There is a possibility that drinking too many energy drinks may not increase hair loss.

Posted on January 23, 2023 | Last updated February 10, 2025

Does drinking too many energy drinks lead to hair loss?
An internet article with a clickbait title, "Drinking energy drinks increases male hair loss," has been circulating and gaining attention on social media. This is not a Japanese article, but an actual English research paper. Here's the link to it:

The Association between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Male Pattern Hair Loss in Young Men

To cut to the chase, there is no causal relationship between energy drinks and hair loss, though there may be a correlation. Therefore, whether drinking a lot of energy drinks increases the risk of hair loss requires further research — a typical conclusion in such topics.

In the Japanese article, the title focused solely on "energy drinks" to make it more buzzworthy, leading to a common mislead.

I’ve summarized the details of the research paper and hair loss for those interested, so feel free to read on.

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Study on the Relationship Between Energy Drinks and Hair Loss

Research conducted by Tsinghua University in Beijing
Study period: January to April 2022 (4 months)
More than 1,000 Chinese men aged 18 to 45 were involved
Comparison between self-reported lifestyle habits and hair loss

The findings of this study are as follows:

Men who did not report hair loss drank sweet beverages 7 times a week
Men who reported hair loss drank sweet beverages an average of about 12 times a week
Men who drank sugar-sweetened beverages once a day (1-3 liters per week) had a 30% higher risk of hair loss
Men who drank sugar-sweetened beverages more than once a day (about 3.785 liters per week) had a 42% higher risk of hair loss compared to those who did not drink them at all

At First Glance, Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Do Appear to be Linked to Hair Loss

Looking at the results of this study, it does seem that men who consume a large amount of sugar-sweetened beverages have a significantly higher risk of hair loss compared to those who don’t drink them at all.

Study Does Not Prove that Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Are the Sole Cause of Hair Loss

However, this result does not prove that consuming sugary drinks is the sole cause of hair loss. The study does not take into account factors like stress, diet, exercise habits, or hair washing practices.

What about sugary snacks or meals that contain a lot of sugar? Additionally, the study does not include data from women.

30% Risk: The Possibility of AGA

Since this study only targeted men, there is a strong possibility that AGA (androgenetic alopecia) may be a factor. In cases of AGA, hair loss continues at an accelerated rate beyond the normal hair cycle, regardless of diet, exercise, or stress, and even in younger individuals, sometimes as early as their teens.

In Japan, it is said that 1 in 3 men have AGA. So, if about 30% of people in this study reported being concerned about hair loss, there may be a chance that AGA is at play here.
Approximately 1 in 3 men (42 million men aged 20-69) have AGA (AGA NEWS)

This Study is Not Focused Solely on Energy Drinks

Additionally, this research does not focus solely on energy drinks, but rather includes all “sugar-sweetened beverages” such as carbonated drinks, juices, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweetened coffee, and tea.

The Japanese article that went viral only used “energy drinks” as the buzzword to attract attention, which is a common tactic. In fact, the title was misleading. The word “energy drink” is a hot topic, and articles like these often lead to such misleading headlines. Interestingly, these topics always spark conversation.