How Anorexia Affects Hair Growth and Scalp Health

Many of the physical and emotional challenges of living with anorexia nervosa aren’t immediately visible to others. However, one of the more noticeable effects of this eating disorder is its impact on hair and scalp health. 

The severe nutritional deficiencies that come with anorexia can lead to hair loss, thinning, and scalp irritation. Some estimates indicate that over 60% of patients with anorexia also experience hair loss. And while hair loss may not seem like a critical symptom of anorexia, it can be one of the earliest and most emotionally distressing signs of malnutrition. 

Understanding the connection between anorexia and hair loss offers an opportunity for early intervention and support, and it can help you recognize your body’s need for nourishment and healing. 

How Anorexia Impacts the Hair Growth Cycle?

Hair growth depends heavily on a consistent, balanced supply of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones. Under normal circumstances, hair follicles go through three phases: the growth phase (anagen), the transitional phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen). 

When the body is healthy and well-nourished, most hair stays in the growth phase for several years before cycling out.

However, in cases of anorexia, the body experiences chronic nutritional stress. Because survival is the body’s top priority, it will begin to conserve energy by diverting resources away from hair growth and other non-essential functions.

As a result, a large number of follicles can prematurely enter the resting phase. This leads to a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair sheds excessively across the scalp. Telogen effluvium typically presents two to three months after the nutritional insult due to the delayed nature of the hair cycle.

In addition to this shift in the hair cycle, anorexia-related malnutrition weakens the structure of hair strands, slows regrowth, and can result in noticeable hair thinning or bald patches. This kind of disruption may not be immediately reversible, making early recognition crucial for recovery.

Key Nutritional Deficiencies That Contribute to Anorexia Hair Loss

Hair health is a reflection of internal well-being, and several key nutrients play big roles in maintaining strong, resilient strands and a healthy scalp. In individuals living with anorexia, it’s common to see widespread deficiencies in the following:

• Protein: Hair is made primarily of keratin, a protein that requires amino acids for production. Inadequate protein intake can significantly weaken hair strands and reduce their ability to grow. 
• Iron: Iron deficiency is commonly associated with hair loss in people with restrictive eating habits. Without sufficient iron, the body struggles to produce hemoglobin, limiting oxygen supply to hair follicles.
• Zinc: Zinc supports cellular repair and immune function. A deficiency can lead to hair shedding, brittle strands, and a flaky or irritated scalp.
• Essential fatty acids: Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are crucial for scalp hydration and elasticity. Their absence can contribute to dryness, inflammation, and poor follicle function.
• Vitamins A, C, D, and E: Each of these vitamins contributes in different ways to scalp and hair health. For instance, vitamin C helps with collagen production and iron absorption, while vitamin D supports the hair follicle’s life cycle. Both a deficiency in and an excess of Vitamin A may contribute to hair loss, which can be relevant in patients with disordered eating and supplement misuse. All in all, an imbalance of these nutrients can make hair more prone to breakage, slower to grow, and dull in appearance.
• Vitamin B complex: B vitamins, especially B7 (biotin) and B12 (cobalamin), also play important roles in hair growth — for instance, biotin helps with keratin production — and deficiencies in these key nutrients have been linked to hair loss.

Without adequate intake of these vital nutrients, the body simply cannot support the metabolic demands of growing healthy hair. That’s why even living with an eating disorder for a short period can lead to visible damage.

Signs of Hair and Scalp Damage Related to Anorexia

Hair loss caused by anorexia often becomes evident over time, and you might mistake the cause of your hair loss, attributing it to something like stress. However, there are several specific signs that may indicate the hair loss is due to internal nutritional distress, such as:

• Noticeable thinning around the temples or crown;
• Excessive shedding, especially while brushing or washing;
• Brittle, dry, or straw-like strands that break easily;
• A dry, itchy, or flaky scalp;
• Slowed or stalled hair growth, sometimes with widened part lines.

These symptoms affect your physical appearance but can also trigger deep emotional responses. If you’re already struggling with body image, the experience of losing hair can be heartbreaking and isolating.

In some cases, people develop hairline dysphoria, a condition where concern over hair loss or changes in the hairline becomes intense and all-consuming. This can further complicate anorexia recovery and exacerbate feelings of shame or anxiety. 

Treatments and Recovery Tips for Anorexia-Related Hair Loss

Though nutritional rehabilitation is the foundation of recovery, these strategies can also support hair regrowth and boost scalp health:

• Work with a multidisciplinary team: This may include a doctor, registered dietitian, therapist, and dermatologist. 
• Use gentle hair care products: Choose sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners to avoid irritating the scalp or damaging fragile strands.
• Limit heat styling and chemical treatments: Blow drying, straightening, and dyeing can worsen breakage and delay regrowth.
• Track progress with photos and notes: Because changes can be slow, it helps to document improvements over time.

Hair transplants should only be considered after full nutritional and psychological recovery, and only in stable cases where natural regrowth has plateaued. These are advanced treatments offered at clinics specialized in hair loss, which provide tailored solutions based on each person’s hair profile and medical history.

Be sure to review hair transplant costs and look at before-and-after photos to understand the commitment involved and the outcomes you can expect. Though not necessary for everyone, restoration can offer hope and empowerment when emotionally affected by lasting hair loss.

Supporting Overall Scalp Health During Anorexia Recovery

Your hair’s ability to regrow hinges on scalp health. Here’s what you can do to encourage a healthy scalp that supports regrowth:

• Choose mild, moisturizing shampoos free from harsh detergents or fragrances.
• Massage the scalp gently a few times per week to stimulate blood flow and follicle activity.
• Avoid tight hairstyles that tug on weakened hair strands.
• Hydrate regularly and maintain a balanced diet.
• Reduce stress through gentle movement, mindfulness, or creative expression.

Finally, remember that healing is holistic. Your body, mind, and self-image are interconnected. Focus on nourishment and self-compassion, so your hair can begin to grow back, and you can rebuild your sense of strength, confidence, and well-being.