You see it every time you look in the mirror or take a selfie on your phone. But when was the last time you took a really good long look at your hair? 

Many of us focus on styling, colouring, or keeping it tangle-free. But aside from being an accessory to your appearance, your locks can reveal telling insights into your overall well-being.

From changes in texture to sudden hair loss, your strands often reflect what’s happening inside your body. For this reason, understanding these signs can help you to take more proactive steps towards achieving and maintaining better health – not just for your hair but also for your entire body.

Here is what your hair can say about your overall well-being.

How are Hair Health and General Health Linked?

You might not be aware of this, but your hair is deeply connected to your body’s internal processes.

It is made up of keratin, a type of protein that also forms your nails and skin, and like any other part of your body, your hair relies on a steady supply of nutrients, hydration, and proper care to thrive.

If you notice sudden changes in your hair’s texture, thickness, or scalp health, it may be a sign of underlying issues such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.

Indeed, for those experiencing persistent hair thinning or loss, it may be beneficial to seek expert advice from a clinic such as Gro Clinics, which specialises in hair restoration solutions.

Signs to look out for

Before jumping to any of these conclusions, it’s important to explore what your hair might be telling you about your health.

Here are five signs to look out for.

1. Dry or Brittle Hair

Hair needs moisture to maintain elasticity and strength, and when you’re dehydrated, your scalp and strands can suffer. Therefore, if your hair is dry or brittle and breaks easily, it could mean your body is lacking essential nutrients such as biotin, vitamin D, and iron or general levels of hydration.

In such circumstances, try drinking plenty of water and incorporating foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and oily fish. This can help to restore hydration to your hair.

You may also want to use deep conditioning treatments and natural hair oils like coconut or argan oil to replenish lost moisture.

2. Thinning Hair

Hair thinning is often a symptom of stress, hormonal changes, or nutrient imbalances, and it can be distressing. Indeed, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and post-pregnancy hormonal fluctuations can all lead to hair thinning or excessive shedding.

Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of iron and protein, can contribute to this issue. So, since hair is primarily made of protein, ensuring that it gets enough through your diet is essential.

Eggs, lean meats, beans, and nuts are excellent sources you should regularly consume. However, if you suspect you are suffering from a hormonal imbalance, a healthcare professional can help determine the best course of action.

3. Excessive Hair Shedding

It’s normal to lose between 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, but if you notice clumps of hair falling out when you shower or brush, then it may indicate you are suffering from a condition called telogen effluvium.

This temporary form of hair loss is often triggered by stress, illness, major life changes, or nutritional deficiencies. However, the good news is that telogen effluvium is usually reversible.

A good way to do this is to reduce your stress levels by getting good sleep, practising relaxation and mindfulness techniques, and eating more healthily.

In addition, try using a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and avoiding excessive heat styling, as this can prevent further hair stress.

4. Dandruff and an Itchy Scalp

As well as being a source of inconvenience and irritation, a dry, flaky scalp can be a sign of an underlying issue such as dehydration, an imbalanced diet, or even a fungal infection. 

That is why scalp health is crucial for your overall hair health because a nourished scalp provides the foundation for strong, healthy strands. Therefore, if you find that your scalp is dry, try using a natural, hydrating shampoo to hydrate it and avoid using anything with harsh chemicals. 

If the dandruff persists despite doing this, try incorporating tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar rinses into your routine. Both of which have natural antifungal properties.

Alternatively, if the problem turns out to be even more severe, then consulting a dermatologist or trichologist for more specialised treatment is probably your best option.

5. Greying Hair

Although you might think that the premature greying of your hair is a genetic trait, it can also be influenced by factors such as your lifestyle, stress, and nutrition, with deficiencies in vitamin B12, copper, and iron linked to premature greying.

Overall, hair gets its colour from melanin, and it is only when the production of this pigment slows down that your hair turns grey.

While greying is a natural part of ageing, maintaining a diet rich in dark leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce the chances of your hair turning this colour, as doing so will support your melanin production, which slows the process down.

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