Your hair is more than just a cosmetic feature — it can reflect your overall health. From nutrient deficiencies to underlying medical conditions, changes in hair texture, density, and growth patterns often serve as warning signals.
Here’s what your hair might be trying to tell you about your health.
HAIR SHEDDING:
If you’re noticing excessive hair shedding, you might be experiencing telogen effluvium — a condition in which a significant number of hair follicles shed due to physical or emotional stress. This is often trigged by:
Iron Deficiency(Anemia): Ferritin, a protein that stores iron, which is crucial for hair growth. Low ferritin levels can lead to increased shedding.
Vitamin B12 and D3 Deficiency: A deficiency in these vitamins can weaken hair and slow its growth.
Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning.
Fevers: such as typhoid, dengue, malaria, chikungunya, COVID-19, or high viral fever can cause shock loss of hair.
DRY AND BRITTLE HAIR:
Lifeless, brittle hair could be an indication of:
Dehydration: Water is essential for hair elasticity. Chronic dehydration can cause hair strands to become weak and prone to breakage.
Biotin Deficiency: Biotin (Vitamin B7) is essential for keratin production. A deficiency which can lead to dry, brittle hair.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, leading to poor nutrient absorption and dryness in hair.
HAIR THINNING:
Hair thinning can be due to a genetic tendency for balding and may be aggravated by underlying hormonal imbalances, such as those found in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothyroidism.
SCALP ISSUES:
Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis): Often caused by an overgrowth of Malssezia yeast, dandruff can indicate an overactive immune response.
Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that causes flaky, scaly patches on the scalp.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder that causes sudden hair loss in patches as the immune system attacks hair follicles. Your hair is a dynamic indicator of your overall health. If you notice persistent changes in your hair, then consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions causing it. A balanced diet, proper hydration, and appropriate care of scalp can significantly improve hair health. In cases of significant hair thinning, your dermatologist might suggest in-clinic treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)Therapy, Growth Factor Concentrate treatments, exosome therapy, or in extreme cases, hair transplantation. Listen to what your hair is telling you — it might just save your health!
