Every fortnight, I treat myself to a blow-dry. And when I do, I milk it for all it’s worth.

If you have fine hair like me, you’ll understand the strategy:

• Shower right before so it lasts overnight

• Book a podcast recording or a Zoom call so the hair gets an audience

• Walk home with a scarf around my head like a ’60s movie star

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase because apparently that helps (and I’ll take any help I can get)

But here’s the thing I didn’t expect when I stopped drinking: sober hair is real.

What is “Sober Hair”?

When you drink regularly, alcohol dehydrates your body and interferes with the absorption of essential nutrients like zinc, biotin, and vitamin C—all important for healthy hair growth.
It can leave hair brittle, dull, and more prone to breakage.

When you stop drinking, your body starts to rehydrate, your nutrient absorption improves, and your hair follicles get the fuel they need to thrive. That’s why so many people notice their hair feeling thicker, shinier, and healthier after going alcohol-free.

The Cost of a Blow-dry vs. the Cost of Wine

My hairdresser runs a blow-dry deal—$40 for five appointments.
Old me would have thought, “That’s way too expensive.”

Sober me?
That’s less than one night of wine. I’m still way ahead—plus, the results last longer than any hangover ever did.

The Day the Wind Won

Now, I usually get a solid 48 hours out of my blow-dry… but today? Gusty winds.
Let’s just say my “main character hair” moment was cut short by Mother Nature.

In my drinking days, a “bad hair day” would’ve been the perfect excuse for a glass of wine. Now? I can laugh it off, throw it in a ponytail, and get on with my day—wind-swept sober hair and all.

The Takeaway

Whether it’s a blow-dry, a spa day, or a simple walk in the fresh air, one of the biggest perks of going alcohol-free in midlife is that you can invest in things that truly make you feel good—and notice them more deeply.

Because life’s too short to waste on hangovers.
And good hair days—wind or not—are worth celebrating.