Thin Hair...You Could be Anaemic, Stressed or Just Hungry

     

As a trichologist I have spent decades studying and treating hair problems. Sadly, many cases are self-inflicted – brittle, dry and irreparably damaged hair is the result of years of heat-treating, dyeing and styling. Yet the state of our hair is also a visible barometer of our internal health. Illness – and certain medications – cause locks to lose their lustre, becoming dull, limp and fine-looking.

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Indeed, today I see more cases of hair loss than I have ever done before. Perhaps it is because we are more stressed, or simply because we are living longer – as both anxiety and the natural ageing process can result in the hair falling out.

Whatever the cause, hair loss can have a profound effect on self-esteem, triggering depression and so, ironically, hindering recovery. It is by no means a shallow act of vanity for someone in the throes of ill-health to worry about their hair.

If anything, finding ways to address the problem can actually be a huge boost to self-esteem and therefore only help the speed at which we get better.

You cannot diagnose illness just by looking at the hair. But it is possible to be completely unaware that you are suffering from a health problem that is causing poor hair growth, and if you are worried visit your GP.

ANAEMIA

We need iron to produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Iron deficiency leads to anaemia, meaning fewer red blood cells. Less oxygen is carried to the scalp, starving the follicles, and eventually causing gradual, uniform hair loss. The hair will appear wispy, and the scalp may be more visible than usual.

Other symptoms include pale skin, lethargy and fatigue. An iron supplement may help. Lack of Vitamin C and consumption of caffeine and alcohol can also hinder iron absorption. Drinking a glass of orange juice with iron-rich food aids absorption, helping hair grow back.

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EATING DISORDERS

The growing phase of the hair cycle is prematurely halted by reduced food intake, which makes blood flow sluggish to the scalp. Hair loses its shine and falls out. Those who lose weight suddenly, or limit their calorie intake to maintain a low weight, may well also have wispy, dull-looking hair.

The hair loss is rarely permanent but eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein is vital. Hair is made from protein, and it is particularly important to eat protein at breakfast as this is when levels are at their lowest in the hair follicles.

Also make sure the diet is rich in vitamins – especially the B complex – zinc and essential fatty acids.

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women is caused by an excess of male hormones which can trigger thinning at the front and top of the scalp. This happens only in PCOS sufferers with a family history of genetic hair loss.

The condition causes increased hair growth on the face and body. Drugs to reduce the amount of male hormone should help hair regrowth, as will head massage, which increases blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.

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June 1, 2010