Dry and damaged hair and skin

Iron deficiency can cause dry, damaged skin and hair. Iron deficiency decreases hemoglobin blood levels, which may reduce the amount of oxygen available to hair-growing cells. Skin and hair can become dry and weak if they are deprived of oxygen.

Hair loss is also linked to iron deficiency, and some evidence shows it may be the reason – particularly in females of reproductive age. Hair follicle cells, according to some studies, are particularly sensitive to low iron levels and may not be able to create new cells as effectively when iron levels are low. It's totally normal for some hair to fall out while you're washing and combing your hair on a regular basis. But if you're losing clumps or large amounts of hair, it might be due to an iron deficiency.