Healthy and lustrous hair is a dream of every woman. However, environmental stress, dietary habits, and lifestyle can affect the health of your hair.

If your hair is constantly dry, dull, lifeless, and prone to breakage, it could be telling you that it’s lacking important nutrients. Identifying the signs of malnourished hair is your first step to restoring its vitality and shine. Here are 15 ways to tell if your hair is lacking nutrients.

1. Split Ends

Split ends are a common sign of malnourished hair. Nutrient deficiency can cause the hair follicles to become dry and brittle, leading to the development of split ends.

If you notice an excessive amount of split ends, it’s possible that your hair is not getting the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive.

2. Dandruff

Excessive dandruff can be another indication of nutrient deficiency in the hair.

Dandruff occurs when there is an excessive build-up of dead skin cells on the scalp, which can be caused by the lack of essential vitamins and minerals that help to keep the hair and scalp healthy.

3. Hair Loss

While it is normal to lose some hair every day, excessive hair loss could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.

If you suddenly start losing clumps of hair, it’s a good idea to check your diet and see if you’re eating the right foods to nourish your hair.

4. Slow Hair Growth

If you feel like your hair isn’t growing as fast as it used to, it could be a sign that your hair is lacking nutrients.

When the hair isn’t getting the vitamins and minerals it needs, the growth cycle can slow down, causing your hair to take longer to grow than it should.

5. Dry Hair

Dry hair is a common symptom of nutritional deficiencies. When the hair follicles don’t receive enough nourishment, it can cause the hair to lose moisture and become brittle and dry.

If you find that your hair is constantly dry and frizzy, it may be time to evaluate your diet and see if you’re getting enough nutrients.

6. Dull Hair

A lack of nutrients can cause the hair to lose its natural shine and become dull and lifeless. If your hair looks dull and lacks luster, it may be a sign that it’s not getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to shine.

7. Lack of Elasticity

Elasticity is important for healthy hair. Lack of elasticity can cause the hair to break easily and become damaged. Nutrient deficiencies can cause the hair to lose elasticity, leading to breakage and damage.

8. Premature Greying

Premature greying can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies. Lack of essential vitamins and minerals can cause the hair to turn grey prematurely. While genetics do play a role in this, malnourishment can hasten the process.

9. Itchy Scalp

An itchy scalp can be caused by various factors, including malnourishment. The lack of essential nutrients can cause the scalp to become dry and itchy, leading to discomfort and irritation.

10. Thinning Hair

If you notice that your hair is thinning, it could be a sign that it’s not getting enough nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies can cause hair thinning and hair loss over time, leading to bald patches and other hair issues.

11. Brittle Nails

Brittle nails can be an indication of nutrient deficiencies in the body. Lack of nutrition can affect both your hair and nails, making them weak and brittle.

If your nails are constantly breaking, it’s best to include more essential vitamins and minerals in your diet.

12. Lack of Hair Density

If your hair lacks density and volume, it could be a sign that it’s not getting the nutrition it needs. Nutrient deficiencies can cause the hair to become sparse and thin, leading to a lack of fullness and volume.

13. Slow Wound Healing

Slow wound healing can be an indication of various nutritional deficiencies, including the lack of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the body.

When the hair follicles are deprived of essential nutrients, the scalp may take longer to heal compared to when it’s properly nourished.

14. Red or Flaky Scalp

A red or flaky scalp can be caused by different factors, including malnourishment. If your scalp is consistently red or flaky, it may be time to adjust your diet to ensure that your hair and scalp are getting adequate nutrients.

15. Lack of Overall Shine

If your hair lacks overall shine, it could be a sign that it’s not receiving enough nutrients. Proper nutrition is required for healthy hair growth and shine.

If you find that your hair appears dull and lacks luster, it may be time to check your diet and ensure that you’re eating the right foods to promote healthy hair.

Conclusion

Healthy hair is important for both your appearance and overall health. Nutrient deficiencies can affect the hair’s health, causing issues such as hair loss, dandruff, split ends, and dullness.

If you notice any of the above signs, it may be time to evaluate your diet and see if you’re getting enough of the essential vitamins and minerals required for healthy hair. Speak to your GP for advise on supplementing your diet with additional nutrients.