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The root causes of HUNHEALTHY HAIR By Emily Devon. ave you ever stared at the strands of hair filling your hairbrush or pulled a clump of hair from your head and thought, ‘Uh-oh?’ For some people, losing hair or experiencing thinning hair could be related to hereditary, hormonal or stress factors, or even deficiency in iron. Pharmacy Assistant Jaclyn Jensen says she has noticed a significant increase in the range of hair care products available in pharmacies and has been questioned multiple times by customers about hair care. “The main goal I hear customers wanting to achieve is the overall general health of their hair,” she said. “The younger demographic is particularly interested in the length and fullness of hair, while the older demographic wants to avoid fray and thinning hair.” While Ms Jensen notes that the pharmacy she works at is small, so the number of customers asking for hair care help isn’t huge, she says it’s still important for pharmacy assistants to expand their knowledge on hair care products, due to the category’s expansion. Lack of nutrients, lack of hair care Hair loss can be caused by a lack of nutrients, specifically when it comes to iron deficiency.1 Accredited Practising Dietitian and spokesperson for Dietitians Australia Jane Freeman says iron deficiency is caused by reduced healthy red blood cells in the body. “It’s sometimes picked up when the doctor \\\\\\\[finds\\\\\\\] a low level of haemoglobin,” she said. “Haemoglobin is part of red blood cells’ oxygen. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body, so your heart has to work a lot harder. So that’s obviously harder when you’re exercising, or running upstairs \\\\\\\[for example\\\\\\\].” A study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science found that not only may iron deficiency play a role in hair loss, but it may also cause hair to BEAUTY BUZZ 69 fall out similarly to genetic male- and female-pattern baldness.1 It should be noted that hair loss via iron deficiency is not irreversible, and there are treatments available. If customers suspect an underlying issue may be responsible for their hair loss, it’s strongly recommended they see their GP and be referred to the appropriate specialist. In the case of customers experiencing low levels of iron, Ms Jensen says that for pharmacy assistants it’s important to ensure the customer is being treated properly for their anaemia, or deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells. “While it’s fine to suggest products to help strengthen hair, the root cause of the problem needs to be addressed,” Ms Jensen said. “Provided it’s appropriate for the customer and alongside the treatment for their anaemia, a combination of vitamins and gentle shampoo and conditioner would help to promote healthier hair.” Stronger hair, it’s only fair Ms Jensen says the range of hair care products in pharmacy is continually expanding. “Recently we’ve seen higher demand for natural or sensitive-range hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner and treatments,” she said. “However, it’s not limited to just external-use products. We have a large range of \\\\\\\[supplements\\\\\\\] such as zinc, vitamins A, B and C, all beneficial for promoting healthy hair.” Ms Jensen says she is constantly updating her knowledge of hair care issues and the products available to treat them, so she can better deal with the hair-related questions customers may have. This may be via experience, guidance from pharmacists, or “the training provided by the company reps who visit our pharmacy”. She continued: “I feel confident I can provide my customers with the best advice tailored to their hair care situations. It’s important to remember every customer is different and there isn’t just one product for everyone.” As mentioned, hair care product ranges are increasing in a retail pharmacy, so ensuring you are well versed with the products available is crucial. “I find one of the best ways to give advice to customers regarding products is to either try the products yourself or speak to customers who’ve used them before,” Ms Jensen said. “Spend the time to understand what your customer wants to achieve with their hair, explain how and why this product will benefit them personally, and provide the customer with confidence in your recommendation.” Reference: 1. Healthline, 2018. ‘Iron deficiency and hair loss’. healthline.com/health/iron-deficiency-and-hair- loss#signs RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • APR 2021