My Natural Hair Texture Changed! Where Are My Curls?? | Details + More 

Oh wow I'm anemic and never had a doctor tell me low iron causes a change in hair that's probably exactly why my curls wont form anymore in areas... I need a new doctor and check up. Thanks for sharing this.

I swear I have been thinking I was crazy. Since my transfusions last August and now taking iron and vitamins regularly I am seeing a WHOLE new texture. I feel like I'm starting this journey over.

Omg my hair texture has changed as well but tbh I really don't mind because I find it easier to manage

WOW! Thank you everyone for all the love and support! I was so nervous to put up this video but I did because I wanted to share what Im going through and hopefully help someone who may be going through it as well. Much love xoxo

I went through the SAME struggle! Avoid taking iron tablets as they cause constipation. I’ve been taking Vitamin B12 in liquid form along with the blood builder tablet (on amazon) daily! Helped increase my iron levels so quickly. Never felt better! My hair stopped falling out and my nails stopped breaking! Thank me later lol 🙌🏽

I’m so emotional right now I don’t even know what to say but it’s such a relief to know why I’m losing my curls! my hair was 3c when I was little but I hated it and got it straightened and stuff, and I went natural in 2016 and after so much pain and so much fight I started genuinely loving my curls in 2019/2020, and now they’re disappearing and I just felt SO defeated, so humiliated. It sounds dramatic but it was such a strong loss for me, it felt like a cruel joke but this video gave me hope !! thank you !!

OMG! I didn't know that could change the texture of your hair either ;( I'm glad you know and you can do something about it.

girl you have no idea how much this has helped me i have the EXACT same issue and i havent been straightening and i thought it was the products as well but i am so glad i have ur input i am not eating enough to balance my body and now i know thats most likely the cause. thank you i hope my curls will come back again in time!!!

I think I have iron deficiency bc I’m more tired than usual and shortness of breath when I’m walking up a low hill😬 plus my hair has been looser and edges thinner☹️

I’m so glad you were able to get to the root of what’s been going on, as a nurse way to often I see women brush off symptoms that are the body’s way of signaling there is something wrong. I’m glad you also have a doctor that listens to her patients first instead of just writing a prescription....prayers that your health improves and your healthy hair journey continues to thrive! I truly enjoy watching your videos and you’ve given such great advice that’s helped me in my hair journey!! ❤️

Glad you were diagnosed and on the road to recovery....looking forward to more videos from you!

ATTENTION TO NEW VIEWERS PLEASE READ THIS: Lack of iron isn't the only deficiency that can cause an issue like this to happen, in fact VITMAMIN D is another culprit for this issue ( dizzyness, fatigue, hair loss, even texture changes) . This video inspired me to get my blood checked because the SAME EXACT THING was happening to me and I assumed my iron had to be low as well however, It turned out my iron was fine and my vitamin D level was the only thing severely low at 13ng/ml. Deep conditioning masks, other haircare products never made it go back to normal. I even did a test and let my hair grow out a bit without any styling or manipulation and it grew out horribly wonky, limp, dry, curls getting looser, ETC. Just wanted to share this to ANYBODY that's struggling with this issue.

A lack of iron was my first thought. This also happened to another natural hair vlogger. I had this issue as well when I suffered from fibroids, and it truly affected my hair, nails, etc. So glad you checked into it. Once you begin taking the iron pills and changing your diet a little bit to include more iron, you will feel better and your hair will come back to life. :)

Yes please keep documenting your journey! I’m going through the same thing and it would definitely help! I was told I have really low iron levels too back in August and honestly haven’t been taking it seriously/taking my pills but I’ve definitely noticed a change in my curl pattern too. Going to start being more health conscious now thank you!

