The eyes might be the window to our soul. Could our hair be the window to our health?
For the state of our locks can be a huge giveaway to what’s going on inside us, experts suggest.
Hair is incredibly sensitive to internal imbalances, according to Phillip Kingsley’s consultant trichologist Anabel Kingsley.
‘This is because hair is, at least physically, non-essential tissue — so its needs are given last priority by our body,’ she says.
‘Hair cells are also the second fastest dividing cells the body makes, which means that hair is a demanding tissue.’
From dry, brittle locks to frizz, excess grease and bald batches, here MailOnline delves a little deeper into what your hair problems may be trying to tell you.
Hair is incredibly sensitive to internal imbalances, according to Phillip Kingsley’s consultant trichologist Anabel Kingsley (pictured). ‘This is because hair is, at least physically, non-essential tissue — so its needs are given last priority by our body,’ she says
Hair coming out in lumps
It can be worrying when you start losing excessive amounts of hair for no apparent reason.
It’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day. However, when you begin to consistently witness more hairs coming out than is normal for you, there is likely an underlying problem.
Known as ‘telogen effluvium’, Ms Kingsley says this excessive hair loss is a reactive type of hair loss caused by some internal disturbance.
There are, in fact, several different potential causes of this excessive hair shedding, she says.
‘The most common causes of telogen effluvium are iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disorders including hypothyroid and hyperthyroid and rapid weight loss,’ Ms Kingsley says.
Others include a poor diet, such as skipping meals or restricting food groups, stress, high fevers, surgery under general anaesthesia, certain medications and stopping or starting the contraceptive pill.
Many cases of telogen effluvium can resolve on their own, such as hair loss after a high fever or illness.
However, ongoing health factors, such as anaemia, low ferritin or a thyroid imbalance, can mean it continues ‘for a long time’, says Dr Sarah Brewer, a GP and medical nutritionist.
‘Anaemia literally means “without blood” and relates to having low levels of the red pigment, haemoglobin, within your circulating red blood cells which can mean hair follicle cells don’t receive enough oxygen for their needs,’ she adds.
‘Ferritin is an iron-storage protein and levels fall when your iron levels are low.
‘Meat eaters are less prone to iron-deficiency anaemia than non-meat eaters, as meat is rich in iron.
‘Plant-based iron — found in beans, legumes and dried fruits — is absorbed more easily if eaten together with a source of vitamin C such as fresh orange juice.’
The thyroid gland produces two iodine-containing hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that boost metabolism by increasing the speed at which cells work.
‘In hypothyroidism, too few of these hormones are produced and this causes hair follicles and oil glands to reduce their activity,’ Dr Brewer adds.
‘This leads to dry, thinning hair that is brittle and breaks easily. It can also cause loss of the outer third of the eyebrows.’
Stress is another potential cause of telogen effluvium.
According to Dr Brewer, stress hormones cause blood vessels to constrict which reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.
Ongoing health factors, such as anaemia, low ferritin or a thyroid imbalance, can mean telogen effluvium continues ‘for a long time’, Dr Sarah Brewer (pictured), a GP and medical nutritionist, says
‘Normally, hair follicles follow their own life cycles, growing vigorously for up to six years — the anagen phase — before resting for three to six months — the catagen phase,’ she adds.
‘As it rests, the hair root shrinks and the hair eventually falls out, the telogen phase. The hair follicle then usually reactivates to produce a new shaft.’
Periods of prolonged or extreme stress may shorten hair life cycles, meaning you lose a lot of hair at once causing rapid thinning, she says.
Finding the cause of such hair loss, however, is vital to help treat it, experts say.
‘In all instances, thorough blood testing is essential,’ says Ms Kingsley. ‘If you notice too much hair fall for longer than three months, or it stops and then starts again, book an appointment to see a trichologist.’
In the meantime, look at your diet. Be sure to include plenty of iron-rich foods including red meat, nuts, dried fruit and fortified foods, as well as foods rich in vitamin B12 including tuna, beef, sardines and eggs.
Bald patches at the front of the head in men
A receding hairline at the front of the head or hair thinning at the top of the head tends to be a sign of male pattern baldness.
