Nutritional Hair Loss: Why Knowing the Cause is the Key to Success
Hair loss can be a frustrating and emotional experience, but before diving into treatments, it's crucial to understand why it's happening. Hair loss is not one-size-fits-all, and the underlying cause can vary from person to person. Whether it's due to genetics (DHT), inflammation (environmental or emotional), or nutrient deficiencies, pinpointing the root cause allows for a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
Understanding the Root Causes of Hair Loss
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DHT (Genetic Hair Loss): This type of hair loss is driven by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects hair follicles by shortening their growth cycle. If genetics are to blame, your action plan will need to focus on blocking DHT and promoting healthy hair growth.
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Inflammatory Hair Loss: Environmental factors, stress, and even scalp infections can trigger inflammation that leads to hair loss. Addressing the source of inflammation is key, whether through lifestyle changes, stress management, or topical treatments.
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Nutritional Hair Loss: One of the most common yet overlooked causes of hair loss is nutritional deficiencies. Without the right nutrients, your hair simply can't grow strong and healthy. Blood work is an essential tool in identifying deficiencies and taking the guesswork out of your treatment plan.
The Importance of Blood Work: Taking the Guesswork Out
Blood work can give you a clear snapshot of your internal health and help identify nutrient deficiencies that could be contributing to hair loss. Here are the key markers to watch for:
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Vitamin D3: This hormone plays a crucial role in processing androgens and supporting liver function. Vitamin D3 also has receptors in your hair follicles, and if levels are low, it can hinder the amount of hair your body is able to produce. Ideally, your Vitamin D3 levels should be around 60 nano milliliters. Levels of 50 are acceptable, but anything below 40 is concerning. A deficiency is especially common in people who work indoors or don’t get much sun exposure. For those with darker skin tones, the body naturally has more melanin, which limits the conversion of sunlight into Vitamin D3, increasing the risk of deficiency.
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Ferritin (Iron Stores): Ferritin is the stored form of iron in your body, and it’s essential for cellular function. Think of ferritin as your "savings account" of iron, which your body taps into for long-term health. Low ferritin levels can signal to your serum iron (your "checking account") to throttle back on hair growth, prioritizing your vital organs instead. Hair is the second fastest-growing tissue in the body after bone marrow, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the first areas to suffer when iron is in short supply. Ideally, ferritin should be 70 nano milliliters for blood type A, and 100 nano milliliters for blood types O and B, with AB falling in between.
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Serum Iron: Your serum iron is the amount of iron available in your bloodstream for daily use. If ferritin (your savings) is low, your serum iron will be limited as well, leading to a decreased ability to sustain healthy hair growth.
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Zinc: Zinc is another vital nutrient that supports hair health, particularly if inflammation is a concern. Those with inflammatory issues may have difficulty absorbing enough zinc, so a daily intake of 15-30 mg is recommended. Zinc deficiency can exacerbate hair thinning and delay the healing of the scalp.
Boosting Hair Growth from Within
Once your blood work reveals any deficiencies, it’s time to make the necessary changes. This can involve supplementing your diet, adjusting your nutrition, and improving gut health to enhance nutrient absorption. When your internal health is optimized, it’s time to start a scalp care routine that complements your hair’s recovery.
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Vitamin D3: Supplementing Vitamin D3 and ensuring safe sun exposure can help regulate androgen production and stimulate hair follicles.
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Iron: Increasing iron intake is essential for menstruating women and those with conditions like PCOS, as they require up to 35 milligrams of iron per day, compared to 10 milligrams for men or non-menstruating women. Ferritin and serum iron must be supported by a balanced diet, and attention to gut health will ensure proper absorption of nutrients.
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Zinc: For those with inflammatory conditions, boosting zinc levels can improve scalp health and create an environment where hair can thrive.
Hair Care and Topical Treatments to Support Growth
Once your internal health is back on track, it's time to focus on topical care. Strengthening weakened hair and revitalizing growth starts with nourishing the scalp and using products that encourage vasodilation to improve blood flow to hair follicles.
- Nourished By Hair and Scalp Oil, Stimulate and Strengthen Shampoo, Rejuvenate Dust, Reinforcement Treatment, and Revitalise Serum work to restore hair health at the scalp level. These plant-based products promote circulation, strengthen hair fibers, and protect from external damage.
- Hydrated Halo Pre-Treat, Reinforcement and Revitalise Serum will work to repair and protect hair from damage Rejuvenate Dust can be used alongside any of our Halo Conditioners and Tangled Toner, or Heat Halo Serum to ensure hair lengths are protected while your scalp recovers.
You can also incorporate hair loss devices to heal the scalp, and stimulate hair growth.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) stimulates hair follicles by increasing blood flow and cellular activity, promoting healthier, thicker hair growth.
- Micro stamping, on the other hand, creates tiny micro-channels in the scalp, enhancing product absorption and triggering a healing response to boost hair regeneration.
Take Control of Your Hair Health
Understanding the cause of your hair loss is the first step to regrowth. By addressing any underlying nutrient deficiencies, optimizing your internal health, and following up with targeted scalp care, you give your hair the best chance to thrive. Start with blood work to tailor your approach and rebuild your hair from the inside out. Your hair is worth it!
