When it comes to your health, nothing is too trivial to clock – not even the quiet politics of your hairline. While hair can be an accessory, it's also a barometer, often reflecting internal shifts before you've had the chance to Google your symptoms at 2am (guilty). One day it's glossy and obedient, the next it's thinning, shedding, or suddenly turning unruly. Subtle? Sometimes. Meaningless? Rarely.
It's easy to brush off (literally), but these changes aren't always cosmetic. From thinning lengths to unexplained hair loss, shifts in texture, strength or shine can point to deeper health changes beneath the surface. Consider this your cue to pay attention.
Disclaimer: Of course, there are many reasons for changes in your hair, not all of them cause for concern. This guide is intended to inform, not alarm, but if something doesn't feel right, it's always worth seeking advice from a medical professional.
Hair loss
Hair loss is super common, so much so that Hannah Gaboardi, Consultant Trichologist and Viviscal Brand Ambassador, says that it's the most repeated concern she sees when people visit her clinic. "It often indicates that something internally requires attention," Hannah says.
The causes vary, but Hannah says some common triggers for hair loss are low ferritin (iron), hormonal changes, stress, or even sudden weight loss. To combat this, Hannah recommends getting examined by a doctor. "Start with an advanced hair loss blood test and a thorough scalp analysis," she says. "And in the meantime, support the hair growth cycle with supplements – these can be really helpful because they provide the nutrients your follicles need to stay in the growth phase."
Kelly Morrell, hair loss specialist at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, also adds that it may also be worth changing up your hairstyle for the time being to help your strands and scalp rest and recover. "Visible signs of hair loss at the front and sides may be the result of traction alopecia due to tightly pulled hair styling, ponytails, or tight braids."
Thinning hair
Unlike sudden hair loss, thinning hair tends to happen more gradually and is often linked to hormonal changes or genetics. "Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female/male pattern baldness, is a common hereditary form of hair loss caused by shrinking hair follicles due to the DHT hormone, which causes thinning," Hannah explains.
Notice your parting getting wider or your ponytail feeling smaller? Early intervention is key. "Treatments such as exosomes, biosomes and PRP aid in restoring density and promoting hair growth, but consistency is crucial," says Hannah. "I often suggest a tailored topical plan (bespoke from your Hair Loss DNA Test results) to help strengthen the hair and support density over time."
To fully understand your concern, it's worth seeking 1-2-1 advice to develop a tailored treatment plan – hair loss is complex, and so too are the correct treatment and management plans.
Dandruff
Dandruff is commonly associated with dry skin; however, it's usually a sign of scalp imbalance. Hannah says that this can be due to a number of things, including "excess oil, yeast overgrowth, or even stress."
The main culprit? Not washing your hair! Hannah says if you're not washing your hair regularly (around 2-3 times a week), yeast overgrowth and the buildup of excess oil can occur. That said, if your dandruff is accompanied by irritation, it is important to treat the scalp properly.
"Nizoral Shampoo is a great antifungal medicated shampoo that contains Ketoconazole, an ingredient demonstrated to act as a two-in-one," Hannah says. "It targets dandruff and acts as a natural DHT blocker, which benefits those with androgenetic alopecia."
Additionally, regular scalp facials are recommended for those with dry or flaky scalps – yep, they're not just for your face! "These treatments are designed to cleanse and hydrate your scalp, removing the excess oil and dry skin, allowing products to be absorbed better," Hannah says.
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, so it's important to address this concern with the appropriate treatments.
Texture change
Have your largely uniform curls suddenly become coarse, brittle and more prone to breakage overnight? Well, texture changes, like the aforementioned hair changes, can be linked to a number of things; specifically, Hannah notes: "weather changes, heat damage, nutritional deficiencies, and even hormonal changes."
There are three key factors to acknowledge when it comes to improving a change in hair texture: Improving your diet, lowering stress levels, and curating a bespoke hair care routine. "Using hair masks once or twice a week, leave-in conditioners, heat protection and reducing bleaching can really help bring the hair back to life," says Hannah.
Sore crusts, bumps and weeping spots
A burning, itchy, or painful scalp can also be a cause for concern. Kelly says, "If your hair hurts at the root when you touch it, it could be folliculitis." This will need to be addressed professionally. Symptoms of this may show physically, too, with crusty, acne-like, weepy spots around the hair follicle. "Folliculitis is the inflammation or infection of hair follicles, which is easily treated with antibiotics or anti-fungal cream," says Kelly.
Hair, much like a good friend, has a way of telling you when something's not quite right – though often in code. Some issues may be due to overstyling or lifestyle; others need immediate attention. Ultimately, if you do have serious concerns, it's super important that you consult a professional hair specialist, GP, dermatologist, or trichologist.
Here's to keeping your hair and scalp beautiful, strong and healthy!
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
