Your hair is a good barometer of what is going on inside you – any unexpected behaviour on the part of your tresses might be a sign that there are some health issues that go beyond just a 'bad hair day'. Two-thirds of women experience some temporary hair loss at some point and an occasional bout of greasiness is acceptable, but when things get out of hand and your hair plays up in ways you don’t expect, it’s time to read the messages between the follicles.
Here are four of the most common hair hassles that could be warning you to check up on your general health:
1. Brittle and breaks
Symptoms: You notice changes in your hair’s texture – it becomes dry, coarse and brittle and breaks off easily when you brush or wash it and often you shed more than usual.
Problem: Women are susceptible to hormonal issues right the way through from adolescence to menopause. Hormonal imbalances often trigger hair changes – it can be due to taking birth control pills, pregnancy, giving birth or going into menopause.
Another overlooked cause of an ‘overnight’ hair-from-hell transformation is an over-active or under-performing thyroid. The thyroid hormone acts throughout the body to regulate your metabolism and if it is out of kilter, your hair quickly becomes ragged and weak.
Treatment: For thyroid-induced hair problems you need to consult your doctor who will prescribe carefully regulated doses of a thyroid hormone. Ask your gynae for a hormonal evaluation so that he or she can prescribe a modified hormonal medication. Once your hormone levels are balanced, your hair will bounce back.
A targeted supplement for menopausal women containing Starflower Oil such as Vitaforce Ladyvite Mature can help to boost your hair. A daily dose of Clicks Healthbasics Evening Primrose Oil feeds follicles and helps balance fluctuating hormone levels. Give your hair extra care with Style Aromatherapy Natural Anti-Aging Hair Mask loaded with Dead Sea minerals and stimulating oils.
2. Shock shedding
Symptoms: You start shedding more hair daily than usual and suddenly your ponytail is a rat’s tail. Your hair doesn't respond to normal care routines and seems to have stopped growing.
Problem: Put this unexpected hair loss down to the effects of prolonged mental or physical stress. It may also be linked to the after-effects of a serious illness you have gone through. Anyone who has had major surgery or heavy anaesthetic will notice some extra hair loss, beacuse it is a tremendous shock to the system. The condition rights itself after a few months once you are fully recovered.
Severe stress such as death, divorce, depression, losing your job or being mugged, can trigger a sudden increase in shedding. After a high fever, severe infection or even a bad dose of flu, you may be shocked to see a lot of hair falling out, as all these conditions leave you physically drained. Unexplained heavy shedding may also occur as part of an underlying disease such as lupus or diabetes, so get a check-up ASAP.
Treatment: Stimulate your scalp and encourage renewal with this home remedy: warm two tablespoons of castor oil with four drops Clicks Rosemary Essential Oil. Massage the warmed oils into the hair, cover with a scarf and leave overnight. Wash the next day using a baby shampoo and a final rinse of tepid water with four drops of rosemary oil.
For help stimulating hair growth internally, you can try Vigro Hair Growth Capsules 30 caps. If you want to improve your nervous system a good choice is Vital B6 and Magnesium Combination for Women.
3. Greasy and grim
Symptoms: No matter what you do, your hair always reverts to oily stringiness, with flat and lifeless being the order of the day. It does not hold a style and goes limp even after a good washing.
Problem: Like your skin, your hair reflects your inner state of health and crash dieting can make you lose more than just weight – your hair can melt away too, ending up plastered to your head instead of being full and bouncy. A bad diet can lead to an iron and zinc deficiency and will not only trigger some hair loss but your hair shows signs of ‘malnutrition’ stress by becoming oily and difficult to manage.
Heavy menstrual periods can also bring on a depletion of essential minerals in your body causing your hair to flop. Junk food junkies are polluting their systems with a greasy overload which eventually goes to your head.
Treatment: You can correct your iron levels by taking an iron supplement like Vital Iron Complex and upping the volume of iron-rich foods in your diet. You can revitalise both your system and your hair by eating plenty of fresh veggies, fruits and topping up your protein intake with eggs, meat, fish and dairy.
Some vegetarians may not get the proper amount of vital nutrients and vitamins per day and should always take an all-round multi-vitamin supplement like Vital Multitime with Biotin. Regular intake of vitamin C, zinc and omegas are necessary for maintaining your overall health and will certainly improve your hair as they are full of antioxidants. Use a refreshing greasecutting fruit-based shampoo and conditioner like Vitamin Shampoo Energising Dragonfruit and Kiwi with antioxidants to keep your hair squeaky clean and lively.
4. Dry and dull
Symptoms: Hair seems to be very slow-growing in relation to the normal rate and it’s always dry and dull no matter how much conditioner you slather on it.
Problem: Lacklustre hair is an unwanted side effect of some medications – certain chronic prescription drugs can also cause hair to become parched and lifeless. Medicines for arthritis, depression, heart or cholesterol problems, high blood pressure and blood thinners are all culprits.
Antibiotics and acne drugs are often the reason for unexplained dryness, leaving your hair weakened. Excessive vitamin A levels in the body are also known to send stress signals out through the hair. Beware of taking a cocktail of supplements willy nilly – these can have a negative effect. Consult with your Clicks pharmacist or doctor about safe supplement combinations.
Treatment: The severity of drug-induced dryness depends on the type of drug and dosage as well as your sensitivity to that drug. Often a generic or different dose will do the trick and your hair will bounce back by itself down the line. Never discontinue a drug without discussing it with your doctor first.
While your body adjusts to the medication change, give your hair some special treatment with John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Shampoo, and Leave-In Health Boosting Conditioning Spray.