Can Anaemia Cause Hair Thinning

Hair thinning is something many people experience at different stages of life. It can be unsettling, particularly when the cause is not obvious. While stress, genetics, and hormonal shifts are commonly blamed, nutritional deficiencies are often overlooked. Among the most common and under-recognised contributors to hair thinning is anaemia. This condition, often related to low iron levels, affects the body in several ways, and hair loss is frequently one of the signs.

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What Is Anaemia and How Can It Affect Hair?

Anaemia occurs when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently around the body. Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common type, particularly among women of menstruating age, but it can affect anyone. Oxygen and nutrients are vital for cell repair and regeneration, including in the hair follicles. When these follicles are deprived, hair growth can slow or stop altogether. Over time, this can result in diffuse thinning across the scalp.

Unlike patchy hair loss that may point to autoimmune issues, anaemia-related hair thinning tends to affect overall hair density. You might notice that your hair feels finer, lacks volume, or does not grow as quickly. In some cases, the hair may also become more brittle and prone to breakage.

Who Is Most at Risk of Anaemia-Related Hair Thinning?

In the UK, iron-deficiency anaemia is particularly common in menstruating women, pregnant individuals, and people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. It can also affect older adults and people with gastrointestinal conditions that impair nutrient absorption, such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease. Blood loss, reduced iron intake, or poor absorption can all contribute to iron levels becoming too low to support optimal bodily function, including hair growth.

Hair loss may not be the first sign of anaemia. Tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, headaches, or feeling cold all the time are often the more immediate symptoms. However, hair thinning is a notable physical indicator and should not be ignored. It can serve as a useful clue that something deeper may be going on nutritionally.

Can Treating Anaemia Help Regrow Thinning Hair?

If your hair thinning is linked to anaemia, the good news is that it is often reversible. With the right treatment, hair growth can resume once the underlying iron or B12 levels have been replenished. Treatment usually includes dietary changes to incorporate iron-rich foods, sometimes along with iron or multivitamin supplements, depending on what the root cause is. It is important to seek medical advice before starting supplementation, as taking iron when you do not need it can lead to unpleasant side effects.

Because the hair growth cycle takes time, regrowth will not be immediate. Most people begin to notice a difference in texture, strength, and volume after three to six months of addressing the deficiency. However, it may take longer for hair to return to its previous fullness, especially if the anaemia was severe or prolonged.

How to Support Hair Health During Recovery

While correcting anaemia is the priority, you can also take supportive steps to help your hair thrive during recovery. Eating a balanced diet that includes a mix of proteins, leafy greens, and foods high in vitamin C can help your body absorb iron more efficiently. Managing stress, sleeping well, and being gentle with your hair during styling can all prevent further breakage and protect fragile regrowth.

One of the most talked-about additions to a hair support routine is collagen. Collagen provides the amino acids needed to form keratin, the main structural protein in hair. It also contributes to the overall health of the scalp by supporting skin elasticity and hydration. While collagen is not a replacement for iron, it may complement a broader wellness plan designed to rebuild stronger hair from within.

When to Seek Further Medical Advice

If you suspect that anaemia might be behind your hair thinning, a simple blood test can usually confirm the diagnosis. This test will check your haemoglobin levels as well as your iron stores and may also assess vitamin B12 and folate, which can also impact red blood cell production. If results show a deficiency, your healthcare provider will suggest a suitable course of treatment.

Do not ignore hair loss, especially if it comes alongside other symptoms of fatigue or poor health. Although it can be distressing to watch your hair thin, identifying anaemia early means you can take action before further loss occurs. Most importantly, you will be addressing an underlying issue that affects your whole body, not just your appearance.