There are many factors that can affect the texture and quality of hair. Your iron levels in particular can play a big part in how long, strong and healthy your hair grows.
Iron deficiency anaemia affects around 2–5% of adult men and postmenopausal women [1]. This condition can have many effects on your physical health. Many people suffering from anaemia experience fatigue, heart palpitations, and paler skin than usual — but iron deficiency can also impact the texture and thickness of your hair [2].
While you may feel disheartened to see your hair looking thin or brittle as a result of iron deficiency, this underlying cause is treatable. Keep reading to find out more about iron-deficiency anaemia and the role it plays in hair health.
Iron deficiency anaemia happens when you don’t have enough iron in your body. Iron is an essential nutrient that we all need for a well-functioning body. The body can’t produce iron, so it must be obtained by eating a balanced diet of iron-rich foods.
When your iron levels are low, your body finds it hard to produce haemoglobin [2], which is found in your red blood cells and carries oxygen around the body.
Oxygen is used to grow and repair many cells, including around your scalp, which can stimulate hair growth. Without this haemoglobin, your hair won’t grow or repair itself at the same rate. Learn more about anaemia and hair loss and how an iron deficiency can affect your hair.
Certain groups of people are more likely to experience iron-deficiency anemia, like women of childbearing age who are experiencing heavy periods and loss of blood during pregnancy [3]. It can also affect people who have disorders that make them unable to absorb iron, but it can also just come down to genetics.
There are lots of potential causes of hair loss in women, which is why it’s so important to get a professional diagnosis. Our specialists in women’s hair loss can diagnose the underlying causes and create a female hair loss treatment plan that works for you.
Low levels of iron can often change the texture of your hair. It can go from feeling smooth and silky to dry and brittle.
The main answer to this is that when you’re low in iron, your body takes ferritin, a blood protein that contains iron, from your hair follicles for use in other parts of the body. This lack of ferritin means that your hair isn’t getting the support it needs to grow healthy.
With lower levels of ferritin in your hair follicles, you may notice changes in your hair texture. Your hair may look frizzy, feel brittle and become coarse.
Studies have shown that individuals who suffer from iron deficiency can experience symptoms similar to male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness [4]. Furthermore, those who have low levels of iron are among the most likely to experience hair thinning and hair loss
Although studies on the relationship between iron and hair loss remain largely underdeveloped, some preliminary works highlight the links between iron and its impact on normal hair growth [5], [6]. It’s mainly agreed upon that the reduced levels of ferritin in the hair follicles of iron-deficient individuals significantly weaken the hair follicles enough to lead to hair loss.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, or your hair changing its texture due to iron deficiency, all hope is not lost.
Studies have found that when hair is lost due to iron deficiency, it doesn’t scar the hair follicles [8] which suggests that in some cases hair will be able to grow again as the hair follicles haven’t been damaged beyond repair.
If nothing seems to work to bring your hair back to how it was before iron deficiency anaemia, you might want to check if it’s not too late to have a hair transplant.
If your hair loss has been caused by low iron and ferritin levels, once you treat the condition, you should notice your hair starting to grow stronger and healthier within a few months.
In the case that your hair doesn’t start to grow back, it might be time to consult your GP, or call in the professionals at a clinic like the Wimpole Clinic.
If you’re worried about your iron levels and hair loss, here’s what you can do.
You can up your iron levels through a range of sources like lean protein, spinach and peas. Some cereals are also ‘iron-fortified’ which indicates they have higher amounts of iron.
Vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron better so eat more foods like tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli and oranges to help hair regrowth.
If you have long hair, wear it down as much as possible to avoid breakage. You can also wear hats and scarves to protect your hair from any external aggressors.
There are theories that suggest certain natural remedies (like apple cider vinegar for hair) may help seal your hair cuticle and stop it drying out. But these haven’t been researched thoroughly yet, so it’s unclear if they will help improve hair texture. For effective remedies, see more treatments for hair that feels like straw.
As with any type of hair loss, it’s important to treat the underlying cause. Speak to your GP or a qualified trichologist to establish if anaemia is the cause of your hair loss. If so, they’ll be able to help you find the right treatment to replenish your body’s iron levels and might even prescribe iron supplements.
If treating your iron deficiency doesn’t restore your hair, you may be eligible for surgical hair restoration. One of the most popular treatments for hair loss is Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) which is highly effective and produces impressive results after around 6–12 months after surgery.
The other treatment option that many people suffering from hair loss will choose is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). We offer both of these treatments at Wimpole Clinic, creating impressive results for our clients.
Choosing between FUE and FUT is a personal decision, so it’s best to do your own research beforehand to figure out which one is right for you – or get in touch with our team who can help you decide.
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