Living with Crohn’s disease brings more than just gut trouble. It affects your skin, joints, and eyes and drains your energy. And yes, it can also affect your hair.
You might brush your hair and see more strands than usual, or find clumps on your pillow. That can feel scary and confusing, especially when you’re already managing cramps, diarrhea, or fatigue.
So, does Crohn’s disease cause hair loss? Yes, it does. Hair loss may happen due to poor nutrient absorption or it may result from chronic inflammation. Medications may trigger it, while physical and mental stress also play a role.
The good news? Most Crohn’s-related hair loss is not permanent. Once you treat the cause, hair usually grows back. In this guide, you’ll learn why hair loss happens with Crohn’s and how to fix it.
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease is a chronic illness that starts a bout of inflammation in your digestive system.. It is categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Crohn’s can cause problems in any part of your digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It generally happens in the end of the small intestine, commonly called the ileum.
Common signs of Crohn’s disease involve:
- Stomach pains
- Loose stools or diarrhea
- Unintentional Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Poor nutrient absorption
- Low iron levels
- Mouth sores
- Blood in your stool
Crohn’s disease can prevent your body from getting all the nutrients you need. Your hair, skin and nails are often the first areas to show symptoms when your body is stressed.
How Common Is Hair Loss In Crohn’s Patients?
Hair loss is a common sign of Crohn’s disease. According to studies, about 30% to 40% of individuals with Crohn’s have reported hair loss.
It might happen slowly over time or suddenly. A flare-up, surgery, stress, or a change in medication can trigger it.
In some people, the hair loss is minor and may go unnoticed. In others, it’s severe and may lead to patches of baldness or widespread thinning. This happens when nutrition levels drop suddenly.
How Does Crohn’s Disease Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss related to Crohn’s is generally caused by a variety of factors. Doctors refer to this as multifactorial. We’ll look at the primary factors that lead to Crohn’s disease-related hair loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Most cases of hair loss in Crohn’s are due to malabsorption. Inflammation prevents food nutrients from being absorbed by the body. Hair relies on vitamins and minerals, which must be supplied through diet.
All hair is composed of a protein called keratin. You need enough nutrients to help your body generate keratin. These include:
- Iron: Carries oxygen to hair roots.
- Zinc: Helps repair hair tissues.
- Vitamin D: Supports the hair cycle.
- Vitamin B12: Helps new cells grow.
- Biotin: Strengthens hair strands.
- Folate: Helps cells in the scalp grow and divide.
Even if you eat healthy, Crohn’s may stop your body from absorbing these nutrients. Flares make it worse.
Medication Side Effects
Many medicines used to treat Crohn’s have side effects, including hair loss. They change the way your hair develops, often leading to telogen effluvium, which makes hair fall out.
| Medication | Purpose | Potential Hair Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Reduce inflammation | May cause thinning or hair shedding |
| Azathioprine | Immunosuppressant | Linked to temporary hair loss |
| Methotrexate | Immunosuppressant | Known to cause hair thinning |
| Biologics | Target immune responses | Hair loss less common but possible |
Not everyone will lose hair from these meds. But some people do. If you think your medicine is to blame, talk to your doctor. Never stop your treatment on your own.
Chronic Inflammation
Crohn’s is an inflammatory condition, meaning your body stays in a state of “fight mode.” The inflammation isn’t just in your gut, it spreads to your whole body, including your skin and scalp.
Inflammation may disrupt the hair cycle, pushing hairs into the resting stage early and causing hair to fall out. In rare cases, the immune system may attack hair follicles, causing alopecia areata, which shows up as small bald patches.
Physical & Emotional Stress
Crohn’s is a tough illness to live with. Hospital stays, surgeries, and flares are stressful.
But stress doesn’t just affect your mood, it affects your hair too. Emotional or physical stress can cause telogen effluvium, where stress shocks the hair system, causing hair to stop growing and fall out later.
The shedding often begins 2–3 months after a stressful event. It feels sudden, but it’s related to what your body went through weeks before.
Understanding Hair Growth Cycle
Hair grows in a cycle with three stages:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): Lasts 2–7 years; most hairs are in this stage.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): A short phase lasts a few weeks; hair stops growing.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): This lasts around 3 months; hair is shed and then fresh hair begins to appear underneath.
Note: Stress or nutrient deficiencies can push more strands into the telogen phase, leading to noticeable shedding.
What Does Crohn’s Hair Loss Look Like?
Crohn’s-related hair loss is often spread out, called diffuse thinning. You may see:
- More hair on your brush.
- Hair clogging your drain.
- A thinner ponytail.
- A wider part in your hair.
- Hair that breaks easily.
It usually doesn’t create bald spots. The loss is all over the scalp and is often noticeable when styling your hair or in pictures.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Crohn’s Hair Loss?
Diagnosing hair loss in Crohn’s disease involves identifying underlying causes through relevant tests.
- Order blood work to check vitamins and minerals.
- Review your medicine list.
- Examine your scalp and hair texture.
- Refer you to a dermatologist.