This is often genetic but can also be influenced by hormonal changes, stress, or certain medical conditions.
Christoper D’Souza, a hair transplant surgeon and owner of the D’Souza Clinic in London, says male pattern hair loss usually manifests itself as slow progressive hair loss and ‘miniaturisation’ of the hair follicles, where once thick hairs gradually change into finer, weaker hair.
‘It can vary from patient to patient, though usually the hairline and temples are affected first and then the crown,’ he adds.
‘Although genetic hair loss is the most common type of hair loss that occurs in men, it is not the only cause.’
Aimee Benbow, a nutritionist at supplement brand Viridian-Nutrition, also suggests this type of hair loss can be associated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone.
Herbs including beta-sitosterol from pine bark and saw palmetto berry — both available as supplements — may help with reducing DHT levels, she adds.
Book in with a dermatologist too, as they can explore treatment options such as medication or hair transplantation.
Bald patches in random places on the head of men and women
Are you noticing hair loss at irregular points on your scalp?
According to Ms Benbow, this may be a sign of alopecia areata, an auto-immune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles and in turn causes hair loss in patches.
Although alopecia areata isn’t always a sign of an underlying health condition, Ms Kingsley says ‘people with other autoimmune conditions are more prone to it’.
Research has shown it can also be triggered initially by periods of intense stress.
‘Alopecia areata, alopecia totalis — complete baldness of the scalp — and alopecia universalis — complete hair loss over the entire body — are believed to result from abnormal immune reactions,’ Dr Brewer says.
This ‘may’ be triggered by stress, she adds, however the causes are all still poorly understood.
While treating alopecia areata can be complex, there are treatments that can work.
‘These include intralesional steroid injections, topical stimulants, UV light therapy, immunosuppressants and topical prescription vitamin D cream,’ says Ms Kingsley.
Hormonal imbalances can often be to blame for female hair thinning or loss of hair. According to Elena Lavagni, founder of Neville Hair & Beauty in London, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause a type of hair loss known as androgenic alopecia
Consult a dermatologist who can advise on the best treatments for you.
Although less common, bald patches could even be caused by ringworm.
‘This is usually accompanied by itching and scaling and is mostly seen in children,’ says Ms Kingsley.
Treatment involves an anti-fungal cream. However, if lesions are extensive your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication.
Traction alopecia, caused by prolonged tension on hair perhaps by braids or tight hair bands, trichotillomania — a hair pulling disorder — and some types of scarring hair loss conditions, can also trigger patchy hair loss, Ms Kingsley says.
Female hair loss and thinning
Hormonal imbalances can often be to blame for female hair thinning or loss of hair.
According to Elena Lavagni, founder of Neville Hair & Beauty in London, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause a type of hair loss known as androgenic alopecia.
Hyperthyroidism may also cause fine, soft hair that sheds, while hypothyroidism could trigger dry, coarse hair with noticeable hair loss.
Hair loss can also be a common symptom of menopause.
‘This is due to a rapid decline in oestrogen levels, which, in turn, impacts the hair growth cycle,’ says Ms Benbow.
‘Ensuring optimal levels of all the key nutrients for healthy hair growth along with adequate protein intake can help reduce the severity of hair loss at this time,’ she adds.
‘Consuming foods rich in phytoestrogens such as lentils and soya can also positively impact hair follicles and improve hair growth.’
Some evidence also suggests collagen can help improve hair thickness when compared to placebo.
Dietary sources of collagen include fish, chicken and eggs. Supplements are also widely available.
‘Biotin is another essential nutrient needed in our diet for hair and nail health,’ says Ms Benbow. ‘Biotin-rich foods include nuts, eggs and root vegetables.
‘Hair loss is linked to a deficiency in this B vitamin and therefore supplementation should be considered if your diet is low in this nutrient.’
Dietary sources of collagen include fish, chicken and eggs. Supplements are also widely available. Ensure you’re also getting enough vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, as it aids collagen production, Ms Benbow adds
Frizzy hair
If your hair is acting unruly, with a fuzzy texture, then it’s likely you’re suffering from frizzy hair.
