Improving hair texture damaged by iron deficiency 

Can low iron cause hair texture change?

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 follicles, you may notice changes in your hair texture. You hair may look frizzy, feel brittle and become coarse. 

Can low iron cause thinning hair?

Studies have shown that individuals who suffer from iron deficiency can experience symptoms similar to male- and female-pattern baldness [4], and that 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, there are some preliminary works that highlighted links [5], [6]. It’s mainly agreed upon that the reduced levels of ferritin in the hair follicles of iron-deficient individuals significantly weakens the hair follicles enough to lead to hair loss.

Can hair grow back after iron deficiency?

If you’re concerned about hair loss, or your hair changing 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. 

How long does it take for iron deficiency to improve?

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 back 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.

Can you prevent iron deficiency and hair loss?

If you’re worried about your iron levels and hair loss, here’s what you can do.

Eat a balanced diet

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.

Start eating more foods with Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron better so eat more foods like tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli and oranges. Learn more about the relationship between vitamin C and hair health.