Normally when we think of our hair, we're worrying about how it looks or what to do with it. But the truth is, your strands–and any changes they undergo over time–can actually be an sign of what's going on in the rest of your body too. Whether too dry or too flaky, your hair can be an indicator of everything from stress to hormonal imbalances. Below, check out five things your hair can tell you about your health:
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1. Limp, dry hair: Tons of factors–including coloring, blow drying and even chlorinated pools–can lead to dry hair. But if your previously lustrous hair has seen a significant change in texture, it could also be a sign of an underactive thyroid, which is known as hypothyroidism and should be treated by a doctor.
2. Flaky scalp: Dandruff can cause redness and flaking in the areas of the skin and can usually be treated by medicated shampoo. But thick scaly patches can be also be an indication of autoimmune disease, like psoriasis or eczema.
3. Shedding: Some hair loss is normal. In fact, the average person loses about 100 strands of hair a day. However, if your hair starts coming out in clumps or more than usual, it could also be a sign of other conditions–stress, hormonal imbalance or even the side effect of certain medications.
4. Breakage: Brittle hair that breaks easily is most often the result of over processing or dying. Since your hair is made up of protein, it could also mean you're getting enough protein in your diet or be another indicator of a thyroid issue.
5. Gray hair: Many people think that going gray is a sign of stress or anxiety, but how and when hair turns gray is primarily influenced by genetics. If your parents went gray at an early age, there's a chance you will too.
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