What your hair says about your health

Many women do their best and spare no expense when it comes to hair health. And while you may be busy spending a lot of time and money colouring, curling, straightening, cutting and chemically treating your hair, it's important to take a closer look at what your hair can tell you. Here's a closer look at the different health-related causes behind three of the most common hair conditions women face: hair loss, dull strands and gray hair.

Hair loss

According to a survey, people tend to lose 50 to 100 strands of hair every day and up to 250 on days when they wash their hair. However, if you know your hair is falling out in droves, it's a critical warning signal your body is trying to send you. There are many different reasons and medical circumstances that can lead to hair loss, and it is important to pay attention to a wide range of possible causes. People with hypothyroidism (which occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones) may notice increased hair loss. Protein is essential for hair health and growth and a lack of protein has been linked to thinning and therefore hair loss. It could also be a sign that your body has low iron stores.

Damaged hair

Brittle, dull hair is a common hair problem for many women. And while you can do everything you can to add shine, volume and texture to your hair, your attempts have literally fallen flat. In fact, not only does overworking, over-treating and styling your hair have an impact on overall hair health, one of the following medical reasons may be to blame: not getting enough protein, constant intake of elements rich in sugar, carbohydrates, calories and fats. In addition, those who suffer from certain eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, may end up with brittle, dull and thinning hair.

Gray hair

Graying is actually a completely natural part of aging, as your hair follicles produce less colour as you age. Your genes also play a role when your hair turns gray. However, stress can also cause your hair to fall out. A study on mice has indeed suggested that chronic stress can actually contribute to hair graying by causing DNA damage and reducing the supply. Pigment-producing cells in hair follicles.