Hair loss is a common clinical concern with multifactorial etiology involving genetic, hormonal, nutritional, and lifestyle factors. Increasing evidence suggests that nutritional status and lifestyle behaviors play an important role in maintaining normal hair follicle function and regulating the hair growth cycle. This review examines the current evidence linking micronutrient status, dietary patterns, and lifestyle factors with hair health and common hair loss disorders.

Hair follicles are highly metabolically active structures that require an adequate supply of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and energy to sustain normal growth. Deficiencies in key micronutrients such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12, and essential fatty acids have been associated with several forms of hair loss, particularly telogen effluvium and diffuse hair shedding. At the same time, excessive intake of certain micronutrients, including vitamin A and zinc, may also contribute to hair loss, highlighting the importance of balanced nutritional intake rather than excessive supplementation.

Lifestyle factors such as sleep quality, psychological stress, physical activity, smoking, and hair care practices may further influence follicular health through mechanisms involving hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function. In addition, restrictive dieting, rapid weight loss, and chronic metabolic disturbances can disrupt follicular cycling and precipitate hair shedding.

Despite growing interest in nutritional and lifestyle interventions for hair loss, the current evidence base remains limited. Few large randomized controlled trials have evaluated micronutrient supplementation, and controlled dietary intervention studies assessing hair outcomes are scarce. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanistic pathways linking lifestyle factors with follicular biology and to establish evidence based clinical guidelines. A comprehensive approach that prioritizes nutritional adequacy, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and individualized clinical assessment remains essential for supporting hair health.

Keywords: hair loss, food, lifestyle, nutrition