gut health and hair loss back

23 October 2025

The Surprising Link Between Your Gut Health and Hair Loss

Key Takeaways:

Hair loss isn’t always caused by stress, hormones or genetics – your gut health may be a hidden factor. Poor digestion can limit nutrient absorption, trigger inflammation and disrupt hormones, all of which affect scalp and follicle health. At Hove Hair Clinic, we take a whole-person approach to uncover root causes and support healthy hair growth.

In this article you’ll learn:

  • How gut health can influence hair growth by affecting nutrient absorption, inflammation, and hormone balance.

  • Why chronic inflammation and immune imbalances in the gut may contribute to hair shedding or thinning.

  • Practical ways to support gut and hair health with diet, lifestyle, and professional guidance at Hove Hair Clinic.

When we think about hair loss, our minds usually jump to hormones, stress, or genetics. But there’s another factor that’s gaining increasing attention – and it starts in the gut.

At Hove Hair Clinic, we take a whole-person approach to hair and scalp health. That means looking beyond the surface and exploring what might be happening inside your body – and one of the biggest influences is your digestive system.

Let’s explore how your gut might be quietly affecting your hair.

Why Your Gut Matters for Hair Growth

Your gut does more than just digest food – it’s responsible for absorbing nutrients, regulating inflammation, balancing hormones, and even supporting your immune system.

If your gut is out of balance (a state often called dysbiosis), it can reduce your body’s ability to absorb the key nutrients needed for healthy hair follicles. It can also trigger inflammation, which in turn can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.

Here’s how it all connects:

1. Nutrient Absorption and Hair Health

Many essential nutrients for hair growth – including iron, zinc, vitamin D, B12, biotin and protein – rely on healthy digestion and absorption in the small intestine.

Even if your diet is balanced, an inflamed or sluggish gut may struggle to extract and deliver what your hair needs. That means your blood levels might appear “normal” while your follicles aren’t getting the full benefit.

2. Chronic Inflammation Can Impact the Scalp

Inflammation in the gut doesn’t always stay there. It can spread systemically, affecting areas like the scalp and hair follicles.

Conditions such as telogen effluvium (excessive shedding) and even alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) have been linked to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation – both of which are strongly influenced by the gut microbiome.

3. Hormones and the Gut-Hair Connection

Your gut is involved in breaking down and clearing out excess hormones – including oestrogen and testosterone. If the gut is sluggish, this clearance can slow down, leading to hormonal imbalances that contribute to conditions like androgenetic alopecia.

4. The Immune System Lives in the Gut

Around 70% of your immune cells reside in your gut. When your gut flora is out of balance, your immune system may become overactive or confused, which can sometimes trigger autoimmune conditions – including those that affect the hair.

What You Can Do to Support Gut (and Hair) Health

You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Supporting your gut can be simple, consistent, and delicious. Here are some small changes that can have a big impact:

  • Add fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut to support beneficial bacteria

  • Include prebiotics like oats, leeks, garlic, and bananas to nourish your gut lining

  • Chew thoroughly and eat slowly – digestion starts in the mouth

  • Stay hydrated and reduce refined sugar where you can

  • Consider a probiotic or gentle gut support supplement (ask your practitioner first)

When to Seek Help

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained shedding, thinning, or scalp problems – especially alongside digestive symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or food sensitivities – it might be time to look at the bigger picture.

At Hove Hair Clinic, we take a detailed health and lifestyle history in every consultation. That means if we suspect your gut could be playing a role in your hair concerns, we’ll talk you through your options, including referrals, DNA testing, scalp and hair growth treatments or holistic support.

Supporting Hair Growth with Good Gut Health at Hove Hair Clinic

Hair loss isn’t always just about what’s happening on your head. Sometimes, it starts in the gut – quietly, slowly, and often without obvious symptoms at first.

The good news? Your body is always trying to restore balance. And with the right support, your hair can benefit too.

If this blog has struck a chord, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you understand what’s really going on – and guide you towards healthy hair from the inside out.


If you’re looking for personalised advice or professional hair and scalp treatments, reach out to us at Hove Hair Clinic on 01273 711140. We’re here to help you achieve your goals with expert guidance and bespoke care.