Hi Ashly, I also have an iron deficiency that’s been around almost all my life. Throughout pregnancy and the whole nine. I’m glad you found out and are able to take corrective steps in building back to good health. Good luck and I would love to hear about your progress forward. God bless love and light. Elaine

I cannot thank you enough for sharing this! I am anemic and have noticed a change in my curl pattern over the years (as my iron levels decreased). My doctor told me all about my anemia, but failed to mention that it had a effect on my hair. I recently did a big chop to my hair thinking it was just because of heat damage, but after watching this video and researching myself on the topic, I now realize it was probably due to my anemia. Your hair looks amazing and I can see the difference in your hair since you started an iron healthy diet. I looked for a good vitamin that I can take for hair growth and to give me iron and found that sugarbear gummies have that. I can't wait to start the process and definitely will be documenting my journey. Thank you so much for sharing ♥

That's awesome that you have a doctor that is supportive. It's also good that you discovered your iron deficiency and are taking care of it. Take care of yourself and track your progress

Yes, please keep us updated! Take care of yourself!!God Bless😊

Thanks for the video! We tend to get busy and neglect our health. I know I am overdo for a wellness check. I've been natural 2 years and you were one of the first you-tubers I binge watched. I still look forward to your videos. Yes pleeeeease track your progress so we can see the progress. Thanks

I found out last year that I had an iron deficiency, trust me I can relate to how you feeling right now, I have since big chopped and my curls are on an insane level, also I have had amazing growth, so keep the faith and keep taking your pills, your hair will be back to its former glory and even better!! Just FYI you are such an inspiration ❤️ thank you for being so open about your experience

I'm glad that you were able to find out what's going on. I went through this last year. I had all of the symptoms that you mentioned and I too thought I was overweight and needed to get back in the gym. My iron was so low that my doctor decided to have me get three rounds of iron transfusions. Since then, I've been on supplements and have been proactively includung more iron rich foods. Over the past 6 months my numbers have been reading in the normal range (I have to get blood work monthly until my doctor is confident that my iron level is positively stable). It was very scary hearing the effects of low iron when I first got the call too, but thankfully my doctor has been very very thorough around a plan to resolve it. I'm glad you have a doctor who is on top of it.

I’m a boy and I noticed my curls not being as prominent. Thank you for this video. Now I understand why my hair is being stupid. 😀

Yes please keep tracking your progress and keeping us posted, as I'm sure it will give some of us dealing with the same issues, hope and to stay informed.

Yes, please track your progress on your hair journey. Also, thank you for sharing this because it will help so many others who may be dealing with the same issue and don’t n is what’s really going on. The one thing I do know concerning iron is that for women that are not yet in menopause and still menstruate, we have to make sure we’re getting enough iron. Especially since we menstruate every month and lose a lot of that iron so we have to be getting in back in our bodies. I’m so glad you got to the bottom of this, and now you can get your curls back 😊

Thanks for sharing! Glad you found a solution!! Take care of yourself! Hope you are feeling better soon! 💕

I'm so happy I saw this post! Everything you mentioned happened to me, and my doctor just prescribed me an iron supplement. However, if I hadn't read this post, I never would have connected iron with my hair issues. Thank you so much!

Oh wow Ashly, glad you addressed this issue before it worsened! Thank you for sharing this and bringing awareness to iron-deficiency. Yes, we must pay close attention to our bodies, physically and emotionally. Irish Sea Moss is an EXCELLENT source for iron, and in my opinion, it's like the "mother" of all iron products. There are some cheap versions, and if you consider buying, please make sure you are getting quality and would love to see an update on your progress. Wishing you continued success and nurturing, and greater health!

Track your progress. Very glad you saw the dr to find out the true cause. When I turned 40 my hair changed and that's when i decided to go natural. Thanks for being so transparent!

I'm so glad I came across this video! I had no idea what was going on with my hair, but I have had problems with low iron in the past! Thanks a million!!

