Folate (Vitamin B9) and Hair Loss: The Overlooked Nutrient for Healthy Hair Growth

If your hair has been shedding more than usual, feeling thinner, or struggling to grow as it once did, it can feel frustrating and confusing.

Sometimes, the factors affecting your hair may be happening beneath the surface.

Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in cell division, renewal and red blood cell production. Because hair follicles are among the most rapidly dividing cells in the body, they need a consistent supply of nutrients and oxygen to support healthy hair growth.

While folate deficiency is not the only possible cause of hair loss or hair thinning, low levels may be one factor worth considering when you are experiencing ongoing changes in your hair.

In this fourth article in our Hair Nutrition & Scalp Health Series, we explore why folate matters for healthy hair growth, what can cause low folate levels, and why testing is important if you are concerned about hair shedding or thinning.

Can Low Folate Affect Hair Growth?

Folate is involved in several processes that are important for healthy cells, including the cells within the hair follicle. When folate levels are low, the body's ability to support normal cell division and red blood cell production can be affected. 

In some people, nutritional deficiencies may contribute to changes in hair growth, shedding or hair quality. However, hair loss has many possible causes, including iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, hormonal changes, stress and scalp conditions.

If you are experiencing ongoing hair thinning or excessive shedding, looking at your nutritional health alongside your scalp health can help provide a more complete picture.

Key Takeaways About Folate (Vitamin B9)

• Folate (Vitamin B9) supports cell division, renewal and healthy hair growth.
• Low folate levels may contribute to hair shedding, hair thinning or slower hair growth.
• Folate deficiency can occur alongside Vitamin B12 deficiency, so both may need to be considered when investigating hair loss.
• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support healthy folate levels, while supplementation should be based on individual needs and professional advice.
• Hair loss has many possible causes, so investigating nutritional factors alongside scalp health can help build a clearer picture.

Why Does Folate Matter for Hair Growth?

Folate is a B vitamin that plays an important role in several processes throughout the body. It contributes to:

• Cell division and renewal
• Red blood cell production
• Normal tissue growth
• Supporting oxygen delivery around the body

Hair follicles are some of the fastest-dividing cells in the body. This means they require a regular supply of nutrients to support the normal hair growth cycle.

When nutritional intake is inadequate or folate levels become depleted, these processes may be affected. This is why folate is one of the nutritional factors worth considering when looking at overall hair health.

How Could Low Folate Affect Hair Loss and Hair Thinning?

Low folate does not necessarily cause obvious symptoms straight away. If your levels are low, you may notice changes such as:

• Increased hair shedding
• Slower or reduced hair growth
• Hair feeling finer or weaker
• Difficulty maintaining hair thickness
• A gradual reduction in overall hair density

However, these symptoms are not specific to folate deficiency. Hair thinning and hair loss can be associated with many different factors, so it is important not to assume that low folate is the cause without appropriate investigation.

At Hove Hair Clinic, we take a holistic approach to hair and scalp health, looking at the wider picture rather than focusing on one possible cause in isolation.

How Common Is Folate Deficiency?

Folate deficiency is perhaps less talked about in relation to hair health than iron or Vitamin B12 deficiency. However, low folate levels can occur, particularly when dietary intake is inadequate or the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients.

Folate deficiency may also occur alongside other nutritional deficiencies, including Vitamin B12 deficiency. This is one reason why looking at your overall nutritional status can be more useful than focusing on a single vitamin when investigating hair loss or hair thinning.

What Can Cause Low Folate Levels?

There are several factors that may contribute to low folate levels, which can include:

• A diet lacking in folate-rich foods
• Limited intake of leafy green vegetables, beans and other whole foods
• Digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption
• Increased nutritional requirements during pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Poor overall nutritional intake

Rather than simply taking a supplement, it is important to understand why your folate levels may be low in the first place.

What Are the Signs Your Folate Levels May Be Low?

Changes in your hair may be one part of the picture, but they are unlikely to be the only potential sign of a nutritional deficiency. You may also experience:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Low mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• A general feeling of being run down or depleted

If these symptoms occur alongside increased hair shedding or hair thinning, it may be worth discussing appropriate blood testing with your GP or healthcare professional.

Why Testing Your Folate Levels Matters

If you are concerned that a nutritional deficiency may be contributing to your hair loss, it is important not to guess. A blood test can help establish whether your folate levels are low and whether other nutritional markers may also need to be investigated. Folate and Vitamin B12 are closely linked, so it is particularly important to consider them together rather than looking at folate in isolation.

