Can You Hair Tell About Your Health? Expert Shares How

Our hair may be one of the first places where the body quietly signals that something isn’t right. Beyond the realms of styling and looks, alterations in the texture, thickness, colour, or shedding of hair could explain a lot about what is going on in the body. As per dermatologists, even the smallest indications in our hair could provide an insight into deficiencies in the diet, hormonal changes or even certain medical conditions.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explained, “Our hair is a body marker of overall health. Hair is not only a beauty accessory but it can also be a health mirror. An unusual texture or pattern change in the hair may indicate a health issue.” Read ahead to know everything she shared with us.

Excessive Hair Fall: What It Could Be Trying to Tell You

Sudden or excessive hair loss is the most universal problem presented before dermatological clinics. While it may not lead to any problems in the normal shedding process, excessive thinning and shedding could lead to a deficit in iron, vitamin D, and proteins in the body. All these are very essential for the hair follicles, and the first result of a deficiency in the body could be hair loss.

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In some instances, this problem may be associated with imbalances in the endocrine system, thyroid issues, or conditions like alopecia areata, which can cause the immune system to act against the body. This results in an abnormal cycle that leads to faster shedding compared to the rate it can grow.

Can Scalp Health Also Reveal About Your Overall Health?

Dr Passi highlighted that the condition of our scalp is equally important as our hair. Dandruff, itching, irritation, and inflammation of the scalp could lead to fungal infections, eczema, and even pollution and chemical use in our hair products. A dry and flaky scalp could be an indicator of dehydration and mineral deficiencies in the body, or an oily and irritated scalp could point towards improper care habits.

According to Dr Passi, dryness and brittleness in hair texture can also be a red flag. “Dry or brittle hair may indicate dehydration, poor nutrition, or damage caused by chemicals and environmental pollutants,” she noted.

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Can Changes in Hair Colour be an Indication of Stress?

Premature graying is another visible change that often raises concern. While the causes of this are largely attributed to genetic factors, high stress levels and deficiencies in the following nutritional elements have also been identified as contributing causes for premature graying:

How to Keep Your Hair and Health in Check

A well-balanced diet consisting of proteins, iron, vitamins, and minerals is essential for overall hair health. In addition to this, a clean scalp with proper protection against chemical treatments and environmental damage can go a long way. “Additionally, if there have been any sudden changes in your curly or wavy hair, you should consider a consultation with a dermatologist or trichologist,” Dr Passi highlighted.

Bottomline

Our hair serves as an early warning system for any kind of condition, whether it's nutritional, hormonal, or scalp-related, making the hair an extremely valuable health indicator.