Why Your Poop Smells Like Burnt Hair: Causes & How to Fix

Key takeaways:

• The smell of your poop can provide clues about the health of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract (also called the gut).
• There are numerous causes for poop to smell like burnt hair.
• The presence of other symptoms may suggest a more serious cause of your poop smelling like burnt hair.

Dealing with unexpected changes in your poop can be worrying because you don’t know what’s causing it. This is true if you notice that your poop has a strange odor, like the smell of burnt hair.

A different smell can reflect changes in your diet, bacteria that exist in your gastrointestinal system (gut) to help digest food, or other types of changes. This article will discuss some of the reasons for your poop to smell like burnt hair. Many of these are not serious. But, as always, if you notice that your symptoms persist or worsen, speak with your doctor for further evaluation.

Burnt-smelling poop defined

Your poop (feces or stool) is an important indicator of your GI tract’s health. Many characteristics of your stool provide information about gut health, including consistency, color, and smell.

Your poop is made up of organic compounds that result from the digestive process. The smell can vary a lot based on changes in your diet, medicines you’re taking, and the condition of your GI tract. In some instances, your poop can have an especially foul odor that’s similar to the smell of burnt hair.

Is it normal for your poop to smell like burnt hair?

Although the smell may cause you to think something’s wrong, poop that smells like burnt hair may be normal. There isn’t necessarily anything to be concerned about. But consider these risk factors:

• onset of symptoms after age 50;
• bright-red blood in stools, or stools that are maroon-colored or tarry black;
• significant pain with your stools or pain during the night;
• unexplained weight loss;
• family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

If your burnt-hair-smelling poop is associated with one or more of those risk factors, it could be a sign of a more severe condition. So, you’ll want to consult with your doctor.

Causes of poop that smells like burnt hair

Some reasons for poop having a burnt-hair smell may be harmless. If, for instance, you’ve recently started a new medication, it could affect how your bowel movements smell.

The same is true if you’ve changed your eating habits. But there could also be a medical condition that affects your GI tract. Here are some of the possible causes:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (often referred to as IBS) is a fairly common GI tract disorder. It is one of the functional disorders, meaning there is not a specific cause. The negative effect it has on patients’ quality of life is well known, however.

Patients with IBS can experience constipation, diarrhea, or episodes of fluctuating between the two. IBS sufferers can also have abdominal pain during flare-ups, and notice mucus in their stool. The disorder may also influence how poop smells. So, if you notice persistent changes in the smell of your stools, including stools that smell like burnt hair, IBS is a possibility.

Malabsorptive syndromes

Another possible cause of stools that smell like burnt hair is malabsorption. This is a condition in which your body has trouble digesting or absorbing nutrients from foods. These types of disorders are known as malabsorptive syndromes.

One of the most common malabsorptive syndromes is celiac disease. It causes issues with digesting and absorbing nutrients from foods that contain gluten. Another is lactose intolerance, in which you have trouble digesting and absorbing nutrients from lactose-containing foods, like milk and other dairy products.

The symptoms of malabsorption vary based on the particular syndrome. These include:

• large-volume, foul-smelling stools;
• excessive gas;
• unintentional weight loss;
• loss of muscle mass;
• changes in menstrual cycle;
• diarrhea;
• various skin changes;
• bleeding.

Keep close track of the symptoms you experience – including poop that smells like burnt hair. If any symptoms are worse after eating a specific food or group of foods, you might have a malabsorptive disorder.

Infections

Your GI tract’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients depends on bacteria that naturally live inside your gut. That’s good bacteria, however; “bad bacteria” can also infiltrate your gut and cause an infection. Examples include E. coli, Salmonella, or Clostridium difficile. Infections can also be caused by viruses or even parasites.

Along with stool that smells like burnt hair, if you’re also having symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or bloody stools, you could have an infection. Consult with your doctor about what your next steps should be.

