Does Whey Protein Cause Hair Loss?

If you’re downing a protein shake a few times a week before or after hitting the gym and starting to notice hair thinning, it makes sense to wonder — does whey protein cause hair loss? 

And what about whey protein isolate (another form of whey protein that’s gone through more processing)? 

Well, you’re in the right place to learn what the science says about whey protein hair loss. Read on for everything you need to know about this popular muscle-building protein supplement and its possible relationship with hair loss.

Like many supplements, there’s a potential for adverse effects for those who use a whey protein supplement. 

While some scientific evidence supports a link between whey protein and hair loss in certain cases, protein is also important for healthy hair growth. So, the science is mixed, but there’s no clear link connecting whey protein to hair loss (it’s more likely you have genetics than your protein shake to thank for that).

Okay, so we know that whey protein hair loss probably isn’t a thing. But does whey protein help hair growth? Let’s dig deeper.

A popular dietary supplement for those looking to support muscle repair after a workout, whey protein is isolated from whey — the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. You know that liquid on top of your yogurt? That’s whey. 

Whey and casein are the two main types of protein found in milk.

After separation during the cheese-making process, whey undergoes various processing steps to become what people generally recognize as whey protein — a powder added to shakes and protein bars.

Whey protein powder is quickly digested and absorbed by the body, making it readily available for the muscles to use as needed, such as during or immediately after a workout.

The three forms of whey protein include:

• Whey protein concentrate. As the name suggests, whey protein concentrate is a concentrated form of whey protein containing low levels of fat and carbohydrates, while the rest is 60 to 80 percent protein content.

• Whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolates are further processed to remove all the fat and lactose and are usually at least 90 percent protein.

• Whey protein hydrolysate. This product undergoes even more processing, allowing it to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream and requiring less digestion.

In addition to its fast digestion, whey protein powders are popular because they contain a high percentage of essential amino acids. Amino acids — the building blocks of protein — are essential for nearly all tissues in your body. They even support healthy, sustainable hair growth.

Whey protein powder, whether in a concentrated form or as a whey protein isolate, can be an easy way to increase your protein intake. 

However, those with lactose intolerance (the inability to fully digest the lactose or sugar in dairy products) may want to limit whey protein concentrate consumption and use whey isolates. They might also consider focusing on protein intake from other sources due to whey concentrate containing trace amounts of lactose.

But wait… Didn’t we say above that whey protein isn’t likely to cause hair loss? Yes. And that’s still very true. 

However, we also mentioned that there are some cases in which it can contribute to hair loss, and some research to back up those claims — and we’d be remiss not to at least touch on those..

So, can a regular intake of whey protein lead to hair loss? Does the type of whey protein matter? Does whey protein isolate cause hair loss? While the answer is a definitive “not likely,” let’s look at where things aren’t so certain.

Some evidence suggests that certain forms of whey protein may accelerate hair thinning and male pattern baldness.

One small 2010 study of 100 men and women found that whey protein isolate caused more damage to hair and aggravated hair loss, while whey protein concentrate aided hair health and regrowth.

Research has also found that protein and other nutritional deficiencies could contribute to hair loss.

However — and it’s super important for us to say this — these studies are very small and should be taken lightly. Hair loss can be caused by numerous factors, and whether or not whey protein causes hair loss needs to be studied more to understand this topic fully.

Does the consumption of whey protein cause hair loss? Maybe.

One small study found that a particular type of whey protein — whey protein isolate — caused more hair damage, but (for anyone wondering if whey protein causes hair growth) the study also found that whey protein concentrate actually improved hair health.

It’s also understood that this form of protein is an essential nutrient for muscle growth and hair growth.

That said, more research is needed to understand whether whey protein causes hair loss and whether its effects on hair loss are acute or more adverse. 

Interested in learning about more causes of hair loss via supplements? Check out our guide to kratom and hair loss and creatine and hair loss. 

Currently, the most effective hair loss treatments are finasteride and minoxidil. You can also try these tips to prevent hair loss or browse through our hair loss treatments online.