What does your hair say about you?

Your hair is a complex part of your skin, and it's connected to many other parts of your body. Sometimes when something goes wrong with your hair, it's a sign that there are issues elsewhere in your body. By identifying some of these red flags that your hair may show, you can improve your overall health. 

Dull hair
If your hair seems duller or thinner than usual, it could be because of your diet. Are you eating a lot of junk food? Your hair needs nutrients in order to grow healthy, so make sure you're eating a balanced diet. Vitamin-rich foods like salmon, sweet potatoes, lentils and oysters can provide your follicles with nutrients they need to grow healthy hair. Also, remember to drink lots of water!

Sudden bald spots
If you find a round bald spot on your scalp, you could be suffering from telogen effluvium. It's a disease in which your immune system attacks your hair follicles, similar to how rheumatoid arthritis causes it to attack your joints. Generally telogen effluvium only causes one or two bald spots. There are topical medications that can help reverse these effects, and in most cases your hair will grow back normally.

Hair pulling
It's normal to lose around 100 hairs a day, but if it seems like you're losing more than that, or if you find yourself tugging at your hair, it could be stress-related. Sometimes people find themselves pulling at their hair even when they're trying to stop. Trichotillomania is a disorder in which a person has irresistible urges to pull at his or her hair. If you're suffering from this illness, behavioral therapy is recommended. 

If you're concerned about hair loss and would like to learn more about hair restoration treatments, contact Marotta Hair Restoration today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Marotta is a dual-board certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in medical treatments for hair loss. Visit our website to learn more about all of the treatment options we offer to our clients.