Today, women between the ages of 35 and 55 are under more pressure than ever to look good and feel confident. Whether it’s constantly checking yourself in the mirror, scrolling through social media, or chatting with friends, the message is the same: You’re getting old. You’re not pretty. You’re not enough. Which really sucks!
In my professional experience, one of the biggest confidence boosters is having great hair. For many women, their hair is a part of their identity. It’s how they show off their style, energy, and even their health. But what happens when your hair starts to thin, break, or fall out? It can feel scary—and even heartbreaking.
Here’s something many people don’t know…your bones and your hair are connected. That’s right. Your skeleton might be one of the hidden reasons your hair is changing. Let’s break it down in a simple way.
What Is the Skeletal System?
Your skeletal system is made up of all the bones in your body. It gives your body shape, helps you move, and protects important organs like your brain and heart. But that’s not all it does.
Your bones also:
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Store minerals like calcium
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Help make blood cells in the bone marrow
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Support hormone balance in the body
These things matter a lot for your overall health—including your hair.
How Bones Affect Hair Growth
Here’s how your bone health is linked to your hair:
1. Calcium and Hair Follicles
Calcium is a key mineral stored in your bones. If your body doesn’t have enough, it might “borrow” it from your bones to help other parts of your body work. But your hair follicles—where hair grows—also need calcium to stay strong. Low calcium = weaker hair.
Tip: Eat calcium-rich foods like dill, broccoli, kale, collard greens and fish.
2. Blood Flow and Hair Health
Red and white blood cells are made in your bone marrow. These cells travel through your blood and carry nutrients to every part of your body—including your scalp and hair. Without healthy bones, your blood supply might not be giving your hair what it needs to grow thick and shiny.
Tip: Drink plenty of water, get regular exercise, and keep your iron levels in check.
3. Hormones and Hair Loss
Bones help control certain hormones in your body, like estrogen and testosterone. When these hormones get out of balance, it can lead to hair thinning or even hair loss—especially during menopause or stressful times.
Tip: Ask your doctor to check your hormone levels: TSH, Estradiol, FSH and Testosterone (Total) at your yearly checkup.
Real Talk: What Women Are Dealing With
As a professional hairstylist, I hear the same concerns from clients over and over again:
✔ Hair Thinning
Hair looks less full. You can see more of the scalp than before. This is one of the biggest complaints—and it can hit your confidence hard.
✔ Brittle Hair
Some hair starts to break off easily, feel dry, or lose its shine. This often means your body is missing some important nutrients.
✔ Dry, Itchy Scalp
An unhealthy scalp can lead to hair problems. If your scalp is tight, flaky, or itchy, your hair might not grow the way it should.
What You Can Do to Help Your Hair and Bones
The good news? You can take steps today to improve both your bone health and your hair health. Let’s look at a few easy, practical solutions.
✅ Eat More Whole Foods
Your hair and bones need a mix of vitamins and minerals to stay strong. You also need a good mix of protein, fiber and fats in addition to carbs. Try adding these foods to your weekly meals:
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Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, collard greens (for iron and calcium)
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Fish: Especially salmon and sardines (for omega-3s and vitamin D)
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Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, and walnuts (for healthy fats and magnesium)
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Eggs: Great for protein, which helps with hair growth
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Beans: Excellent source of fiber and protein
Pro Tip: Avoid trendy “crash diets.” They put the body through shock and can cause hair to fall out and weaken your bones.
✅ Reduce Stress
Stress doesn’t just mess with your mood. It can cause hair to fall out and even affect your bones over time.
Try these easy stress-busters:
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Take 10 deep breaths before getting out of bed
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Stretch or do yoga for 5–10 minutes a day
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Take a walk outside
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Listen to calming music
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Try journaling your thoughts before bed
Even a few minutes of calm can make a difference.
✅ Consider Smart Supplements
There are lots of hair and bone supplements out there—but don’t just grab the first bottle on the shelf. You want to take only what your body really needs.
Look for supplements with:
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Sulfur – one of the building blocks of hair
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Zinc – helps with healthy scalp and hair repair
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Vitamin D – supports both bones and hair follicles
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Magnesium – helps your body use calcium properly
Important: Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement. Too much of something (even a vitamin) can be harmful and expensive.
✅ Get Regular Health Checkups
Don't skip your annual physical! Ask your doctor to check your:
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Bone density – especially if you're over 40
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Hormone levels – through blood, urine, or saliva tests
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Iron and vitamin levels – like B12, D, and ferritin (which is tied to hair growth)
These tests can catch problems early and help guide your hair and bone care plan.
Final Thoughts: Love Your Bones, Love Your Hair
Healthy hair doesn’t start with just the right shampoo or the latest styling product. It starts from the inside—and your bones play a huge role.
When you take care of your skeletal system, you’re also giving your hair the nutrients, blood flow, and hormonal support it needs to grow strong, thick, and full of shine.
So next time you notice a change in your hair, ask yourself: How are my bones doing? Because looking and feeling your best starts from within.
BONUS: Quick Checklist for Hair + Bone Health
✅ Eat calcium- and protein-rich foods
✅ Stay active (even light walking helps!)
✅ Manage stress daily
✅ Get labs done once a year
✅ Talk to your doctor about supplements
You deserve to feel confident, radiant, and strong—inside and out. Give your bones the love they need, and your hair will thank you.