Instant noodles can be cooked and consumed fast. It’s no wonder many of us rely on this pantry staple so much. But recently, a question has been circling online and giving people pause: Can eating too many instant noodles cause hair loss?
Let’s find out.
What’s Actually Inside Instant Noodles?
Quick Rundown of Common Ingredients
Most instant noodles are made from refined wheat flour, salt, and palm oil. That’s just the noodles. The real concern lies in the seasoning packet, which often contains high levels of sodium, monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial flavourings, preservatives like TBHQ (a synthetic antioxidant), and sometimes even trans fats.
How These Ingredients May Affect Overall Health
Instant noodles offer little in the way of fibre, protein, or essential micronutrients. They’re calorie-dense but nutritionally sparse — a term dietitians often refer to as “empty calories.” Over time, diets high in ultra-processed foods and low in whole, nutrient-rich meals can contribute to metabolic issues, poor immune function, and, yes, problems with hair health.
One key issue is circulation. Diets high in sodium can impair blood flow, including to the scalp, making it harder for hair follicles to receive the nutrients they need to function optimally.
The Connection Between Diet and Hair Health
Hair is technically a non-essential tissue. That means when the body is short on nutrients, it prioritises critical organs first. Your scalp? Not so high on the list.
Healthy hair requires a consistent supply of specific nutrients: protein, iron, zinc, biotin and other B vitamins, and vitamin D. When meals consistently lack these key nutrients, those deficiencies can eventually show up where they’re most visible: your hair.
Do Instant Noodles Directly Cause Hair Loss?
To date, no clinical study has found that instant noodles directly cause hair loss. However, when they replace balanced meals, they can displace critical nutrients from your diet.
In some cases, a poor diet is the only trigger needed to push hair follicles from the growth phase into the shedding phase. In others, it’s a contributing factor among many, alongside stress, hormonal shifts, or underlying medical conditions.
What Happens When Instant Noodles Dominate Your Diet?
In countries where instant noodles are consumed regularly — South Korea, for example — public health studies have shown associations between frequent consumption and increased risk of metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and high cholesterol. These systemic issues aren’t just internal; they affect your skin, nails, and hair, too.
How to Enjoy Instant Noodles Without Compromising Hair Health
Balance With Nutrient-Rich Foods
Add protein (boiled egg, tofu, chicken), leafy greens (spinach, bok choy), and colourful vegetables on the side. Think of instant noodles less as a stand-alone meal and more as a base to build from.
Limit Excessive Consumption
Like most convenience foods, instant noodles are best enjoyed in moderation. Eating it once or twice a week is unlikely to cause problems, especially if your overall nutrition is sound.
Explore Healthier Noodle Alternatives
There are now healthier options on the market: air-dried noodles (not fried), whole grain or buckwheat noodles, and seasoning packets made with lower sodium and no artificial preservatives. These alternatives won’t solve every problem, but they’re a meaningful step in the right direction — and part of common dietary adjustments.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Hair Loss
If you’re noticing persistent hair shedding, it’s worth taking a closer look at your lifestyle. Are you sleeping enough? Do you suffer from chronic stress? Is your diet diverse and nutrient-rich? Many cases of hair loss are multifactorial, and dietary triggers are often overlooked.
You could start with a basic nutritional review, either through a food diary or consultation with a dietitian,. You could also look into getting hair treatment, as seen below.
TrichoLab’s Targeted Anti-Hair Loss Treatments
At TrichoLab, we offer a non-invasive, clinical-grade anti-hair loss treatment to improve scalp health and reinforce hair follicle strength — often recommended as an early intervention for individuals noticing mild to moderate hair thinning.
The 90-minute session begins with a scalp analysis to identify underlying issues and better determine if this is the right course of treatment for you.
This treatment requires no downtime and is safe for both men and women, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contact us here if you’re interested.
