Your hair isn’t just a crowning glory fashioned to give you the best looks. It also says a lot about your health. The little things you notice in your strands’ appearance, texture or thickness may not just be a case of bad hair day.
Here’s the rundown of the things your hair is saying about your well-being.
You’re running low on iron
If you’re suddenly getting clumps of hair on the brush, you should be concerned. But not because it’s harder to style thinning hair, but because this could be a sign that your body is running low on iron.
Most people suffering from anemia complain of hair falling out. While the direct link between iron deficiency and hair loss isn’t clear yet (and some anemia patients don’t experience the symptom), doctors believe that since iron has a role in biological and chemical reactions in the body, more likely including hair growth, it explains why being low on iron contributes to hair shedding.
Load up on food high on iron if you’re anemic. Leafy greens, particularly the darker ones, are great sources of this element. So go for spinach, kale and Swiss chard. Eat Vitamin-C rich food, such as oranges and strawberries, to facilitate better absorption of iron.
Your mind is all over the place
The state of your mental health can have physical symptoms, particularly hair changes. A condition called telogen effluvium, characterized by hair loss, can occur when someone is under intense stress. You may also notice dandruff getting worse when your mental health isn’t in its best shape. This is because the body finds it hard to fight off the yeast Malassezia, which is causing dandruff.
So do your hair and scalp a favor and ease your stress. Practice meditation and mindfulness exercises. Sleep better. Say no more often, especially when you’re the type to take on more than what’s needed of you. During weekends, dedicate a time to pamper yourself in a spa-like bath at your home. And while you’re at it, massage your hair and scalp with natural shampoo and conditioner for fighting dandruff.
You’re slacking off on a healthy diet
Dull, thin hair may be an indication of a diet full of highly processed food (aka junk food). When there’s a shortage in nutrients, the body will prioritize supply to the most important organs, like the brain and the heart, leaving little to none for your hair.
So to give back its natural softness and luster of your locks, strive for a healthy, balanced diet. Go for meat, fish, beans and soy. These will promote the production of keratin, the protein responsible for hair growth. The omega 3-fats in fish and walnuts, on the other hand, can help in growing shinier locks, so make sure to include these in your meals as well.
If you notice dryness, brittleness and thinning of hair, consider the possibility that it’s not just one of those bad hair days, which you can fix instantly with a brush here and a spray there. It may be due to a deficiency, a stressor or a bad diet. Consult your doctor before making an appointment with the salon.