When I Get Drunk, I Have Less Hair Loss

Hello Dr. Rassman,

I am a 35 year old male with a Norwood pattern II hairline. I have tried Propecia and Rogaine with no success.

I recently made an interesting observation about my rate of hair loss that has me perplexed, but hopeful. Ever since my hair loss began serveral years ago, I have noticeed a very consistent 40-60 hairs on the shower floor after towel drying my hair following my morning shower. Interestingly, however, on days when I have consumed a large amount of alcohol the night before (especially multiple nights in a row) I notice an astonishing decrease in the number of hairs lost (sometimes the total drops to as low as 5). Based on my knowledge of the science behind hair loss, it initially seemed highly unlikely that there could be a connection here – but I can no longer argue with the facts. The decrease happens every time.

Clearly getting drunk every night is not a desirable solution to my hair loss problem – so I’m hoping you can help me determine what the mechanism of action might be – and if there are any other ways of achieving the same result.

I’m not going to suggest becoming an alcoholic to fight your hair loss, but I guess seeing less hair on the floor is a good thing. What you’re describing really makes no sense to me, though. There’s no basis for a relationship between a night of drinking and seeing less hair loss the next day. I wish I could pinpoint a connection for you, but I think we’re equally confused about this.

Maybe you just can’t count hairs accurately in the drain when you are hungover?