Your hair is probably one of the first things people notice when they see you. It is your crowning glory since it reflects your femininity, personality, and even health. Moreover, having gorgeous hair can boost your confidence instantly. But hair is more than just a crown you never take off; tons of research explains how your hair’s thickness, texture, and look can be the secret to identifying underlying health conditions. For example, your hair can detect stress, thyroid problem, nutritional deficiency, and more.
Be more mindful of your hair and watch out for the following symptoms:
- Excessive body hair
The sex hormones, known as androgens, help develop the reproductive system. Testosterone is a type of androgen that helps develop the secondary sex traits of males after puberty. Although it is referred to as male hormones, it is also present in the female body. In some cases, females produce an abnormal amount of testosterone, resulting in excessive body hair growth. Most females with excessive hair growth are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. Science does not fully understand the causes of PCOS, but it is manageable with hormonal treatments or birth control pills. As for excessive hair growth, waxing and threading are easy options, but you might want to opt for a method that yields long-lasting results, like LightSheer QUATTRO – laser hair removal.
- Stress makes your hair gray
Commonly, gray hair is caused by aging, but you’ll be surprised to see many young adults with locks of gray hair. This may be a sign of extreme stress, which can cause your hair to fall out. Oxidative stress may affect pigment-producing cells of your body. This happens when cell-damaging radicals block the body’s repair process. It is best to address your major stressor and consult a psychologist who can give you professional help.
- Hair shedding could be a cause of anemia
You might have experienced that wave of terror and panic when you noticed a lot of fallen hair on the shower floor. Excessive hair loss could be your body telling you that it has low iron in-store. In other words, you may have anemia. This is why doctors run blood tests when you complain about excessive hair shedding, especially to new moms, vegetarians, and women who always experience heavy periods. In addition, adjusting your diet by eating iron-rich food or taking iron supplements can help minimize hair loss.
- Dandruff
Yellow or white flakes in your hair, shoulders, and eyebrows are signs of a chronic scalp condition called dandruff. Dandruff does not automatically indicate a severe health problem and is treatable with over-the-counter hair shampoos or a prescription shampoo. However, more severe conditions are attached to it, like seborrheic dermatitis, which causes the scalp to be red, greasy, and covered with white and yellow scales. High sensitivity to hair products and improper hair washing are the primary causes of dandruff.
The human body is a fantastic system that showcases connectivity. The different body parts are affected by one another in the most uncanny way. Our hair is more than just a symbol of beauty, and you must learn to look closely and listen to what your body is trying to tell you.