The Impact Of Protein On Hair Health – How Much Protein Is Enough?

Here at Stop and reGrow we know there is not simply one cause of hair loss, nor one single treatment for each person. This was highlighted this week as we had a number of new female clients join us with thin hair. When we looked under the NettlesScope, not only did we see the miniaturization associated with a higher than normal ratios of DHT, but we also saw general hair thinning and brittleness.

On further investigation of their blood work, medical history and diet we discovered they were not consuming sufficient protein to maintain good hair health. Given that hair is made up mostly of protein, the question that needs to be asked is - if we aren’t taking protein in to our bodies - how can our bodies then turn around and create healthy hair? The answer is we cannot.

Hair is made up of around 88% protein , which in turn is comprised of long amino acid chains called polypeptides found in the cortex or middle part of the hair. These polypeptides (which chemically are made of oxygen, nitrogen and Sulphur) are the building blocks of hair, nails and skin. Insufficient protein intake will result in thinner, weaker and dull, lifeless hair.

The ideal daily supply of protein that we recommend to ensure health hair growth is a minimum of 100 grams of protein per day, spread out over the day. The body is able to absorb only 6-10 grams of protein an hour, so generally about 30 grams from a single meal digested over about 3 hours at a time. Anything more than that your body will just expel out as waste. As a result, our recommendation is to consume approximately 20-30g of protein every 2-3 hours throughout the day.

I know that many of you may be vegetarian or vegan or dieting, so I did want to clarify that there are many means besides meat that you can use to bring in protein. We keep low fat, low sugar protein bars, shakes and drinks around the office to ensure we are all in peak condition for looking after our clients. Our favorite brands are Premier Protein and Quest (for bars and shakes) and Isopure (drinks). These all come in a myriad of great flavors and formats so there is something for every taste. For those of you who don’t like protein bars, Isopure coconut water protein drinks provide a great tasting, low calorie alternative.

Read more about protein intake and the other dietary requirements for healthy hair here. Schedule your scalp analysis and hair loss consultation today.