Is It Harmful to Eat Hair? Understanding the Risks and Precautions

Occasional Hair Ingestion: Typically Harmless

Swallowing a strand of hair accidentally is actually pretty common! It will most likely just pass right through your digestive system like any other food. Your body is pretty good at dealing with small bits like that. If it's a longer strand, it might take a bit longer to go through but it should be fine. So, don't worry about it!

Potential Health Issues from Frequent Hair Ingestion

Eating hair, while not harmful in small amounts, can lead to potential health issues over time. Hair is made of keratin, a protein that the human body cannot digest. Here are some possible outcomes of ingesting hair:

Indigestion

Hair can cause discomfort or irritation in the digestive tract since it is not broken down by digestive enzymes. This can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, and general digestive discomfort.

Trichobezoars

In some cases, particularly with individuals who have a compulsive habit of eating hair (trichophagia), hair can accumulate in the stomach or intestines, forming a mass known as a trichobezoar. This can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, which may require surgical intervention. People with this condition should seek medical help immediately.

Nutritional Deficiencies

If hair consumption is part of a larger pattern of pica, the craving for non-food items, it may be indicative of nutritional deficiencies or psychological issues that need to be addressed. Persistent cravings for hair and other non-food items can be a sign of underlying health problems, such as iron or zinc deficiencies, or more serious conditions like pica disorder.

Seeking Help for Compulsive Hair Eating

Trichophagia, or the compulsion to eat hair, is a serious condition that may require psychological and medical intervention. Trichotillomania, which is the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, often leads to trichophagia. It's important to seek help from a healthcare professional if you suspect you are engaging in this behavior. They can provide the necessary support and treatment to manage the condition effectively.

What Happens When You Ingest Hair from a Non-Human Source?

Digesting hair from a non-human source, such as a sasquatch, may have more severe consequences. In theory, if you were to consume hair from such a creature, you might start growing hair all over your body. This is purely hypothetical, of course, as sasquatch remains a mythical creature. In reality, if you accidentally ingest hair from a non-human source, it could be contaminated with other substances, leading to potential poisoning or other health issues.

Conclusion

While swallowing a few strands of hair accidentally is generally harmless, frequent ingestion can lead to serious health problems. If hair-eating is compulsive, it's important to seek psychological help, and any physical symptoms should be promptly addressed by a healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your hair consumption habits, it's always best to consult with a medical expert to ensure your health and well-being.