How to treat hair loss caused by kidney deficiency
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, the main treatments for hair loss due to kidney deficiency include lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, traditional Chinese medicine, TCM-based physical therapies, and Western medication. Recovery from hair loss caused by kidney deficiency requires a certain period of time, so patients need to remain patient and adhere to treatment as directed by a physician. It is advisable to avoid frequent perming or dyeing of hair in daily life to reduce hair damage. If hair loss continues to worsen, prompt medical consultation is necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Generally, treatment methods for hair loss caused by kidney deficiency mainly include lifestyle adjustments, dietary regulation, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, TCM physical therapies, and Western medication. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Lifestyle Adjustments
Long-term sleep deprivation and mental stress can deplete kidney qi and worsen hair loss symptoms. Patients should maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensuring at least 7 hours of sleep per night and avoiding staying up late. Additionally, learning to regulate emotions through activities such as walking or meditation helps relieve stress and reduce psychological burden, creating favorable conditions for the recovery of kidney qi and thereby improving hair loss.
2. Dietary Regulation
In TCM theory, the kidneys store essence, and its vitality manifests in the hair; sufficient essence and blood contribute to healthy hair. It is advisable to consume more foods that nourish kidney essence, such as black sesame seeds, walnuts, and black beans. These should be combined with protein-rich foods like eggs and lean meat to provide essential nutrients for hair growth and help alleviate hair loss due to kidney deficiency.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment
Medication should be selected according to the type of kidney deficiency. For kidney yin deficiency, patients may take Liuwei Dihuang Wan, Zhibai Dihuang Wan, or Qiju Dihuang Wan under medical guidance. For kidney yang deficiency, Jinkui Shenqi Wan, Yougui Wan, or Guifu Dihuang Wan may be used. These formulas help improve hair loss by regulating kidney function.
4. TCM Physical Therapies
TCM physical therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion stimulate specific acupoints to regulate kidney qi. Commonly used acupoints for acupuncture include Shenshu (BL23), Taixi (KI3), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). Moxibustion is often applied to Shenshu (BL23) and Mingmen (GV4). These treatments promote blood and qi circulation, enhance kidney function, support hair growth, and relieve hair loss symptoms.
5. Western Medication
Certain conditions such as hypothyroidism and diabetes may lead to kidney deficiency and subsequently cause hair loss. Patients with hypothyroidism may follow medical advice to take levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, or Jinkui Shenqi Wan. Diabetic patients may use metformin tablets, glimepiride tablets, or Liuwei Dihuang Wan. Effectively managing these underlying diseases can fundamentally improve hair loss associated with kidney deficiency.
Hair regrowth due to kidney deficiency requires a certain recovery period, so patients need to remain patient and adhere to treatment as directed by healthcare providers. Avoid frequent hair perming and dyeing to minimize hair damage. If hair loss continues to worsen, timely medical consultation is necessary to identify the exact cause and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
