Does Iron Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Often, people consider hair loss as a genetic issue. But you cannot blame heredity in every case. In many cases, hair loss stems from a lack of nutrition. Iron is considered a significant mineral in this regard. Iron deficiency affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin transports oxygen for the growth and repair of cells in the body, including those fostering hair growth.

So, can iron deficiency cause hair loss? It may not, directly. But with the crucial blood-related functions in the body, the deficiency of iron can catalyze hair loss.

You now know iron deficiency’s impact on your hair. Let’s look at what hair fall due to iron deficiency looks like and if you can prevent and treat it.

Hair loss due to iron deficiency can be the same as regular male and female pattern hair loss. According to researchers, apart from hair loss, iron deficiency can lead to hair falling out, similar to hereditary male and female pattern baldness. People suffering from hair loss would witness a noticeable increase in strands falling out. In severer cases, bald spots on the scalp are also seen.

One of the most effective solutions to treat iron deficiency hair loss is to consult a doctor, measure your iron levels and get a proper iron-rich diet charted. It can include iron-rich foodstuffs that adequately increase iron levels to treat hair loss problems and address other iron deficiency-related conditions.

Nevertheless, hair loss could result from other underlying conditions as well. Hence, do not assume that it is only an iron deficiency that’s turning you bald by the day. In some cases, the reason could be something else, and things could be absolutely normal on the iron front. Hence, you would need a dermatologist to determine specifically what’s causing hair loss in your case.

You can prevent iron-deficient hair loss through the following.

Include iron-rich foods in the diet and follow a balanced diet plan created by doctors after a comprehensive checkup and diagnosis.

• Avoid wearing hair in a tight headband.
• Avoid brushing and washing hair roughly.
• Do not use chemicals on your hair without expert consultation.
• Protect your hair with hats or caps in extreme weather conditions.
• Avoid using curling irons and blow dryers.

So, can iron deficiency cause hair loss? It can certainly impact hair health and weaken it. How? We’ve already discussed that in the beginning. But you can reverse hair loss due to iron deficiency and, even better, prevent it.

Need more guidance and a proper treatment plan, preceded by a thorough diagnosis for your hair loss problems? HairMD is here to help you. Our expert dermatologists, who boast a high success rate, can help you get rid of hair loss with treatment plans specifically suited to your problem and body.