Can Sex Cause Hair Loss? Expert Shares the Truth

Can your love life make your hair fall out? One hair loss specialist is setting the record straight, debunking the wild myths about sex, celibacy and even masturbation causing hair loss. Interestingly, the expert also revealed there might be an indirect link between sex and hair growth. As well, there is a type of ‘sperm’ that can actually boost hair growth, just not the kind you’re imagining.

According to Dr Gizem Seymenoglu, a London-based hair loss specialist, sex “absolutely” doesn’t cause hair loss. Sex hormones, on the other hand, are a different story.

Dr Gizem explained: “Both men and women experience hair loss primarily due to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a sex hormone derived from testosterone. The physical act of sex does not increase DHT enough to trigger hair loss.” 

The expert also dispelled the myth that too much sex or masturbation would make your hair fall out. She explained that sex doesn’t drain nutrients, disrupt hormones or trigger any so-called “testosterone drops.” In fact, scientific research shows no connection at all between sexual activity and increased hair shedding. 

On the flip side, for anyone wondering whether lack of sex could cause hair loss, the expert says that’s another myth. “Hair growth cycles are completely independent of how often you’re having sex,” she explained. “So if you’re not having any, it won’t affect your hair growth at all.”

When it comes to what might trigger hair loss after sex, the expert says one of the potential reasons could be stress. “Relationship tensions, emotional strain or sleepless nights after late-night romps can contribute to temporary shedding (known as telogen effluvium), but sexual activity itself isn’t to blame.”

Among other reasons, if someone notices shedding after sex, it’s usually coincidental and more likely due to iron deficiency, thyroid issues, postpartum hormones, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), crash dieting, tight hairstyles, or genetics, according to Dr Gizem.

Dr Gizem clarified that having sex is definitely not a cure for genetic hair loss, medically known as androgenetic alopecia. 

“Sex also won’t speed up your hair growth cycle or make your hair grow thicker. However, there might be a very weak and indirect connection between hair growth and sex, where, by reducing stress, improving blood flow and allowing you to sleep better, it might do some good for your hair.”

Bizarrely, some people have considered applying semen to their hair, hoping it might boost growth, but the expert was quick to debunk the idea. 

“Again, there’s no scientific evidence that putting semen on your hair will make it grow better. But there is a type of sperm that has actually been shown to work, and that is salmon sperm. 

Salmon sperm can essentially accelerate your hair growth cycle, helping your hair grow longer, faster. It can also stimulate hair follicles and help improve the overall hair health.”