You may need tests for B12, iron, folate, vitamin D, thyroid levels and zinc tested.
Common Nutrient Deficiencies In Crohn’s Disease
A lack of these nutrients is typical in those with Crohn’s.
| Nutrient | Why It Matters | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Oxygen delivery to follicles | Pale skin, fatigue, shortness of breath |
| Zinc | Supports immunity and cell division | Weak immune system, slow wound healing |
| Vitamin D | Regulates follicle health | Mood issues, bone pain |
| B12 | Energy production and cell turnover | Fatigue, numbness, memory problems |
| Biotin | Essential for keratin synthesis | Brittle nails, dry skin, thinning hair |
Consult your doctor or a dietitian to ensure you get enough of these nutrients. Sometimes pills work; other times, you need IV treatments or injections.
What Are Crohn’s-Friendly Diet Tips For Hair Growth?
Eating for gut and hair health can be tricky. You need food that is gentle yet nourishing. Try these:
- Steamed greens like spinach or kale; rich in iron and folate.
- Fatty fish like salmon; offer omega-3s and vitamin D.
- Eggs for biotin and protein.
- Avocados for healthy fats.
- Add pumpkin seeds to your diet to get zinc and magnesium.
- Drinks from greens, fresh fruit and a scoop of protein powder.
Stick to foods such as broth, mashed potatoes and peeled fruits when you have a flare. It’s best to steer clear of high-fiber foods and uncooked vegetables, since they could irritate your gut.
What Supplements Help With Crohn’s Hair Loss?
Talk to your doctor before starting any kind of supplement. Some may irritate your gut, but these often help:
- Iron (gentle forms like ferrous bisglycinate).
- Vitamin D3 with K2.
- B12 (sublingual or injectable).
- Zinc (picolinate or citrate).
- Biotin (only if low—don’t overdo it).
- Hair growth blends with keratin, collagen, or silica.
Sometimes pills won’t work due to poor absorption. In that case, IV or injected vitamins may be better.
How To Stop Hair Loss With Crohn’s Disease?
Most people can regrow their hair once the cause is treated. Regrowth takes time, usually starting in 3 to 6 months.
What helps?
- Replacing lost nutrients.
- Managing inflammation with your treatment plan.
- Using minoxidil (Rogaine) for hair growth.
- Massaging your scalp to improve blood circulation.
- Reducing emotional stress.
New hair may feel finer at first, but it will thicken and grow stronger over time.
Hair Loss In Women Vs. Men With Crohn’s
Hair loss affects both men and women, but women may feel it more deeply and face extra risks.
| Features | Women With Crohn’s | Men With Crohn’s |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Impact | Often feel hair loss more deeply. | May experience emotional impact, but less emphasized. |
| Additional Risks | Iron loss from periods, hormonal changes (birth control, pregnancy, menopause) and thyroid issues | Male-pattern baldness may occur alongside Crohn’s-related hair loss |
| Contributing Factors | Iron deficiency, hormonal fluctuations, thyroid problems | Male-pattern baldness, Crohn’s-related nutrient deficiencies |
| Treatment Complexity | May require treating multiple causes (iron, hormones, thyroid) | More complex if male-pattern baldness and Crohn’s-related loss coexist |
| Treatment Options | Iron supplements, hormone therapy, PRP | Finasteride, PRP |
How Can You Manage Stress For A Healthier Gut & Hair?
Your gut and brain are connected. When stress rises, your gut and hair suffer.
Try these to stay calm:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation apps
- Light yoga
- Journaling
- Talking to others
- Creative hobbies
Lower stress means better digestion and healthier hair.
Real Stories – Crohn’s & Hair Loss
Crohn’s Disease has led many people to worry about their hair loss. Here a few unfiltered real-life stories:
“After my second hospital stay, I lost so much hair. Blood tests showed low B12 and iron. I started supplements and used castor oil. It took time, but my hair grew back.” — Danielle, 31
“I didn’t know methotrexate could thin my hair. I was shocked. A dermatologist suggested minoxidil. That helped. Now I focus on my gut first. My hair follows.” — Jordan, 40
When To See A Specialist For Crohn’s Hair Loss?
Persistent or severe hair loss in Crohn’s disease may signal a need for professional evaluation and treatment.
See a hair expert if:
- Hair loss lasts more than 6 months.
- You see bald patches.
- Your scalp itches or hurts.
- You shed a lot with no clear cause.
They may offer:
- Scalp treatments
- Topical medications
- Steroid shots
- Laser therapy
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy
These treatments speed up regrowth and protect existing hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair thinning a sign of a flare-up?
Yes, hair loss often follows flare-ups due to stress and malnutrition.
Can I dye my hair during a flare?
It’s generally safe, but ensure your scalp is healthy and not irritated.
Will a gluten-free diet help with hair loss?
Only if you have gluten sensitivity. Otherwise, a balanced anti-inflammatory diet is more important.
Is it okay to use over-the-counter hair loss treatments?
Yes, but consult your doctor to rule out underlying deficiencies first.
