Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common condition that affects millions of men and women worldwide. As the most prevalent form of hair loss, AGA can impact an individual's appearance and self-esteem, often leading to concerns about ageing and social perceptions. While AGA is primarily driven by genetic and hormonal factors, lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and stress have also been explored as potential contributors.

Alcohol consumption, a widespread behaviour worldwide, is widely studied for its health impacts, including risks for diseases such as liver damage and cardiovascular diseases. However, whether alcohol intake could influence or exacerbate hair loss, particularly AGA, remains uncertain.

One hypothesis is that acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, may interfere with the scalp's immune environment—factors that could potentially contribute to AGA. However, this proposed mechanism remains speculative.

To address this gap, a group of researchers led by Professor Yun Hak Kim from the Department of Anatomy at Pusan National University's School of Medicine conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings were published on November 11, 2024 in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism.

"The study found that although individuals who consume alcohol may have a slightly higher likelihood of experiencing AGA compared to non-drinkers, this association is not statistically significant," explains Prof. Kim. The odds of AGA among drinkers were found to be 1.4 times higher than in non-drinkers but with a wide range of uncertainty.

Cross-sectional and case-control studies have shown a modest association between alcohol intake and AGA, while cohort studies, that are typically more robust, did not find a significant correlation. This discrepancy suggests that further high-quality research is needed to clarify whether alcohol has any impact on AGA risk.

The researchers advocate for larger, well-controlled cohort studies to better understand whether alcohol impacts AGA, and if so, the underlying mechanism. They also recommend standardised criteria for diagnosing AGA and consistent definitions of alcohol use in future research to generate more definitive conclusions.

Prof. Kim concludes with the long-term implications of their study, "Our research could inform public health guidance, patient counselling, and targeted awareness campaigns, helping individuals make informed lifestyle choices regarding hair health. Over time, this could contribute to more comprehensive, personalised health strategies, where factors like diet, genetics, and lifestyle are better understood and integrated into prevention and treatment plans for hair loss."

The researchers hope this study paves the way for improved and personalised treatments for improving hair health.