Evidence supporting the use of: Protein (vegetable)
For the health condition: Hair (loss or thinning)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vegetable protein is sometimes used in products or dietary recommendations to support hair health, including hair loss or thinning. Scientifically, protein is an essential macronutrient required for the growth and repair of tissues in the human body, including hair. Hair shafts are primarily composed of keratin, a protein. In cases of protein deficiency (including insufficient dietary intake of both animal and plant proteins), hair growth can be negatively impacted, sometimes resulting in thinning or increased hair shedding (telogen effluvium). Thus, adequate protein—including from vegetable sources—can support normal hair growth in individuals with a deficiency.

However, for most individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning, especially when caused by genetic factors (such as androgenetic alopecia), hormonal changes, or other medical conditions, increasing vegetable protein intake alone has limited or no proven effectiveness. There is a lack of high-quality clinical trials specifically demonstrating that supplementing with vegetable protein reverses or significantly improves hair loss in otherwise well-nourished people. Topically applied vegetable proteins found in shampoos or conditioners may temporarily improve the appearance or texture of hair shafts but do not address underlying causes of hair loss.

In summary, while ensuring adequate protein intake (including from vegetable sources) is important for general hair health, the scientific evidence supporting its targeted use for treating hair loss or thinning is limited, except in cases of dietary deficiency.

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