Medications and certain foods

Although less serious than the causes previously discussed, some medications or foods may lead to changes in the smell of your stools – possibly a burnt-hair smell. Many different medications, including antibiotics, diuretics, or diabetes drugs, can change how poop smells.

Certain foods may also cause changes in the smell of your stools, especially foods with higher sulfur content. These include proteins from animal sources, dark green vegetables, eggs and dairy products, legumes, and nuts and seeds. If you notice that your symptoms aren’t going away, or if you have any other symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider.

Read our guides on different types of stool, stool colors, and healthy vs. unhealthy stool for more.

Treatment options for poop that smells like burnt hair

Having stools that smell like burnt hair can be troubling. Here are some options you can try at home to help improve symptoms.

Dietary modifications

As mentioned, diet can have a large impact on your stools, including the smell. If the odor continues or worsens after eating a specific food or group of foods, try reducing the amount you eat or drink.

You might find it helpful to keep a dietary log, in which you note what you’ve eaten and drank during a certain period of time. Also keep track of any changes in your stool smell, and note that in the log. This sort of information can be helpful in determining if your diet and symptoms are related.

Medication changes when applicable

If you recently started a new medication, or changed the dose of one you were already taking, ask your doctor whether it could be related to changes in the smell of your stool (and other symptoms).

Do not, under any circumstances, discontinue or reduce the dose of any without first speaking with your healthcare provider.

Hydration

It cannot be stated enough – adequate hydration is essential for overall health. Staying adequately hydrated can help all your organs function properly, including your GI tract and kidneys.

Not being sufficiently hydrated could be related to the symptoms you’re having, including poop with a burnt-hair smell.

When you should see a doctor about poop that smells like burnt hair

If you have any concerns or questions, it is always wise to reach out to your healthcare provider to see if you should seek further evaluation.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your symptoms occur more frequently or you notice increasing stool volume;
• You notice weight loss or significant changes in appetite;
• You have recently started taking a new medication or had changes to other medications;
• You have any of the following:
  • Symptoms beginning after 50 years of age;
  • Rectal bleeding or black, tarry stools;
  • Pain or diarrhea during the night;
  • Persistent fever;
  • First-degree relative with IBD or colorectal cancer.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You vomit up blood;
• In your bowel movements, you notice bright-red blood or black, tarry stools;
• You experience chest pain or ongoing palpitations (sensation of a racing heart);
• You are unable to keep any food or liquids down;
• You are experiencing significant dizziness or fainting.

Questions to ask your doctor about poop that smells like burnt hair

• Should I get blood work, stool studies, or other kinds of tests?
• Is there a need for me to get imaging, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI?
• Would I benefit from an endoscopy or colonoscopy?
• What other treatment options or medications could help address my symptoms?

Frequently asked questions about poop that smells like burnt hair

Poop that smells like burnt hair can be concerning. Here are some frequently asked questions about this symptom.

Is poop that smells like burnt hair a sign of bowel cancer?

Not necessarily. But if you’re having symptoms like unintentional weight loss, fatigue, significant changes in energy, or night sweats, or if you have a family history of a relative with colorectal cancer, consult with your healthcare provider.

What if I’m pregnant and my poop smells like burnt hair?

Pregnancy can cause significant hormonal changes. Although your symptoms may not be anything serious, talk with your obstetrician to determine what the next appropriate steps are.

Smelly poop… it stinks

As everyone knows, poop is not known for being an enjoyable scent … but it can be worrying, especially if it smells like burnt hair. If you notice this and/or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor for advice and evaluation.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Poushali Bhattacharjee, MD.

Sources

Dordevic, Dani et al., “Sulfur Content in Foods and Beverages and Its Role in Human and Animal Metabolism: A Scoping Review of Recent Studies.” Heliyon vol. 9,4 e15452. April 13, 2023, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15452. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37123936.

Longstreth, George F. et al., “Functional Bowel Disorders,” Gastroenterology, April 2006. vol. 130,5 (2006): 1480-91. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2005.11.061. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16678561.