For many men, their hair is more than just hair. It’s confidence. It’s youth. It’s part of how they see themselves.
That’s why noticing extra strands in the shower, a thinning hairline, or a widening bald spot can be alarming.
But what if one of your daily habits was quietly making the problem worse?
According to a doctor who regularly shares health advice online, a popular drink consumed by millions of people every day may be linked to increased hair loss and anxiety.
The Everyday Drink Raising Concerns
Dr. Neena Chandrasekaran, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, recently took to social media to discuss an issue that has caught the attention of both doctors and researchers.
In a video shared with her followers, she warned that regularly consuming sodas and energy drinks could potentially contribute to hair loss in some men.
“Recent studies suggest sodas and energy drinks can contribute to hair loss and anxiety in men,” she explained.
That means your daily can of cola, afternoon energy drink, or caffeine boost may be doing more than simply keeping you awake.
How Could These Drinks Affect Your Hair?
According to Dr. Chandrasekaran, many soft drinks and energy beverages contain large amounts of sugar, caffeine, and artificial additives.
She explained that excessive sugar intake may promote inflammation throughout the body and negatively affect circulation, both of which are important for maintaining healthy hair follicles.
At the same time, high levels of caffeine can increase cortisol, often referred to as the body’s primary stress hormone.
When cortisol remains elevated for long periods, it may place additional stress on the body and potentially contribute to conditions associated with hair shedding.
“The combination of high cortisol levels and sugar can increase anxiety and overstimulate the nervous system,” she said.
Stress itself has long been associated with certain forms of temporary hair loss, making the connection particularly concerning for those already noticing changes in their hair.
What Researchers Found
The discussion gained additional attention following research conducted by scientists at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
The researchers investigated possible links between sugar-sweetened beverages and male pattern hair loss (MPHL), one of the most common forms of hair loss in men.
Their findings suggested that Western-style diets rich in added sugars may influence biological pathways associated with hair health.
The researchers noted that excessive sugar consumption could potentially play a role alongside other known factors linked to hair loss.
But There’s an Important Catch
Not all experts agree that soft drinks directly cause hair loss.
In fact, many dermatologists caution against drawing conclusions too quickly.
Dr. Susan Massick, Associate Professor of Dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, emphasized that male pattern hair loss is a complex condition influenced by numerous factors, including genetics, age, hormones, and overall health.
She noted that while diet is important for general wellness, the available research does not prove that drinking sugary beverages directly causes male pattern baldness.
In other words, the relationship may be more complicated than it first appears.
Should You Stop Drinking Them?
Experts generally agree on one thing: reducing excessive consumption of sugary sodas and energy drinks can benefit overall health.
These beverages have already been linked to problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
As for hair loss, the evidence remains mixed.
However, if you’ve noticed increasing hair shedding, thinning hair, or higher levels of stress and anxiety, some health professionals believe it may be worth cutting back on these drinks and observing whether you notice any changes.
While they may not be the sole cause of hair loss, they could be one of several lifestyle factors affecting your overall health—and possibly your hair.
The next time you reach for that energy drink or can of soda, you may want to ask yourself whether it’s really worth the risk.
