TLDR Taking zinc supplements can help improve or cure hair loss caused by zinc deficiency.
In a study from 2012, five female patients with zinc deficiency-related telogen effluvium were treated with 150 mg daily of oral zinc in the form of polaprezinc for 6 to 12 months. All patients had normal thyroid function and negative hair pull tests prior to treatment. The study found that hair loss was cured or improved in all cases after zinc supplementation. The treatment appeared to support hair growth by enhancing metalloenzyme activities, hedgehog signaling, and immunomodulation. Serum zinc levels increased post-treatment, and in one instance, hair loss that returned after ceasing treatment was reversed upon resuming zinc supplementation. The study concluded that oral zinc therapy is effective for hair loss associated with zinc deficiency.
89 citations,
December 2010 in “The Journal of Dermatology” The conclusion is that an algorithm using trichoscopy helps diagnose different types of hair loss but may need updates and a biopsy if results are unclear.
65 citations,
January 2009 in “Annals of Dermatology” Zinc supplements increased zinc levels in some hair loss patients but didn't significantly improve hair growth.
60 citations,
October 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology” Zinc can both inhibit and stimulate mouse hair growth, and might help recover hair after chemotherapy.
September 2024 in “International Journal of Research and Review” Wiesbaden 30C effectively reduces hair fall and improves hair growth in young adults with Telogen Effluvium.
13 citations,
January 2015 in “International Journal of Trichology” Higher lead and cadmium, and lower zinc and iron levels in the blood might be linked to chronic hair loss in women.
February 2023 in “Benha Journal of Applied Sciences” People with Telogen Effluvium have similar zinc levels in their blood as healthy individuals.
6 citations,
January 2018 in “PubMed” Heavy metals might contribute to hair loss in Telogen Effluvium.
10 citations,
January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology” The study found no link between anxiety, vitamin B12, folate, TSH, ferritin, zinc levels, and trichodynia in telogen alopecia patients.