At Hove Hair Clinic, we encourage clients experiencing ongoing hair thinning or excessive shedding to seek appropriate medical advice where nutritional deficiencies may be a contributing factor.

Understanding the potential underlying causes can help you make more informed decisions about your hair loss treatment and overall scalp health.

How to Support Healthy Folate Levels

If your folate levels are low, there are several ways you may be able to support your nutritional health, for instance increasing the quantity of folate-rich foods you eat, which include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Lentils
• Beans and pulses
• Broccoli
• Peas
• Citrus fruits
• Fortified foods

A varied, nutrient-dense diet can help provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs to support normal cell function and overall wellbeing. If testing identifies a deficiency, supplementation may also be recommended by a healthcare professional.

You may also find our Nourish to Flourish article helpful for exploring the wider relationship between nutrition and healthy hair.

What Might You Notice As Your Folate Levels Improve?

If low folate has been identified and appropriately addressed, improvements in your overall wellbeing may develop over time. When it comes to your hair, any changes are likely to be gradual because hair grows in cycles.

You may potentially notice:

• Reduced shedding
• Healthier-feeling hair
• Improved visible growth
• Better overall energy and wellbeing

However, correcting a nutritional deficiency does not necessarily mean that hair loss will automatically stop or that regrowth is guaranteed. If another underlying factor is contributing to your hair thinning, additional investigation or appropriate hair and scalp treatments may be needed.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice About Hair Loss?

Hair loss and hair thinning can have many different causes, which can include:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Inflammation
• Scalp conditions
• Genetic factors
• Changes in the hair growth cycle

If you have noticed ongoing shedding, reduced hair density or changes in your hair that concern you, professional advice can help you understand the bigger picture.

At Hove Hair Clinic, we take a personalised approach to hair loss treatment and scalp health, considering your individual hair concerns and helping you understand the potential factors that may be contributing to them. Where appropriate, hair and scalp treatments can then be considered as part of a wider approach to supporting healthier hair.

Part of Our Hair Nutrition & Scalp Health Series

This article is Part 4 of Our Hair Nutrition & Scalp Health Series, exploring how vitamins, minerals, nutrition and other factors can influence healthy hair growth and scalp health.

If you're exploring possible nutritional causes of hair loss, you can also read:

Iron & Ferritin Levels and Hair Loss – understanding how iron stores may affect hair shedding and growth

Vitamin B12 and Hair Loss – exploring the role of Vitamin B12 in hair health

Vitamin D and Hair Loss – looking at the potential relationship between Vitamin D and healthy hair growth

As the series develops, you can also explore:

• Biotin (Vitamin B7) and Hair Strength
• Zinc and Scalp Health
• Selenium and Hair Support
• Magnesium and Hair Health
• Protein and Hair Structure
• Omega-3 and Scalp Condition
• Collagen and Hair Strength
• Nutrient Absorption and Hair Health

Concerned About Hair Thinning or Hair Loss?

Hair health isn't just about what you put on your hair. It's also about giving your body the nutrients and support it needs to maintain healthy hair growth.

We tailor our hair and scalp treatments and advice here at Hove Hair Clinic, help you explore possible contributing factors and help you understand which hair loss or hair and scalp treatments may be appropriate for you.

If you're experiencing increased shedding, hair thinning or changes in your hair that concern you, call 01273 711140 to book a consultation and take the first step towards understanding your hair and scalp health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Folate and Hair Loss

A few questions we often hear about Folate and hair loss. If your question is not here, please give us a call on 01273 711140 or book an appointment and come and see us!

Is folate the same as folic acid?

Not exactly. Folate is the naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9 found in foods, while folic acid is a form used in supplements and fortified foods. Both contribute to the body's folate supply.

Can folate deficiency affect your nails as well as your hair?

Nail changes can sometimes be associated with nutritional deficiencies, although there are many possible causes. If you are experiencing changes to both your hair and nails, it is worth discussing them with a healthcare professional.

Can folate and Vitamin B12 be taken together?

Folate and Vitamin B12 are closely connected, but supplementation should be based on your individual needs and, where appropriate, the results of testing. Speak to a healthcare professional before starting supplements.

Can a healthy diet provide enough folate?

For many people, a varied diet containing plenty of vegetables, beans, lentils and other folate-rich foods can provide a good source of folate. Individual requirements can vary, however, particularly during pregnancy or where absorption is affected.

Does low folate cause all types of hair loss?

No. Hair loss has many possible causes, and low folate is only one potential nutritional factor. Conditions such as hormonal hair loss, genetic hair thinning, scalp conditions and other nutritional deficiencies require different approaches.