Iron and Hair loss: What your Blood Test might be missing

Losing more hair than usual? Feeling like your ponytail is thinner or your part is wider but your lab results say you're “normal”?
It might not be your imagination and it might be low iron stores, even if you're not anemic.

Hair loss can be an early warning sign of low ferritin, the protein that stores iron in your body. But most routine blood tests don’t check ferritin unless you specifically ask.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Ferritin and Why Does it Matter for Hair?

Ferritin is the main storage form of iron in your body. Even if your hemoglobin (Hgb) looks fine, low ferritin means your body doesn’t have enough backup iron to support non-essential systems like hair growth.

Here’s the key:
Hair follicles are one of the first places to lose nutrients when your body is short on iron.

So yes you can have normal blood counts but still not enough iron to support healthy hair.

Signs your hair loss might be Iron-Related

Low ferritin doesn't always cause obvious symptoms but when it affects your hair, you may notice:

• Thinning at the crown or temples

• More hair shedding in the shower or brush

• A wider part or more visible scalp

• Slower regrowth after shedding

• Hair that feels finer, flatter, or more brittle
  
  
  

These symptoms are common in non-anemic iron deficiency, when hemoglobin is normal, but iron stores are low.

Why it’s often missed in Blood Work

Most doctors check a complete blood count (CBC), which looks at hemoglobin.
But they often skip ferritin unless you specifically ask.

That means:

• You could have normal iron on paper (because hemoglobin is fine)

• But still have low ferritin, which affects your hair and energy
  

To get the full picture, you need a ferritin test.

What Ferritin Level Supports Healthy Hair?

Many  labs say ferritin is “normal” if it's above 10 or 15 ng/mL.
But that’s not enough for hair health.

Here’s what experts recommend:

• Below 30 ng/mL: Often too low for hair growth

• 30–50 ng/mL: Borderline

• 50–100+ ng/mL: Ideal for most women

• 70–100+ ng/mL: Often recommended for hair regrowth
  

Bottom line: “Normal” isn’t always optimal especially when it comes to your hair.

How to Check if Iron is causing your Hair Loss

Ask your healthcare provider for a ferritin blood test.
Even better, request a full iron panel, including:

• Ferritin

• Serum iron

• Transferrin saturation

• Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
  

This gives a complete picture of your iron status. And this also tells if your hair loss is Iron related.

What to do if your Ferritin is low

If you’re diagnosed with non-anemic iron deficiency, here are steps you can take:

1. Iron-Rich Foods:

• Red meat & organ meats (best absorbed form)

• Chicken, turkey, and eggs

• Lentils, beans, tofu

• Spinach, pumpkin seeds

2. Take Iron Supplements (if needed):

• Always recommended under medical supervision

• Discuss with your medical provider regarding the right dose

• Start slow to reduce side effects like constipation

3. Boost Absorption:

• Take iron with vitamin C (like orange juice)

• Avoid coffee, tea, dairy, and calcium supplements near iron doses

4. Track Your Progress:

• Retest ferritin in 4-6 weeks

• Adjust dose or diet as needed

Other causes of Hair Loss to consider

Iron isn’t the only factor other possible contributors include:

• Thyroid disorders (especially hypothyroidism)

• Hormonal changes (e.g. postpartum, PCOS, menopause)

• Stress or illness (telogen effluvium)

• Certain medications (e.g. antidepressants)

• Other nutrient deficiencies (zinc, vitamin D, B12, protein)
  

If your ferritin is in a good range, it’s worth exploring these with your healthcare provider.

Don’t ignore Hair Loss - It’s a Clue

Hair loss is more than a cosmetic issue. It can be a clue your body is low on something important.
If you’ve been told everything is “normal,” but your hair says otherwise, ask for a ferritin test. You might be running on empty.

FAQs: Iron and Hair Loss

• Can I lose hair from low iron even if I’m not anemic?

  Yes. Low ferritin can cause hair shedding before anemia develops.

• What ferritin level is needed for hair growth?

   Most experts suggest above 50 ng/mL, and some recommend 70–100+ ng/mL for optimal regrowth.Description text goes here

• How fast can I expect results from iron supplements?

   Hair cycles take time. You may notice less shedding in 6–8 weeks, with regrowth taking 3–6 months or longer.

• Can diet alone fix low ferritin?

  Mild cases—yes. But supplements are often needed to raise levels more quickly, especially if you have heavy periods or gut absorption issues.

• Should everyone with hair loss take iron?

  No. Always test ferritin first. Taking iron without deficiency can cause side effects and may not help.

References:

1. Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. (2006). The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2006.05.019
   

2. Rushton DH, et al. (2002). Causes of hair loss and the developments in hair rejuvenation. Clin Exp Dermatol.
   https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01012.x
   

3. Deloche C, et al. (2007). Iron deficiency in women with hair loss: a multicenter study. Eur J Dermatol.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17951130/
   

4. Cleveland Clinic. Iron Deficiency and Hair Loss.
   https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-iron-deficiency-causing-your-hair-loss/
   

5. World Health Organization. (2001). Iron deficiency anemia: assessment, prevention and control.
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-NHD-01.3