We’re hair experts – what your locks really say about your health and the changes to make for a glossy mane
IT’S the bedrock to our locks – but our scalps can also be the window to a variety of health issues.
Google searches for “sore scalp and hair loss female” shot up by 90 per cent last week, while videos with the hashtag #scalptreatment have been viewed 31.2million times on TikTok since lockdown.
Siobhan O’Connor speaks to experts in trichology – the medical study of the scalp – to reveal the hairy problems to look our for.
Hair loss? You could have an underlying health issue
THERE are many factors, from stress to Covid, that can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss but it can also be a sign of internal deficiencies.
Anabel Kingsley, of hair care firm Philip Kingsley, says: “Hair loss can be a sign of a bigger health problem.
“As hair is non-essential tissue, it is an excellent barometer for general health as it’s often the first part to suffer when something is amiss internally.
“For instance, iron and ferritin (stored iron) deficiency, zinc, vitamin B12 and D deficiencies, as well as thyroid imbalances and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can cause hair loss.”
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Yellow flakes? You’re extremely stressd
FLAKY, itchy skin can be common, but if you notice yellow flakes, it’s more likely seborrheic dermatitis, or SD, a more severe form of dandruff.
Dermatologist Dr Adam Friedmann says: “You may notice yellow or white flakes on the scalp, eyebrows and other parts of the face.
“SD is often an inflammatory reaction to a skin fungus called Malassezia, formed from an overgrowth of yeasts, which may be aggravated by illness, stress and fatigue, but also change of season or those with a poor immune function such as patients with HIV.”
Try Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Scalp Toner, 75ml, £10.50, lookfantastic.com.
47% – number of consumers who believe a healthy scalp means healthy hair.
Severe dandruff indicates a weakened immune system
WE all get bouts of flakiness, and often it’s due to using harsh products that strip your oils. But severe cases can be a sign of struggling health.
Dr Adam says: “Severe dandruff can indicate a weakened immune system, which can be caused by stress or lack of sleep.
“I advise washing hair with medicated dandruff shampoos containing salicylic acid, which dissolves away the skin cells, coal tar, which has a natural anti-fungal agent, or a tea tree oil.”
Try The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £14.99, cultbeauty.co.uk.
If scalp is dry, you’re probably dehydrated
THE skin on your scalp is home to more than 100trillion microbes – and these can be affected by issues such as changes in temperature or using harsh products.
Zoe Wasfy, founder of Wild Science Lab, says: “Up to 50 per cent of us suffer from dry scalps. If it is dry, other parts of your body are likely to be as well.
“When it’s dehydrated it can become inflamed, red, itchy, flaky and even greasy. Try a gentle shampoo and nourishing conditioner.”
Head & Shoulders Dermaxpro range is great for soothing scalps.
For instant moisture try a mask, Head & Shoulders DERMAXPRO Soothe Anti Dandruff Scalp Balm Hair Treatment, £6.66, Boots.
10% of people with alopecia universalis – total hair loss – who experience a full recovery.
Itchy scalp? You’ve been eating junk
HAD a sugar binge and noticed an itchy scalp? There’s a reason.
An overly sugary diet or an excessive amount of processed foods can lead to insulin spikes.
This can cause the production of the hormone androgen, increasing production of oil, blocking pores and causes itchiness and spots.
Nadav Shraibom, Medovie’s scientific founder and celebrity skin expert, says “Sugar found in junk food is more likely to cause irritation compared to natural sugars in fruit. Sugar is what’s called an inflammatory enhancer.”
Ensure you have protein with every meal to balance sugar intake.
Hair shedding is probably down to hormones
WHILE showering or brushing hair we often notice big clumps falling out, which can be alarming.
However, it’s likely down to hormones.
It’s normal to lose 50 to 100 strands a day and shedding often stops on its own.
Shedding can increase in the run-up to a period, during pregnancy or due to contraception changes.
Other common stressors can cause it too – weight loss, being sick or feeling stressed, and that’s often due to your body focusing its energy on a bigger issue and shutting off nutrients to your hair.
In some cases, it could be a sign that you are lacking vitamins B or D, or zinc.
40% of women complain of having an itchy or sensitive scalp.
Silvery plaque could be psoriasis
PSORIASIS is a common skin condition whose sufferers include Kim Kardashian.
Anabel Kingsley says: “It is an autoimmune condition that commonly affects the scalp.
“It usually causes thick, white plaques that can feel tight, can be very hard to remove and have bleeding points underneath.
“Psoriasis often needs prescription treatments and should be diagnosed by a trichologist, dermatologist or GP.”
Temporarily try Miaderma Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo, £10, Holland & Barrett.
Top bonce boosters
- DODGE DRY SHAMPOO: While it’s good skipping hair wash days, too much spraying can clog pores, causing irritation and itchiness.
- EAT BERRIES: If you’ve noticed more tufts of hair are dropping out in the shower, try promoting hair growth by eating berries. These are loaded with beneficial compounds and vitamins to protect strands against free radicals, says Grace Julian. Try a DIY mask.
- DO NOT SCRUB, MASSAGE: Annabel Kingsley says: “Gently, but with firm pressure, massage your scalp for approximately one minute. Do not scrub your strands – this can damage your hair follicles.”
- CUT OUT INFLAMMATORY FOODS: Increase your intake of Omega 3, found in fish and flaxseed, and reduce inflammatory foods to help manage dandruff and dermatitis.