You’ve committed to hitting the gym regularly, and you’re loving your gains. But after your post-workout shower, you notice a few too many hairs on your towel. But does working out cause hair loss?
You’ve committed to hitting the gym regularly, and you’re loving your gains. But after your post-workout shower, you notice a few too many hairs on your towel. But does working out cause hair loss? More specifically, does lifting weights cause hair loss?
Relax, gym warrior! Before you trade your dumbbells for hair-thickening shampoo, let’s look at the science.
In general, working out doesn’t cause male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) — or any other type of hair loss, for that matter. In very rare cases, extreme exercise could be bad for your hairline.
We’ll dive into whether exercising causes hair loss, if weightlifting increases DHT (dihydrotestosterone), and how you can keep both your muscles and your mane healthy.
Let’s address the core concern upfront: Regular, moderate exercise does not directly cause hair loss.
Actually, quite the opposite! Working out can benefit your hair. Physical activity boosts blood circulation, reduces stress, and promotes overall health — key ingredients for thick, healthy hair.
So, where did the idea that exercise causes baldness come from? Well, the truth is slightly nuanced.
Regular exercise is hair-friendly, but you might experience hair loss if you:
Engage in excessive exercise. Too much exercise (and too little rest) can spike your cortisol levels (that’s the main stress hormone). In excess, cortisol can disrupt hair growth.
Don’t get enough nutrition. Your body needs adequate nutrients to grow hair. When you exercise, you may need to increase your food intake — specifically protein. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss.
Use certain performance-enhancing drugs. Anabolic steroids, for example, might lead to hair loss.
These factors can lead to a temporary hair loss condition called telogen effluvium, which is triggered by significant physical stress.
In short: Moderate exercise = good. Extreme stress = potential shedding. Balance, as always, is key.
Read our blog to learn about the difference between telogen effluvium versus androgenetic alopecia.
But wait, you’re thinking, I’ve heard exercising boosts testosterone, and testosterone is linked to hair loss.
So, what’s that all about? Fair question. Let’s get scientific for a second.
Weight lifting, especially heavy resistance training, can temporarily boost testosterone levels — which can be great news for your muscles. However, testosterone itself isn’t the villain behind hair loss — it’s a hormone known as DHT, a byproduct of testosterone.
DHT contributes to androgenetic alopecia by miniaturizing — that is, shrinking — hair follicles. Over time, this leads to male pattern hair loss, which is often characterized by a receding hairline or thinning hair on the crown.
Research from 2008 measured the hormone levels of 102 sedentary older men before and after they engaged in 12 months of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Exercise seemed to increase DHT in these men.
But there’s no telling whether this increase in DHT could directly lead to hair loss or not.
A 2017 study, which surveyed almost 1,200 people, found that those with androgenic alopecia were more likely to exercise overall — specifically, they engaged in more low-intensity exercise.
When it came to moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity exercise, there was no statistical significance between people who had hair loss and those who didn’t. It’s unclear if exercise causes hair loss or if folks with hair loss just happen to exercise more — especially at lower intensities.
The bottom line? Regular workouts and the natural testosterone boost that comes with them are absolutely safe for your hair. Artificial hormonal boosts? That’s another story.
If it’s not exercise causing hair loss, then what’s really behind thinning hair or baldness? Typically, hair loss is influenced by multiple factors, including:
Genetics. Androgenic alopecia is the leading cause of hair loss in men. Genetics play a strong role in whether you develop this form of hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies. Lack of iron, protein, vitamin D, or biotin can weaken hair, making it more prone to shedding. Malnutrition — which can happen if you work out excessively and don’t eat enough — can also lead to shedding.
Stress. Chronic physical or emotional stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, potentially causing telogen effluvium.
Medical conditions. Thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, and scalp infections can lead to significant hair loss.
Medications. Certain drugs (like chemotherapy drugs, beta-blockers, and antidepressants) are also known to contribute to hair loss.
Simply put, exercise is rarely the root cause of hair loss — pun intended.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning and other early signs of balding, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional, like a dermatologist or general practitioner. They can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and figure out how to treat it.
Still concerned about your workouts impacting your luscious locks? Here’s how to protect your hair health without ditching your dumbbells:
Eat a balanced diet. Load up on protein, iron, vitamin D, and biotin-rich foods to fuel both your muscles and your hair. If you have a deficiency, consider using supplements (like our biotin gummies).
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can negatively impact hair and scalp health. Water is essential for maintaining optimal circulation, helping oxygen and nutrients reach hair follicles.
Avoid steroids. A surefire way to avoid workout-induced hair loss? Stay natural and steer clear of performance-enhancing drugs.
Manage stress. Give yourself proper recovery time and consider relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness to keep stress-induced hair loss at bay.
Keep your hair clean. While sweat doesn’t cause hair loss, working out frequently without washing your hair can lead to an itchy scalp, dandruff, or buildup. A thickening shampoo may help if you have signs of hair thinning.
Wanna learn more? Check out our best men’s hair care tips and our blog post on preventing hair loss.
If your hair is starting to shed, research-backed hair loss treatment options are available. You could try:
Finasteride (generic Propecia®). A prescription-only medication, oral finasteride is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for treating male pattern hair loss.
Minoxidil (generic Rogaine®). Another FDA-approved hair loss treatment, minoxidil can slow hair loss and boost hair regrowth by improving blood flow in the scalp. You can buy minoxidil topical solution and minoxidil foam online without a prescription.
A combo treatment. It’s safe to use finasteride and minoxidil at the same time. We offer topical finasteride & minoxidil spray if you’d like to give your hairline a combo treatment.
Not sure which treatment to start with? Talk to a healthcare provider to see what’s best for you.
Does working out cause hair loss? For most people, definitely not.
Moderate, consistent exercise is super beneficial for your overall well-being — whether you’re doing high-intensity cardio, lifting weights, or taking a Pilates class.
But keep this in mind about exercise and hair loss:
Extreme workout routines and malnutrition can lead to temporary shedding. Too much exercise can put a lot of strain on your body — and hairline — especially if you’re not getting enough nutrients.
Anabolic steroids can cause hair loss. Hair fall can be a side effect of certain performance-enhancing drugs, so it’s best not to use them.
Seek medical attention if you have hair loss. If you notice excessive hair shedding or thinning, it might be time to check in with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues.
Remember, a healthy lifestyle (including smart workout habits) is one of the best ways to maintain both your gains and your mane.
If you think you’re experiencing hair loss, connect with a healthcare professional and get advice on how to maintain your locks. But keep lifting — it’s a world of good for your overall wellness.
To start exploring treatment options, take our free hair loss quiz.
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