Gaby
Hair often reflects your overall health. Its condition can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside your body. New York trichologist Anabel Kingsley says hair is highly sensitive to internal imbalances.
‘That’s because hair, physically speaking, isn’t vital tissue, so the body prioritizes hair’s needs last. Hair cells are the second-fastest dividing cells in the body, which makes them demanding,’ she explained.
So, what health issues can various hair problems indicate?
Hair Falling Out in Clumps
Shedding about 100 strands a day is normal. But losing noticeably more hair can signal underlying health problems.
Kingsley says several things can cause telogen effluvium, the common form of hair loss marked by losing more than 100 hairs a day.
The most common factors include iron deficiency, lack of vitamins B12 and D, thyroid disorders, and rapid weight loss. Other contributors to significant hair loss can be poor nutrition, stress, high temperatures, low ferritin levels, surgical procedures under general anesthesia, certain medications, and starting or stopping birth control pills.
Sarah Brewer, a well-known British dietitian, shared, ‘Ferritin is a protein that stores iron; ferritin levels drop when iron levels are low. Meat-eaters are less prone to iron-deficiency anemia than those who don’t eat meat.’
She noted that plant-based iron found in legumes and dried fruits is absorbed more effectively when consumed with a source of vitamin C, such as fresh orange juice.
Stress is another cause of telogen effluvium. Dr. Brewer explains that stress hormones cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.
Kingsley says a thorough blood test is necessary. ‘If you notice excessive hair loss for more than three months or if it stops and then starts again, you should see a trichologist,’ she added.
Pay attention to your diet. It should include iron-rich foods, such as red meat, nuts, dried fruits, and foods high in vitamin B12, including tuna, beef, sardines, and eggs.
Bald Patches on the Scalp
British dietitian Amy Benbow says alopecia areata — hair loss in specific areas — can be triggered by autoimmune disease. This means the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to localized hair loss.
Research has shown that severe stress can also cause this condition.
For alopecia areata, doctors may prescribe topical stimulants, ultraviolet therapy, steroid injections, immunosuppressants, and prescription creams containing vitamin D for local application.
Hair Loss and Thinning in Women
This pattern is most common in women with hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or hyperthyroidism.
Hair loss is also a common symptom of menopause. ‘This is due to a rapid decrease in estrogen levels, which in turn affects the hair growth cycle,’ Benbow says.
She believes that adequate protein intake and foods rich in phytoestrogens (such as lentils and soy) can help reduce hair loss during this life stage. Additionally, consuming foods high in collagen (like fish, chicken, and eggs) and biotin (nuts, eggs, and root vegetables) can help thicken hair.
Split Ends and Dry Hair
If your hair ends are split and dry, it looks unhealthy. Dryness and split ends are signs of hair damage caused by frequent heat styling, excessive chemical treatments, or environmental factors like wind and sun.
Experts recommend regular trims. Use moisturizing products such as leave-in conditioners or oils. Avoid washing hair too frequently, the Daily Mail advises.
Excessively Oily Hair
If your hair looks like it hasn’t been washed in a while, various factors could be at play. For instance, overactive sebaceous glands in the hair follicles, hormonal imbalances, or improper care can cause greasy hair.
Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo to remove excess oil without stripping away natural moisture.
Dull Hair
Dull hair often indicates a lack of moisture and natural oils. Dullness can be caused by over-washing, frequent heat styling, or nutrient deficiencies in the body.
Use moisturizing and nourishing products, including shampoos and conditioners. Weekly deep-conditioning treatments can also help.
Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health. This includes vitamins A, C, and E, as well as biotin.
