7 Things Your Hair Reveals About Your Health

Although hair can tattle on your health conditions, Mirmirani says that patients more commonly complain about the damage done by coloring and using heat to style hair.

Too much heat, from daily flat iron use or blowouts, can certainly damage your hair, making it dry, brittle, and hard to maintain, says Tania Moran, a licensed hairstylist at Swank Hair Salon in New York City. Moran recommends using no more than one hot tool per day (infrequent double heat processes are okay, but not daily).

Whenever you’re applying heat to your hair, always use products with protective ingredients, she adds. “Serums and shine drops tend to have qualities that preserve the hair when using direct and indirect heat,” she explains.

Getting your hair professionally colored is unlikely to cause much damage, Moran says, but bleaching your hair and using boxed hair color at home can have adverse effects. You can mitigate any damage to your hair by using the right products. “Post-color treatment, use proper color-preserving and moisturizing shampoo,” Moran recommends.

Highly treated hair may mask certain problems and make it difficult to see or feel what your hair can tell you about your health.

7 Things Your Hair Reveals About Your Health

Your hair can provide valuable insights into your overall health and well-being. Changes in the texture, color, thickness, and condition of your hair can sometimes be indicative of underlying health issues. Here are seven things your hair can reveal about your health:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, iron, zinc, and protein, can lead to hair problems like thinning, brittleness, and slow growth. Healthy, shiny hair often reflects a balanced diet.
2. Stress and Emotional Health: Chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional turmoil can lead to hair loss or hair thinning. This condition is known as telogen effluvium, and it is typically temporary. Managing stress and addressing emotional well-being can help improve your hair health.
3. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or menopause, can impact hair growth and quality. Hormone-related hair loss may present as thinning at the crown or overall hair loss.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss), psoriasis, or scalp infections can affect your hair’s appearance and texture. These conditions often require medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
5. Medication Side Effects: Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, can lead to hair loss. If you notice significant hair changes after starting a new medication, consult your healthcare provider.
6. Aging: As you age, your hair may naturally become thinner and lose some of its color. This is a normal part of the aging process and not necessarily indicative of a health problem.
7. Scalp and Hair Care Practices: Your hair care routine can impact its health. Excessive use of heat styling tools, harsh chemical treatments, tight hairstyles (like braids or ponytails), and inadequate scalp care can damage your hair and lead to issues like breakage and hair loss.

It’s important to note that while your hair can provide clues about your health, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. If you notice significant changes in your hair’s appearance or are concerned about your hair health, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They can help identify any underlying health issues and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes to improve your hair and overall well-being.