This is unlikely, however, to be a cause for concern from a health perspective.
‘Frizzy hair can be a result of dryness and damage to the hair cuticle, often caused by environmental factors like humidity, heat styling, or chemical treatments,’ Ms Lavangi says.
Instead, she suggests using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner and incorporating deep conditioning treatments or hair masks into your routine.
‘Minimise heat styling and protect your hair from environmental damage by using products with UV protection too,’ she adds.
Split ends and dry hair
If the ends of your hair are frayed or split, it can cause hair to look unhealthy, and the longer split ends are left untreated, the worse they will get.
‘Split ends and dryness are usually signs of hair damage due to factors like excessive heat styling, over-processing with chemicals, or environmental exposure,’ says Lavagni.
Wind, pollution and sun damage can all contribute to split ends.
But trimming them regularly can prevent them from travelling up the hair shaft.
She adds: ‘Use hydrating hair products such as leave-in conditioners or oils, and avoid over-washing your hair, as it can strip away natural oils.’
Itchy or flaky scalp
The health of your scalp can have a big impact on the health of your hair.
If your scalp is itchy, scratching the itch will often make it worse and could lead to dandruff.
‘A flaky scalp can be caused by overgrowth or allergic sensitivity to pityrosporum yeasts, a lack of essential fatty acids, lack of vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C, biotin and the minerals iodine, manganese, selenium or zinc,’ Dr Brewer says.
‘It can also be caused by stress (neurodermatitis), shampoo allergy, or skin conditions such as scalp psoriasis or eczema.’
She adds: ‘Most cases associated with the presence of skin fungi or yeasts quickly resolve with using an antifungal shampoo.
‘If there is no improvement after two weeks, seek medical advice as stronger treatments are available on prescription.’
Experts also suggest eating more oily fish such as sardines as well as nuts, seeds and wholegrains, as dandruff can be caused by a lack of fatty acids.
Foods rich in vitamin A, such as animal products and yellow-orange fruit, B vitamins including wholegrains, green leafy vegetables and vitamin C, such as berries and pink grapefruit, may also help.
Dr Brewer says: ‘Cut back on processed foods and margarines which provide omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation and try avoiding cows’ milk products for two weeks to see if this reduces inflammation.
‘Ensure you obtain calcium from other sources such as wholegrains, broccoli and dark green leaves.’
Dull hair often indicates a lack of moisture and natural oils, which can result from factors like over-washing, heat styling, or nutrient deficiencies. Ms Lavagni recommends using hydrating and nourishing hair products, including moisturising shampoos and conditioners as well as a weekly deep conditioning treatment
Hair which is excessively greasy
If your hair looks like an oil slick despite recently washing it, various different factors could be to blame.
‘Excessive greasiness can be caused by overactive sebaceous glands — glands in your hair follicles that excrete sebum — hormonal imbalances, or improper hair care practices,’ Ms Lavagni says.
Rather than using harsh products, she suggests washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo to remove excess oil without stripping away too much natural moisture.
‘Avoid heavy styling products and conditioner application directly to the roots, as this can exacerbate greasiness,’ she adds.
But if you’re left with a greasy scalp and roots despite shampooing daily, hormone imbalances such as high testosterone, may also be to blame.
According to Ms Kingsley, greasy scalps are also ‘common in those with PCOS’.
Equally, stress can ‘ramp up oil production causing the scalp to get oily fast’, she adds.
Concerned? Book in with your GP who may recommend a hormone test.
Hair that looks duller than usual
Dull hair often indicates a lack of moisture and natural oils, which can result from factors like over-washing, heat styling, or nutrient deficiencies.
Ms Lavagni recommends using hydrating and nourishing hair products, including moisturising shampoos and conditioners as well as a weekly deep conditioning treatment.
Protect your hair from damage by minimising heat styling from hair dryers, straighteners, curlers and other hot hair appliances. Always use heat protectant products too.
‘Ensure you’re maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health, such as vitamins A, C, E, and biotin,’ adds Ms Lavagni.
A hair-specific multivitamin, targeted to hair, nail and skin health, can also help to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need.
