5 subtle hair warning signs commonly overlooked

Our hair is the crown we wear on our head, and it is undeniable that hair has turned into one of the strongest accessories, a significant element of our social look, influencing how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. Our hair tends to respond very quickly to whatever happens in our body, whether hormonal or medical issues. It is fed directly by the blood, and any alteration of the content of the blood or even a deficiency in the necessary nutrients can lead to scalp or hair-related issues.

Dandruff is a universal issue faced by everyone in the present era. Tiny flakes of dead and dry skin falling off our scalp are referred to as dandruff, due to Malassezia globosa a common fungal microorganism.
What causes dandruff?
Malassezia (fungus that flourishes on oily skin)
Excess oil (sebum)
Individual sensitivity (some skin reacts more intensely).

One quite effective method to remove dandruff from our scalp is the use of ZPT, a zinc compound, employed in most anti-dandruff shampoos. It boosts zinc within fungal cells, which is stressful and harms the yeast. It slows down the secretion of enzymes known as lipases, which Malassezia requires to survive upon the scalp.

​Thinning of hair, also referred to as hair loss or alopecia, is a frequent condition characterized by a diminution of hair density and diameter. If there is thinning of hair, it may be a sign of Iron deficiency. Matrix cells of hair follicles are rapidly dividing body cells, and iron serves as a cofactor for ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme important in DNA synthesis. Due to contradictory evidence, in case one intends to manage iron deficiency in individuals with hair loss should be personalized. Utmost care should be exercised since excessive iron supplementation may lead to iron overload and toxicity, posing serious health effects.

The research "Factors Associated with Premature Hair Graying in a Young Indian Population" explores premature hair graying (PHG), which refers to the emergence of 5 or more gray hairs on the scalp among people below 25 years of age. The inference derived from this research is that young Indian patients are linked to low iron (serum ferritin) and Vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as lifestyle-related factors of a sedentary lifestyle and an irregular diet. By consuming Vitamin B12 rich food, such as eggs, cereal, meat, one can enhance the intake of this water soluble vitamin.

Dry hair is the hair that is devoid of moisture, shine, or liveliness, being usually brittle, rough, or breakage prone. It may be caused by several underlying factors, including poor diet, improper hydration, chemical treatments etc. Aside from this, dry hair is also a sign of nutritional deficiencies like the absence of essential fatty acids, vitamins like A, E, and biotin. Wiht a proper focus on hydration and a healthy diet, dry hair can be avoided.

​Sudden hair loss can be linked with excess cortisol, a state usually due to stress. Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and excess cortisol can interfere with the normal hair cycle. Excess cortisol can initiate a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium, in which hair follicles enter into a resting phase (telogen) before their time, causing excessive shedding and obvious thinning of the hair. Chronic stress and prolonged high cortisol also exacerbate other causes of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia. Stress management, better sleep, and potentially medical treatment to stabilize cortisol may decrease hair loss due to high cortisol. If acute hair loss is evident, it is advisable to seek a healthcare professional's evaluation of cortisol and other considerations for proper diagnosis and management.

This is for informational purposes only. always consult a medical health professional before adopting any advice.