Ferritin and Hair Loss: The Hidden Link You Need to Know
If your hair has been shedding more than usual, looking dull, or just not growing the way it used to, you might be wondering what’s going on. You’ve tried changing your shampoo, improving your diet, reducing stress—but still, the hair loss continues. There’s a sneaky factor many people overlook, and it could be hiding in your bloodwork: ferritin.
In this article, we’ll unpack what ferritin is, how it impacts your hair, and what you can do if your levels aren’t where they should be. Let’s dive into the connection between ferritin and hair loss in a simple, real-talk kind of way.
What Is Ferritin and Why Does It Matter for Hair?
Ferritin is a protein in your body that stores iron. Think of it like your iron reserve tank. Even if you’re eating foods that contain iron or taking a supplement, your body needs ferritin to hold onto that iron and release it when needed. Without enough ferritin, your body can’t properly use iron to support key processes like cell repair, oxygen transport, and yes—hair growth.
Your hair follicles are constantly in motion, cycling through growth, rest, and shedding phases. But when ferritin levels are too low, your body prioritizes other organs over your hair. The result? Your hair quietly enters the resting phase, sheds more easily, and slows down growth. This is why ferritin and hair loss are often tightly linked, especially in women.
If you’re experiencing issues, it’s essential to understand that the relationship between ferritin and hair loss is crucial to address.
Some studies suggest that low levels of ferritin can significantly impact the health of your hair, making ferritin and hair loss a topic worth discussing with your doctor.
How Low Ferritin Levels Trigger Hair Loss
When ferritin is low, it can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which is basically a fancy term for stress-related hair shedding. It often happens a few months after your ferritin drops. You might not even notice until you’re cleaning hair out of your brush more often or seeing strands on your pillow.
What’s frustrating is that your regular iron levels might be fine—so it’s easy for doctors to miss ferritin as a problem. But ferritin is about storage, and hair needs a good reserve of iron to thrive. It’s not just about what you eat today—it’s about what your body has banked.
It’s important to recognize when ferritin and hair loss might be related to dietary choices or health conditions.
What Should Your Ferritin Level Be?
Here’s where things can get a little confusing. Labs often say a ferritin level of 30 ng/mL is “normal.” But for healthy hair, most experts recommend aiming for 70–100 ng/mL, especially if you’re already experiencing hair thinning or shedding.
This is particularly important for women, who often have lower ferritin due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or dieting. If you’ve ever felt exhausted for no clear reason and noticed more hair in your drain, it might be worth getting your ferritin tested.
Monitoring your ferritin levels could lead to a breakthrough in understanding ferritin and hair loss.
Signs That Your Ferritin Might Be Low
Aside from hair loss, low ferritin can show up in other subtle ways. You might feel tired all the time, look a little paler than usual, or get winded more easily when you walk up stairs. Some people also experience brittle nails, headaches, or a strange craving for ice (yes, really—that’s called pagophagia and it’s a weird but common sign of iron deficiency).
Many women find that addressing ferritin and hair loss yields positive results in their hair health.
What Causes Low Ferritin?
Lots of everyday things can drag your ferritin down. Heavy periods are a big one, especially if you’re not replenishing with enough iron-rich foods. Diets low in iron—like vegetarian or vegan diets—can also play a role, as can digestive issues that make it harder for your body to absorb iron properly.
Even intense exercise or chronic stress can impact your ferritin stores. Your body is smart—it adjusts to whatever you throw at it, and sometimes that means trimming the “non-essential” things like hair growth to protect your organs and energy levels.
Improving your ferritin levels can have a direct effect on resolving issues related to ferritin and hair loss.
How to Check Your Ferritin Levels
This part is easy: ask your doctor for a ferritin blood test. It’s a simple draw, and results usually come back fast. Be sure to ask for your actual number, not just whether it’s “normal.” Some healthcare providers might say 30 ng/mL is fine, but if you’re dealing with ferritin and hair loss, that might not be enough.
Consulting with a healthcare provider about ferritin and hair loss is essential for effective management.
Ways to Boost Your Ferritin Levels
So, what do you do if your ferritin is low and your hair is suffering? First, take a deep breath—it’s fixable. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies:
Eat more iron-rich foods: Red meat (especially liver), poultry, and seafood are all great sources of heme iron, which your body absorbs best. Plant-based sources like lentils, spinach, tofu, and pumpkin seeds also help—just make sure to pair them with vitamin C (like citrus or bell peppers) to boost absorption.
Consider iron supplements: If food isn’t doing enough, a doctor might recommend an iron supplement. These come in different forms, like ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate. Be warned though—they can be rough on your stomach. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting one.
Be patient: Ferritin takes time to build up. You might not see hair changes right away, even if your levels improve. It often takes three to six months of consistent iron support before hair cycles reset and you see less shedding or stronger regrowth.
Research shows that individuals addressing ferritin and hair loss often experience improved outcomes.
What About Ferritin Before a Hair Transplant?
Interestingly, if you’re considering a hair transplant, many clinics will check your ferritin levels beforehand. Why? Because healthy iron stores support better healing and graft survival. If your ferritin is too low, you may not be a good candidate until it improves.
We’ve covered this topic more in our articles on FUE vs. FUT Hair Transplants and celebrity hair restoration journeys, so feel free to explore if you’re considering that next step.
Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep on Ferritin
Ferritin is one of those behind-the-scenes players that quietly supports your hair, your energy, and your overall health. If you’re dealing with unexplained shedding or weak hair, it’s worth checking out. Understanding the link between ferritin and hair loss can be the lightbulb moment you’ve been waiting for. As you learn more about ferritin and hair loss, you’ll be better equipped to take action. The connection between ferritin and hair loss can provide insights into overall health as well. Addressing ferritin and hair loss not only helps with hair regrowth but also contributes to a healthier you.
