A man starts to notice a hair loss

Biotin for hair growth may be trending in beauty circles, but it might be just as important in the athlete’s locker room as it is in the salon. Athletes are supposed to be the healthiest people around, right? So why does it seem like so many of them are losing their hair? Scroll through photos of professional basketball players, and bald heads are everywhere. Sure, some go bald by choice, but for others, it's not a decision. It's biology catching up.

Athletes put their bodies through a lot. And sometimes, hair loss is the price. Intense training, stress, strict diets: they all play a role. But do you know that simple things like how often someone washes their hair or what they eat can make all the difference? 

Why Do Athletes Lose Their Hair?

Hair loss scheme.

Hair loss in athletes happens for many reasons, but one major factor is overexertion. Training beyond physical limits puts stress on the body. This type of stress often creates a hormonal imbalance. When athletes push too hard, the body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone, and less testosterone. This imbalance can weaken hair follicles, leading to thinning and shedding.

Main reasons athletes experience hair loss:

  1. Physical Stress: Causes a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair shifts prematurely into the shedding phase.
  2. Emotional Stress: High-pressure situations raise cortisol levels, disrupting the hair growth cycle.
  3. Poor Nutrition: Strict diets can lack essential nutrients like iron, zinc, protein, and especially vitamin b7.
  4. Steroid Use: Anabolic steroids can spike DHT levels, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.

It’s easy to notice this pattern. Just look at professional basketball players. Many of them are bald or have very short hair. While some might choose this style, many others may be experiencing hair loss due to the extreme demands of their sport.

Workout-Linked Hair Loss? How to Minimize It

Hair loss stages.

Exercise is great for the body, but sweat and heat can create problems for the scalp. After intense workouts, it's important to wash the scalp properly. Leaving sweat on the scalp for too long can block hair follicles and lead to buildup. But washing too much can also strip away natural oils that protect the hair.

So, where’s the balance?

  • Rinse hair after workouts to remove sweat buildup.
  • Use mild shampoo no more than 3 to 4 times a week.
  • Let natural oils work for a short while before washing.

Other common triggers include:

  • Chlorine Exposure: Swimmers should rinse before and after sessions and use protective conditioners.
  • Tight Hairstyles: Constant pulling causes traction alopecia. Opt for loose styles and vary them.

Athletes who wear helmets or tie their hair tightly may also suffer from traction alopecia. It’s better to wear looser styles and change them up regularly to give hair a break.

Note: Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that results from continuous or repeated pulling on the hair follicles, commonly caused by tight hairstyles.

Medical Interventions and Treatments

Some athletes take testosterone as part of medical treatments or performance routines. But high testosterone levels can lead to more DHT, which causes hair loss. One way to manage this is with a medicine called finasteride, also known as Propecia. This oral drug lowers DHT levels in the body, helping to reduce hair loss.

Important considerations:

  • Finasteride: Effective but may cause decreased libido, mood swings, and erectile issues.
  • Minoxidil (Rogaine): Applied topically and encourages hair regrowth.
  • PRP Therapy: Injects platelets from the patient’s blood into the scalp to rejuvenate follicles.
  • Laser Therapy: Stimulates hair growth using non-invasive light technology.

Hair Care Do’s and Don’ts for Athletes

Proper hair care can make a big difference. Avoid using hot rollers, curling irons, or flat irons too often. These can weaken the hair and lead to breakage.

Hair care tips:

  • Skip Harsh Treatments: No excessive heat or harsh chemicals.
  • Avoid Tight Accessories: Use soft hair ties and clips.
  • Gentle Products: Choose shampoos made for active lifestyles.
  • Let Hair Breathe: Let hair air dry when possible.

Ever thought about skipping that tight headband just once a week? That alone could help reduce stress on your hairline.

Biotin For Hair Growth

Biotin-rich foods

One of the most talked-about nutrients for hair is vitamin b7, also known as biotin. This nutrient helps the body convert food into energy and is essential for maintaining strong hair, skin, and nails. Many people turn to biotin for hair growth, especially when dealing with thinning or breakage.

How does it help?

  • Biotin for hair growth strengthens keratin, the main protein in hair.
  • Prevents breakage and supports longer growth cycles.
  • Vitamin b7 deficiencies are linked to brittle, thinning hair.

There are many natural sources of vitamin b7:

  • Eggs
  • Nuts & seeds
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Salmon

For those not getting enough, supplements can help. Biotin for hair growth is commonly available in pill form and is generally safe when taken correctly.

So, could something as simple as adding a vitamin make a difference? For many athletes, yes.

Other Benefits of Biotin for Athletes Other Than Hair?

While biotin for hair growth is widely known, vitamin b7 offers other benefits that can help athletes too.

Key performance benefits of vitamin b7:

  • Energy Production: Supports breaking down carbs, fats, and proteins into fuel.
  • Nervous System Health: Promotes better focus, alertness, and mental stamina.
  • Skin & Nails: Helps reduce roughness or damage caused by outdoor conditions.

Hair Removal in Athletes: A Different Kind of “Hair Loss”

Not all hair loss in athletes is accidental. Many choose to remove body hair for performance reasons. Swimmers, cyclists, wrestlers, and runners often shave or wax to reduce friction, avoid infections, or simply feel more comfortable.

Hair removal methods include:

  • Shaving
  • Waxing
  • Threading
  • Depilatory creams
  • Laser hair removal
  • Thermolysis electrolysis

While removing body hair is a personal choice, it’s important to treat the skin carefully. Use clean tools, avoid repetitive waxing, and apply soothing gels afterward to prevent irritation.

The Bottom Line

Hair loss in athletes is more common than it seems. Between intense physical effort, emotional stress, strict diets, and daily routines, hair can take a hit. But there are ways to protect it.

Avoiding harsh treatments, keeping the scalp clean without overwashing, and being careful with hairstyles can all make a big difference. Nutrition matters too, especially when it comes to key vitamins like vitamin b7. Using biotin for hair growth can support strong, healthy hair, and its other benefits like better energy and skin health make it a valuable tool for athletes.