Iron & Vitamin D Deficiency: The Hidden Reason Your Hair Won’t Grow
Client: “I’ve been doing everything right—deep conditioning, trimming regularly, and using the best hair products—but my hair still feels weak and won’t grow past a certain length. What am I doing wrong?”
Stylist: “It sounds like your hair might be suffering from something internal. Have you ever had your iron or vitamin D levels checked?”
Client: “Wait, what does iron and vitamin D have to do with my hair?”
Stylist: “More than you think! A deficiency in either can lead to thinning, excessive shedding, and slow hair growth. Even with the best products, if your body is lacking the nutrients it needs, your hair won’t thrive.”
If you’re struggling with hair thinning, excessive shedding, or slow growth, your diet may be missing key nutrients like iron and vitamin D. In this guide, we’ll break down how these deficiencies impact your hair health, the signs to look for, and how to restore balance for optimal hair growth.
What is the Connection Between Iron, Vitamin D, and Hair Health?
Client: “I thought hair health was all about using the right products. Why does my iron and vitamin D matter?”
Stylist: “Great question! Your hair grows from your follicles, which need nutrients to stay active. If your body is deficient in iron or vitamin D, it prioritizes vital organs over hair growth, leading to shedding, breakage, and thinning.”
Iron’s Role in Hair Growth
Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood to your hair follicles. Without enough iron, your follicles become weak and shift into the shedding phase prematurely.
Signs of Iron Deficiency Affecting Hair:
Excessive shedding that doesn’t stop, even with protective styling
Hair feels thinner overall
Slower hair growth or a noticeable plateau
Fatigue and brittle nails (often overlooked but related)
Vitamin D’s Role in Hair Growth
Vitamin D helps stimulate new and existing hair follicles. Without enough vitamin D, your hair follicles stay dormant, leading to stunted growth and increased shedding.
Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency Affecting Hair:
Hair feels “stuck” at one length
Increased hair thinning around the hairline or crown
Scalp feels dry and flaky
Weaker immune system and frequent colds (another symptom of deficiency)
How Do You Know If You’re Deficient in Iron or Vitamin D?
Client: “How do I even know if I’m low in iron or vitamin D?”
Stylist: “The best way is through a blood test from your doctor, but if you’re noticing ongoing shedding and slow growth, these deficiencies could be the culprit.”
If you suspect low iron or vitamin D levels, ask your doctor to check:
Ferritin (iron storage levels)
Vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D test)
Many people, especially women with textured hair, are unknowingly deficient due to diet, lifestyle, and lack of sun exposure.
How to Boost Iron and Vitamin D for Healthier Hair
Client: “So what can I do to fix this? Will my hair start growing again?”
Stylist: “Yes! The good news is that by correcting your iron and vitamin D levels, you’ll likely see reduced shedding, stronger strands, and faster hair growth. But it takes time—consistent nutrition and care will show results over months, not weeks.”
1. Increase Your Iron Intake
If your iron levels are low, incorporate more iron-rich foods into your diet:
Lean meats (beef, turkey, chicken)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
Seafood (oysters, salmon)
If needed, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement (but be sure to check with a professional before supplementing).
2. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is mostly absorbed through sunlight exposure, but many people don’t get enough. Increase your levels by:
Spending 10-30 minutes in direct sunlight daily
Eating vitamin D-rich foods (salmon, egg yolks, fortified dairy)
Taking a vitamin D3 supplement if your levels are extremely low
3. Pair Nutrients for Better Absorption
Iron absorbs better with vitamin C (so pair spinach with citrus fruits)
Magnesium and vitamin K help vitamin D absorption (include nuts, seeds, and leafy greens in your diet)
How Long Does It Take to See Hair Growth Results?
Client: “If I start increasing my iron and vitamin D now, when will I see my hair improve?”
Stylist: “It depends on how severe the deficiency was. Most people notice:
Reduced shedding within 2-3 months
Stronger hair within 4-6 months
Noticeable hair growth in 6-12 months
Consistency is key—your hair needs continuous nourishment to stay healthy.”
How to Maintain Healthy Hair While Correcting Deficiencies
While correcting your iron and vitamin D levels, you should also focus on external hair care to retain the new length you’ll gain.
✔ Trim split ends regularly to prevent breakage
✔ Moisturize your scalp with lightweight oils like jojoba or castor oil
✔ Use strengthening hair masks with protein and deep hydration
✔ Minimize heat styling while your hair recovers
At The Press Room Salon, we customize hair care plans that support internal and external hair health, ensuring that your strands stay strong, moisturized, and breakage-free.
Final Thoughts: Healthy Hair Starts from the Inside Out
Client: “I had no idea that my diet could be affecting my hair so much. I’m going to get my levels checked and start incorporating these changes.”
Stylist: “That’s a great decision! The combination of proper nutrition, supplements if necessary, and consistent hair care will transform your hair’s strength and growth over time.”
If you’re experiencing excessive shedding, thinning, or slow growth, checking your iron and vitamin D levels could be the missing link. Pairing internal health with the right professional hair care routine will help you achieve longer, healthier, thriving hair.
Ready to take control of your hair’s health?
Book a consultation at The Press Room Salon today and let us help you create a custom hair care plan for maximum growth and retention.