Men Who Consume More Sugary Drinks Have Higher Hair Loss Risk—Here’s Why!

If you’re a fan of soda, energy drinks, or other sweetened beverages, you might want to think twice before taking another sip—especially if you’ve noticed your hairline moving back. A recent study has found a surprising connection between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and male pattern hair loss (MPHL).

What’s the Link Between Sugary Drinks and Hair Loss?Male pattern baldness (MPHL) is the most common type of hair loss in men. It starts subtly with hair thinning and can eventually lead to noticeable bald patches. According to NHS data, around 6.5 million men in the UK experience this condition. While genetics have long been considered the biggest factor, scientists are now revealing how lifestyle and diet could also play a role.

Researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing looked at how consuming sugary drinks affects hair loss. Their study suggests that men who drink more sugar-sweetened beverages—like soda, fruit-flavoured drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened tea or coffee—may be at a higher risk of MPHL. Their findings revealed that men experiencing hair loss tend to consume nearly double the amount of sugary drinks compared to those without hair loss.

How Was the Study Conducted?

The research involved 1,028 men, mostly college students and teachers, from 31 provinces in China. The participants, with an average age of 27.8, filled out surveys about their hair health, diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being. The researchers specifically focused on their beverage consumption over the past month and compared this with their hair loss status.

The results: More than half of the participants (57.6 per cent) reported experiencing hair loss. Among them, sugary drink consumption was significantly higher. On average, those with MPHL were drinking 4.3 litres of sugary beverages per week, compared to just 2.5 litres among those with a full head of hair.

More Than Just Sugar—Other Factors

The study also identified several lifestyle and health factors common among men experiencing hair loss. These included:

- Smoking (current or past use)

- Hair treatments (such as dyeing, perming, bleaching, or relaxing)

- Less physical activity

- Shorter sleep duration

- Higher levels of anxiety or PTSD

- A family history of MPHL

- Poor dietary habits (including more fried food, sweets, and less vegetable intake)

Interestingly, the study also found a strong link between anxiety and both sugary drink consumption and hair loss. In other words, stress and diet may work together to accelerate hair thinning.

So, Does Sugar Cause Baldness?

Not necessarily—at least, not directly. The study shows a correlation, not a cause-and-effect relationship. This means that while sugary drink consumption and hair loss seem to go hand in hand, one doesn’t necessarily cause the other.

Dr Ai Zhao, an assistant professor and one of the study’s authors, explained to Medical News Today that excess sugar can lead to a process called the polyol pathway, which affects glucose levels in hair follicles. In simpler terms, too much sugar might starve hair follicles of the nutrients they need to grow.

Further, a high-sugar diet is often linked to high-fat consumption, another factor that may contribute to MPHL.

What Do Other Experts Say?

Not everyone is convinced. Dr George Cotsarelis, a dermatology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, expressed scepticism about the findings. He pointed out that genetics still play the most significant role in hair loss and that it’s hard to imagine how sugary drinks alone could cause baldness.

He also noted that men with MPHL in the study had a higher percentage of family history of baldness, suggesting genetics could still be the primary factor. However, he did acknowledge that further research is needed to understand the relationship between diet and hair loss.

What Can You Do?

If you’re concerned about hair loss, cutting down on sugary drinks won’t hurt—and it might even help! While more research is needed, the study does highlight how diet and lifestyle choices can influence hair health. Here are a few tips:

- Reduce sugar intake: Swap soda and energy drinks for water, herbal tea, or natural fruit-infused water.

- Eat a balanced diet: Include more vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support hair growth.

- Manage stress: Since anxiety is linked to hair loss, try relaxation techniques like meditation, exercise, or proper sleep.

- Avoid excessive hair treatments: Harsh chemical treatments can weaken hair and contribute to thinning.

-Get enough sleep: Poor sleep has been linked to hair loss, so aim for at least 7–8 hours per night.

While this study doesn’t prove that sugary drinks cause baldness, it does add to the growing evidence that diet plays a key role in hair health. If you’re noticing hair loss, it might be worth cutting back on sugary drinks—not just for your hair, but for your overall health.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.