5 signs of hair damage that signal liver and kidney problems

(Dan Tri) - It's interesting that hair can act as "health messengers". Poor diet, pollution or stress are often blamed for gray, discolored or thinning hair, but sometimes the cause is deeper.

Traditional medical systems such as Indian Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long linked hair health to the vitality of the liver and kidneys.

These organs help to remove toxins, regulate hormones, and provide nutrients needed for healthy hair. When they are overworked or weakened, hair is often the first to suffer.

Thinning hair at the crown or temples

According to the Times of India , thinning hair, especially around the temples or crown of the head, can sometimes signal toxic overload or poor blood flow related to liver stress. Stanford Health Care mentions hair loss as a sign of liver damage.

The liver plays a role in processing hormones like estrogen and testosterone. When the liver is in trouble, hormonal imbalances can cause premature hair loss or patchy hair loss. This type of hair loss often feels different, not just as a breakage but also as an overall loss of hair density.

Hair health can sometimes reflect liver and kidney problems (Photo: Times of India).

Improvement tips :

Supplementing with liver-supporting foods like beetroot, amla (Indian gooseberry) and turmeric can help improve blood purification and support natural hair growth.

Excessively oily scalp and sticky hair

When the liver cannot process fats and toxins effectively, the sebaceous glands may overproduce oil as a compensatory mechanism. This can lead to a persistently oily scalp despite frequent shampooing. Excess oil tends to trap dirt and pollutants, which can weaken the scalp and cause premature hair loss.

Improvement tips :

Adding bitter foods like fenugreek seeds, bitter melon, and green leafy vegetables can help take the load off the liver's detoxification process and balance sebum production.

Dry, brittle and split hair

Brittle hair and frequent split ends can be a sign of problems with nutrient filtration and absorption, related to kidney function.

The kidneys help balance minerals like magnesium and iron, which play an important role in maintaining hair health.

Research from the National Institutes of Health has highlighted the role these minerals play in maintaining hair health. When not absorbed properly or lost through urine, hair can lose its natural elasticity and shine.

Improvement tips :

Staying hydrated is important. Drinking enough water, along with eating hydrating fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, and coconut water, helps support kidney health and keep hair soft.

Premature graying of hair is linked to energy imbalance.

In Chinese medicine, premature graying of hair is often associated with a deficiency of kidney “qi” (energy). This condition is not always related to genetics or stress.

When the kidneys are overworked, due to lack of sleep, drinking too little water or eating too much salt, the energy that nourishes the hair pigment cells will be weakened. This can lead to premature graying of hair, even in your twenties.

Improvement tips :

Iron-rich foods like dates, sesame seeds, and black beans can help energize the kidneys. Gentle yoga poses like Balasana (child's pose) or Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose) can also help increase energy flow to these organs.

Itchy or inflamed scalp with hair loss

A scalp that feels itchy, inflamed, or flaky on a regular basis can be a sign of a buildup of toxins in the blood. When the liver or kidneys are unable to remove waste effectively, this can manifest itself through skin and scalp irritation. Persistent itching despite good hygiene is often a sign that the body's internal cleansing system needs support.

Improvement tips :

Drinking a glass of coriander seed water or a teaspoon of flaxseed oil every day can help cleanse internally and reduce inflammation naturally.

Healthy hair care should start from the inside. Supporting your liver and kidneys through a healthy diet, good sleep, adequate hydration, and stress management will help restore your body's natural rhythms.

Over time, the scalp will recover, the hair strands will regain their vitality and the hair will once again become a mirror of inner vitality.

Any persistent hair or health problem should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/5-dau-hieu-ton-thuong-toc-bao-hieu-van-de-ve-gan-va-than-20251019094036000.htm