If you’re concerned about your hairline, you might want to reconsider your drink choices. Regularly consuming a certain beverage could be accelerating your hair loss more than you realize.

For men, a strong hairline is often seen as a symbol of youth and confidence—unless, of course, you’re effortlessly pulling off the bald look. But regardless of how you feel about your hair, a doctor warns that you could be losing it unnecessarily due to one common habit.

Dr. Neena Chandrasekaran, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine, frequently shares medical advice on social media. In a recent TikTok video on her Neenziemd page, she cautioned against a popular drink that might be contributing to hair loss.

She stated that recent studies suggest sodas and energy drinks could be linked to both hair loss and anxiety in men. So, if you’re chugging down Red Bulls or grabbing a Coca-Cola with your lunch every day, you may be speeding up the process more than you think.

Dr. Chandrasekaran explained that these beverages can negatively impact the body by increasing stress levels, which in turn, may lead to more hair shedding.

She pointed out that these drinks are often packed with sugar and additives that can disrupt hormone balance and overall health. The high caffeine content can raise cortisol levels—the stress hormone—while excessive sugar is associated with poor circulation and inflammation. Both factors weaken hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.

The combination of heightened cortisol and sugar can also intensify anxiety and overstimulate the nervous system, creating a cycle of stress and inflammation that further accelerates hair loss.

“If you notice yourself losing more hair and feeling more anxious, cut these products out,” she advised.

However, while there is growing discussion about the potential link between sugary drinks and hair loss, the evidence is not definitive.

Researchers from Tsinghua University in Beijing conducted a study examining the connection between soda consumption and male pattern hair loss (MPHL). While MPHL is influenced by multiple factors, their findings suggest that Western diets, which are high in added sugars, might activate pathways that contribute to hair loss.

Despite this, some experts urge caution before drawing firm conclusions. Dr. Susan Massick, an associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, warned against misinterpreting the findings.

She emphasized that the study does not conclusively prove that sugar-sweetened drinks cause male pattern baldness. While diet plays a crucial role in overall health—affecting conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure—MPHL is influenced by various factors.

In short, while cutting back on sugary and caffeinated drinks may benefit your health, it’s not a guaranteed cure for hair loss. But if you’re already worried about your hairline, it might be worth reconsidering that daily soda or energy drink.