03/06/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | JUNE 3, 2026

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Fixing, addressing hair fall for women M ANY women come to the pharmacy and say: “My hair keeps falling. Is there anything I can take?” Usually, they have already o Changing shampoos might not be best answer

tried changing shampoo, using hair serum, using hair tonic or going for scalp treatment. These may help if the issue is mainly from scalp care or external hair damage. But hair fall is not always just a hair problem. Sometimes, it is a bodily signal. When hair starts falling more than usual, feels rougher, breaks easily or looks thinner, it may be related to what is happening inside the body, such as low iron stores, poor nutrition, stress, hormonal changes, poor sleep or other health conditions. This does not mean every hair fall is serious. It does mean we should not keep treating it blindly. Before buying another hair product, it is worth asking: “Is this really only a shampoo problem, or is my body trying to tell me something?” Some hair fall is normal It is normal to lose some hair every day. Hair naturally grows, rests and sheds. What we need to look out for is a clear change from your usual pattern. The first step is not to be afraid. The first step is to observe properly. Try this simple check: The hair pull test A simple way to check whether your hair is shedding more actively is the hair pull test. Gently hold a small group of hair near the scalp and pull lightly from the root towards the end. Do not pull hard. It should not be painful. If many strands come out easily, it may suggest that your hair is shedding more than usual. However, this test does not tell you the exact cause. It is just a simple self-check to help you decide whether to look deeper. A simple rule: If your hair comes out easily with gentle pulling, or if your hair fall is clearly more than usual for a few weeks, do not ignore it. You can speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice. Hair health is not only about hair fall When we talk about hair health, we should also consider: 0 Does your hair feel rougher than usual? 0 Does your hair break easily?

Hair fall is not always something to fear, but it is something worth listening to. – 123RFPIC

0 Rough hair texture 0 Hair that breaks easily 0 Poor hair quality 0 Poor nutritional intake

fortified foods. Taking fruits rich in vitamin C together with meals may also support iron absorption. 0 Be gentle with your hair Reduce frequent bleaching, colouring, heat styling and tight hairstyles. If the hair is already weak, harsh treatment can make it break more easily. 0 Sleep and manage stress Stress and poor sleep can affect the hair cycle. Sometimes, hair fall becomes obvious a few weeks after a stressful period. 0 Do not take supplements blindly Iron, biotin, zinc and other hair supplements may help, but only when they match your actual need. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist. Be patient: Hair recovery takes time Hair does not recover overnight. Even after improving nutrition or correcting low iron stores, visible improvement may take at least two to three months. This is because hair grows slowly and the hair cycle needs time to respond. So do not change products every few days and assume nothing works. Instead, follow a proper plan: 0 Identify the possible cause 0 Correct daily nutrition 0 Use supplements only when needed 0 Monitor consistently 0 Seek help if it does not improve Consistency is very important. If you are unsure, speak to your pharmacist. Hair fall is not always something to fear. But it is something worth listening to. This article is contributed by Alpro Pharmacy professional care and development manager Ng Yi Ling.

Biotin or zinc gap Brittle nails, rough

hair, weak hair structure

Hormonal changes Menstrual changes, postpartum hair fall and perimenopause symptoms

However, biotin is not a magic solution for all hair fall. If the main issue is low iron stores, hormonal changes, stress, thyroid problems or another medical condition, taking biotin alone may not solve the problem.

Stress or poor sleep Sudden hair shedding

Medical conditions Hair fall that does not improve

A simple way to understand it:

Your concern

What may be more suitable

0 Are your nails brittle? 0 Do you feel tired often? 0 Is your period heavy?

Low iron stores: One common issue women should not miss Many women know about “low blood” or anaemia. But before anaemia happens, some women may already have low iron stores (ferritin). This is where ferritin becomes important. Ferritin is a marker of iron storage in the body. When ferritin is low, your body may not have enough iron reserve. This may affect energy, concentration, and hair health. Women may be more likely to have low iron stores because of: 0 Monthly menstruation 0 Heavy menstrual flow 0 Pregnancy or postpartum history 0 Low intake of iron-rich food 0 Dieting or restricted diet 0 Poor iron absorption 0 Always feeling tired but thinking it is “normal” What about biotin? Biotin is commonly known as a “hair vitamin”. It supports normal body function and is often used for hair, skin and nail health. Biotin may be helpful when you notice: 0 Brittle nails 0 Weak hair strands

0 Have you been eating properly? 0 Have you been sleeping badly? 0 Are you under a lot of stress?

Hair fall

Consider ferritin check or iron support if needed

+ tiredness

+ heavy menses

Sometimes, what looks like hair fall may actually be hair breakage. Hair breakage can happen due to colouring, bleaching, heat styling, tight hairstyles or harsh hair treatment. In this case, external hair care is important. But if hair fall comes with tiredness, brittle nails, dizziness, heavy menses or low energy, we should also consider internal health. Why your body condition can affect your hair Some common internal factors include:

Rough hair + brittle nails

Biotin or zinc may help support hair and nails

Poor diet or low Improve daily meals first protein intake

Stress-related

Sleep, stress care and nutrition support

hair fall

Persistent thinning

Seek professional

assessment

What you can do first Before buying many supplements, start with the basics. 0 Eat enough protein Hair needs protein to grow. Try to include protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, chicken, tofu, beans, milk, yoghurt or lean meat in your meals. 0 Take iron-rich food Iron-rich foods include red meat, liver, egg yolk, fish, beans, spinach and

Possible factor

What you may notice

Low iron stores

Tiredness, heavy menses, dizziness, pale appearance, increased hair fall

Not enough protein Weak hair, poor hair protein growth, slow recovery