Brewer's Yeast and Hair: Why, When and How to Supplement?

What is Brewer’s Yeast?

Brewer’s yeast is a microorganism, specifically a single-celled fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It’s traditionally used in the production of beer, bread, and other fermented products. However, it’s also highly valued for its nutritional benefits (Guo & Katta, 2017).

There are two types of brewer’s yeast: active yeast, which still contains living microorganisms, and inactive yeast, which has been deactivated by heat. Both are rich in B vitamins, protein, amino acids, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. These nutrients are essential for healthy hair, skin, and nails (Trüeb, 2021).

What are the benefits and disadvantages of brewer’s yeast?

Brewer’s yeast offers many benefits for overall health. Its main asset lies in its exceptionally rich composition of essential nutrients.

For the skin, nails and hair, it acts as a proper natural fortifier thanks to its high content of B vitamins, particularly biotin (B8), known for its crucial role in hair health (Guo & Katta, 2017). It also supports the immune system through its probiotic properties.

That said, brewer’s yeast does have some drawbacks. Some people may be sensitive to its consumption and experience digestive side effects such as bloating or intestinal discomfort. It can also cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Excessive consumption can potentially unbalance the gut flora, especially in people with a fragile digestive system.

Is Brewer’s Yeast Good for Hair?

Brewer’s yeast is particularly beneficial for hair health thanks to its exceptional nutritional composition. The presence of biotin (vitamin B8) directly contributes to the production of keratin, the main protein that makes up hair. The other B vitamins it contains help stimulate microcirculation in the scalp, thus promoting hair growth (Trüeb, 2021).

Its richness in zinc and selenium helps to strengthen the hair structure and protect it against oxidative stress (Guo & Katta, 2017). The proteins and amino acids it contains provide the building blocks necessary for the formation of strong and healthy hair. What’s more, its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe scalp irritations.

What is the ideal duration of a brewer’s yeast treatment?

The optimal duration of a brewer’s yeast treatment varies depending on your goals and individual reaction. Generally, a standard treatment lasts for 2 to 3 months, the period necessary to observe significant results on hair health. Clinical studies have shown that supplementing with B vitamins and minerals during this period can promote a significant improvement in the levels of hair in the anagen (growth) phase (Lengg et al., 2007, cited in Trüeb, 2021).

How to consume brewer’s yeast?

Brewer’s yeast comes in different forms. The most common form is in tablets or capsules, but it’s also available in flakes or powder.

Good to know: To begin a treatment, it’s recommended to start gradually with small doses to test your body’s tolerance. This is particularly important because, as with any nutritional supplement, excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects (Guo & Katta, 2017).

Is Brewer’s Yeast Effective for Hair Loss?

Whilst brewer’s yeast can improve the strength and vitality of hair, it’s not a miracle solution against baldness. Its main role is preventative, providing the nutrients needed to limit hair loss linked to nutritional deficiencies or stress. However, in cases of androgenetic alopecia or severe hair loss, its effectiveness remains rather limited (Guo & Katta, 2017).

Research has shown that dermal papillary cells involved in hair growth are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, especially in androgenetic alopecia. Although the antioxidant nutrients contained in brewer’s yeast can theoretically help counteract this stress, their impact in cases of genetically determined hair loss remains modest (Upton et al., 2015, cited in Trüeb, 2021).

What solutions are there for hair loss?

Hair loss is a natural, regular and cyclical process. It’s perfectly normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day on average. However, when the loss becomes too significant, it’s important to take the necessary steps to understand its origin and remedy it.

Androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of baldness, particularly affects men but can also affect women. This genetic condition, influenced by androgen hormones, causes hair to gradually thin out until it disappears. Faced with this problem, hair transplantation has emerged as a lasting and effective solution.

When to consider a hair transplant?

Hair transplantation is particularly relevant when conventional treatments and natural solutions haven’t produced the desired results.

It offers many significant advantages for people facing hair loss.

First of all, it’s a permanent and natural solution. The transplanted hair is your own, taken from areas resistant to hair loss, which guarantees a harmonious and lasting aesthetic result.

There are two main hair transplant techniques today: the FUE method (Follicular Unit Extraction) and the DHI method (Direct Hair Implantation).

The FUE technique consists of individually extracting the hair follicles from the donor area using a micro-punch. The grafts are then prepared under a microscope before being implanted in recipient sites previously created in the area to be treated. This technique leaves no visible linear scar and allows for rapid recovery. The precision in the selection of follicular units guarantees natural results.

DHI is an evolution of the FUE technique that uses a special instrument called an ‘implanter‘ or ‘Choi pen‘. This innovation allows direct implantation of grafts without prior creation of recipient sites. The technique offers increased precision in angle control and implantation depth, as well as optimal hair density. Follicle manipulation time is reduced, which improves their survival rate.

Hair transplant and brewer’s yeast: is it compatible?

The success of a hair transplant doesn’t only depend on surgical expertise, but also on the quality of healing and the ability of the transplanted follicles to generate new hair growth. Nutrition plays a vital role in the post-operative recovery process.

Whilst brewer’s yeast can be beneficial due to its richness in B vitamins and minerals, it shouldn’t be considered the only dietary supplement to favour after a transplant. Hair transplant specialists, including Dr. Cinik, recommend a more holistic nutritional approach. It’s best to opt for a complete supplementation programme, including a balanced set of vitamins and minerals specifically tailored to post-transplant needs.

Brewer’s yeast can therefore be integrated into this larger nutritional strategy, but it’s only one element among others to optimise transplant results. Recent scientific research supports the idea that nutritional supplements, particularly those containing amino acids such as L-cystine (found in brewer’s yeast) and B vitamins, can increase the effectiveness of conventional medical treatments for hair loss (Trüeb, 2021).

Brewer’s Yeast and Hair: What You Need to Know

• Brewer’s yeast is a natural food supplement particularly rich in B vitamins, minerals and proteins, which actively contributes to hair health by strengthening its structure and stimulating its growth (Guo & Katta, 2017).

• Although beneficial for hair health, brewer’s yeast is not a miracle cure for baldness. It cannot regrow hair that has already been lost but helps to strengthen and protect existing hair.

• In case of significant hair loss, more advanced solutions such as hair transplantation can be considered. FUE and DHI techniques, practised by experts such as Dr. Cinik, offer long-lasting and natural results.

• Brewer’s yeast can be integrated into a post-transplant care programme, but it must be part of a more comprehensive nutritional approach, including complete vitamin supplementation recommended by your surgeon. Scientific studies support the idea that a combination of nutritional supplementation and medical treatments can provide superior results to treatment alone (Trüeb, 2021).

Sources

Guo, E. L., & Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 7(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01

Trüeb, R. M. (2021). “Let Food be Thy Medicine”: Value of Nutritional Treatment for Hair Loss. International Journal of Trichology, 13(6), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_124_20