Our hair showcases our style and personality as well as boosting our self-esteem. However, it’s not just a weapon of vanity as Clip Hair prove. Here, Brenda Lee Intignano at the brand presents the 5 things your hair can tell you about your health.
Shedding some light on your health
The average person sheds around 100 strands of hair when they wash it. If you notice that your hair is shedding a lot more than usual, it may indicate a health condition.
Telogen Effluvium is temporary hair loss that can occur when a person experiences severe stress or trauma. The hair follicles encounter the telogen, otherwise known as the resting phase, of the growth cycle. Telogen Effluvium sees that the hair stays in the resting phase, not entering the next phase. The hair then sheds, without new growth developing.
Hormonal changes, events such as childbirth or persistent stress can lead to Telogen Effluvium. The condition can last several months and usually resolves itself without treatment.
A vitamin ‘dry out’
Just like our skin, our hair adjusts to our environment. The warmers months can lead to dryer strands of hair, that in turn, can lead to breakage. Other external factors can be the use of excessive heat, harsh shampoos, and lots of dying. However, dry hair that rapidly appears and leads to the hair becoming brittle may suggest an internal health condition.
Deficiencies in Vitamin E, Iron or Vitamin C can all lead to brittle hair. Vitamin E is essential for a healthy scalp as it aids in the production of sebum, without iron the hair follicles cannot fully function, and vitamin C ensures that the body produces sufficient collagen which is essential for healthy hair growth.
Earl-y Greying
Grey hair is often part of the ageing process as the hair follicles produce less pigment. Although genetics is a contributing factor to greying of the hair, stress can also play a role. Research shows that consistent stress can manipulate DNA, impacting the cells that produce pigment for the hair. As a result, grey hairs begin to appear. If you notice grey hair appearing at an accelerated rate, this may be the result of severe stress.
A bit of a flake
Dandruff is caused when the scalp sheds its cells at an accelerated rate. However, persistent flaking may not be dandruff, but Psoriasis. The cause of Psoriasis is not fully understood however, it’s thought that it’s the immune system fighting healthy cells by mistake. Genetics and environment play a role in the occurrence of Psoriasis.
Several over-the-counter medicines can remedy Psoriasis. If the condition persists, medical shampoos and ointments can be prescribed.
Splitting up
A strand of hair is 25% water, seeing that if your body is dehydrated, your hair will feel (and show) its occurrence. When the body is dehydrated, it uses its much-needed to water to help operate its critical organs. The body doesn’t consider hair critical, so will not direct its much-needed moisture its way. As a result, the hair will experience ongoing dryness, leading it to break and incur split ends.
If you notice that your hair is breaking at an unusual rate, it may be time to increase your water intake. Avoid consistently using heat on the hair as this will cause further dryness.
