A simple guide from a holistic hair perspective
This information is general in nature and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always speak with a GP, naturopath, or qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about your thyroid, nutrition, or hair loss.
Hair tells a story. When clients sit in our chair and say, “My hair just isn’t the same anymore,” we listen. Sometimes it’s colour. Sometimes it’s stress or hormones. And sometimes, there’s something happening deeper in the body that deserves attention. One quiet but powerful factor many women are surprised by is iodine.
What is iodine and why does it matter for hair?
Iodine is a trace mineral. Your body only needs a little, but that little goes a long way. Its main job is making thyroid hormones, which control:
• energy
• metabolism
• body temperature
• cell turnover in skin and hair
When iodine is low, the thyroid can slow down. Hair follicles feel this first because they are metabolically active and always renewing.
How low iodine or low thyroid function may show up in hair
These are general signs, not a diagnosis, but they are worth noticing:
• ongoing hair shedding
• hair that won’t grow past a certain length
• dry, flaky scalp
• brittle, weak strands
• dull texture even with good products
• thinning across the whole head rather than patches
We often see these changes in women during perimenopause, postpartum phases, and periods of high stress.
Common body symptoms that may accompany hair changes
Again, this is not medical advice. This is simply what we hear from clients who later discover thyroid involvement:
• feeling cold often
• fatigue
• constipation
• low mood
• unexplained weight changes
• dry skin
• thinning eyebrows (especially the outer third)
If any of this sounds familiar, it may be time to gather more information.
How much iodine do you need per day?
For most adults, around 150 micrograms per day. During pregnancy and breastfeeding it’s higher, and that’s something to discuss with a health professional.
Easy ways to get iodine through food
You don’t need supplements to boost iodine. Food is usually enough.
• iodised salt for cooking
• eggs
• dairy products
• seafood
• seaweed snacks (nori, dulse, wakame)
• commercial bread made with iodised salt
A practical approach could look like:
• 2 eggs at breakfast
• cooking with iodised salt
• seafood once or twice a week
• a nori sheet or two as a snack if tolerated
This keeps intake steady without overthinking it.
A word on supplements
Kelp and iodine drops can contain very high levels. More is not better here. Too much iodine can stress the thyroid. Always speak with a GP, nutritionist, or naturopath before taking iodine supplements.
Why hairdressers talk about this at Ardor Organics
As a holistic, low-tox salon, we work with hair and scalp every day. We see patterns. We notice changes. While we are not doctors, we believe in education and giving women tools to advocate for their own wellbeing.
Nutritional and thyroid factors are part of the hair story. Our role is simply to support you in asking the right questions.
When to see your GP
If hair changes have been happening for more than 8–12 weeks, or if hair loss comes with fatigue, low mood, or temperature changes, chatting with your doctor is smart. They may recommend a thyroid panel, which usually includes:
• TSH
• Free T3
• Free T4
• Thyroid antibodies (TPO, TG)
Medical professionals can interpret these results properly.
Why we also recommend speaking with a naturopath
A naturopath can help explore nutrition, iodine intake, stress, adrenal function, and lifestyle factors that support optimal thyroid health. They work alongside doctors, not instead of them, and can provide gentle, food-first strategies.
At Ardor Organics, we believe hair health is whole-body health. We see great value in working with practitioners who understand the balance between nutrition, hormones, and scalp vitality.
Hair loss is rarely one single cause. But iodine is a quiet player many women have never considered. Understanding it gives you more control, more clarity, and more confidence when something feels “off.”
If you’re noticing hair changes, we’re here to help on the salon side with detoxes, scalp facials, low-tox colour choices, and personalised home care. For health questions beyond our scope, your GP or a trusted naturopath can guide the next step.
This blog is for general information only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Hairdressers are not medical practitioners and we do not provide medical advice. Always speak with a GP, naturopath, or qualified healthcare professional before changing your diet, taking supplements, or seeking care for thyroid or hormonal concerns.
