels: Smart ways to repurpose
  • This is the only Jyotirlinga temple in Jharkhand and why it draws millions of pilgrims every year
  • 5 lessons of perfect marriage we all need to learn from Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough
  • Quote of the day for kids by Winston Churchill: “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees...”
  • From reversing waterfalls and doorless homes; Maharashtra’s most unique wonders every curious traveller should experience
  • Leander ‘Legend’ Paes’ crores-worth Mumbai home is a living tennis museum blending Grand Slam glory with 176 bougainvillea blooms
  • Neeraj Chopra and Himani Mor's unusual love story, followed by a secret wedding, is straight out of a Bollywood script
  • Perfect hair vs healthy hair: What should be your right hair goal?
Photostories
  • Love quote of the day by Aristotle: "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies"
  • From Sarah Jessica Parker to Jon Bon Jovi, here are all of the celebrities who flaunt their gray hair like a crown
  • Parkinson's before 50? Doctor explains the early warning signs most people ignore
  • 'Spider-Noir' to 'Deli Boys': Latest Hollywood series and films to watch over the weekend
  • Don’t throw away your potato peels: 5 smart ways to repurpose them
  • You’re walking, not running, so why are you breathless? Doctor explains what your body may be trying to tell you
  • One workout a week can help you lose weight, new study finds
  • Asthma is no longer just about dust and pollution: Doctor warns stress, poor sleep and modern lifestyles are triggering more attacks
  • 5 lessons of perfect marriage we all need to learn from Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    Don’t throw away your potato peels: 5 smart ways to repurpose them
  • 6
    What is the person who makes pizzas called?
  • 5
    From reversing waterfalls and doorless homes; Maharashtra’s most unique wonders every curious traveller should experience
  • 6
    Snakes of Texas: Common species found, how to identify them, and how to stay safe
  • 5
    5 tiny kitchen habits that may be increasing electricity bills quietly
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Health & Fitness
  • /
  • Health News
  • /
  • 5 foods that steadily cause hair loss without you knowing about it
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 31, 2026, 02.58AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service