Hey Ashly, I am glad you found out what was happening with your hair! That is a relief to know than not to know. I suffer from Sickle Cell Anemia, and just realizing and coming to the conclusion I just cannot do my hair all by myself. But blessed be to Jehovah God after going back to my hair dresser today my hair is fine. Have not had my hair pressed in about 3.5 yrs, but she said it was fine, actually thicker at the root!! Still trying to figure out my hair, but I need a break and life is so busy it was nice to get pampered today. Thanks for all your videos and help!!

Omg! Thank you for reminding me why I need to go back to my doctor to have my levels checked again. I too suffered the same iron deficiency and symptoms. Vitamin D was also almost non-existent. Time to step up the health game!

Wow! I learned something new. I have a friend who has thinning hair. She ask me about it since I’m natural & do videos and I told her I wasn’t sure... definitely going to have her check this video out! Keeping you lifted in prayer and hoping you’re feeling better pretty girl! 💜

def track your progress not just for us viewers but for yourself as well ! sorry to hear about your iron level being so low but as long as you're doing what you're supposed to be you'll be back to on top of your a game - best of luck !

This information was a surprise I am anemic and do notice periodically my journey on my hair changing may be my body in need of more iron thank you for sharing xo

Yes!!!!! I went to the dr they took my blood and she sent me right to the ER. I needed a blood transfusion and they kept me for 4days. The ER dr said to me “how you are functioning” my hemoglobin was at a 4 I was in the brink of being in the ICU. I’m a single mom and always on the run! But I now take iron pills now 3times a day. And I’m working on getting my hair back to how it was. My hair is exactly like yours that’s why I subscribed to your channel! Best of luck to you and I will keep following!

Hey Ashley! I seen your recent videos and I am really happy for you that your curls and texture are back healthy. It makes me happy to know that you don’t straighten your hair or dye it and you truly embrace your curls. It’s a blessing to have thick curly hair. I can say I am extremely disappointed and frustrated because I’ve died my hair a lot and I am not sure if that could be the only cause but I use to have very thick hair, beautiful ringlet curls. My hair is thinner now then before, curls are almost gone… I straighten it once a year and despite that it just feels very light weight and I am concerned. I don’t have low iron so I’m not sure what could be happening…

I was so worried 😩 I definitely have the fatigue and shortness of breath symptoms. Thank you for this video, it's the only helpful one out here 💗✨

Wow! I’m so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing your story with us!!!

Thanks for this! My hair has been slowly getting straighter and I have 4c hair or should I say had! I have low iron too and felt awful for awhile. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Same here! My hair texture changed, the fatigue was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I thought I was losing. No hair products worked on my hair. I was ready to go bald smh. I’m glad I’m not the only one. I really thought I was tripping until I went to the doctor! This video was so helpful

I am so glad you are taking care of your WHOLE self and encouraging others to do the same.

My hair texture changed and I am iron deficient and I had no idea they were related so I will be more faithful with my iron pills! Thanks

Glad u caught this in good time! I have hypothyroidism and low iron level count as well. hard,but knowing is the 1st step to getting well!! Once you really start noticing the positive changes that will motivate the hell out of you,lol!! Stay well!!✊🏾

I have been following you for almost a year, and I did notice a slight difference in your hair. I have a low thyroid and was severely anemic, so I know what you're going through. It took me 2 years for my hair to go back to the state I remember. I'm 42, and I will tell you that, keeping track of your Iron and folic acid, is KEY!! Also, hydrate!! H20!! Lol! Keep us posted on your progress please.

Hey Ashly! My hair texture changed dramatically as well but I sincerely thought it was related to my move to Japan. Also, in the past few months since the beginning of this year up to recently I found that my energy has depleted significantly. I wondered if it was something regarding what I might not be intaking as a vegan. And then after watching your video I put everything together. It makes total sense to me now especially given the fact that when I was much younger I couldn’t absorb iron well. I forgot about that problem altogether but now it’s come full circle. Thank you for sharing and I wish for you full recovery... ