Oops: alcohol causes your hair to break faster

If you're reading this on King's Day, you've undoubtedly already had quite a few glasses of alcohol. To immediately dampen the fun of this holiday, I will share with you what effect this can have on your hair. We have known for centuries that alcohol is not good for our bodies, but did you know that it can also affect our locks?

I will explain how this works in detail (sharp pun, if I may say so). Research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption leads to vitamin deficiencies, tissue damage, inflammatory reactions, and a reduced collagen production. Additionally, alcohol also affects the defense mechanisms of your skin, reducing protection against harmful external influences. And since your scalp is also just skin, these factors also influence your hair. Quite logical actually, when you think about it.

In this way, excessive alcohol consumption can cause our hair to weaken and even break more quickly. Hair stylist Gregoria Ruggeri explains this as follows: ‘Alcohol suffocates your hair follicle, preventing it from completing its usual lifespan. It essentially strangles it, and as a result, your hair becomes brittle and thin.’ Add to that the fact that alcohol has a dehydrating effect, which can also dry out your scalp. As a result, you may experience itching, sensitivity, and flakes. The hair that grows from your scalp is therefore less elastic and will break more quickly.

Well, it's a matter of weighing options: beautiful shiny locks and a few glasses of wine less, or brittle locks but ultimate enjoyment? I'm still not entirely sure.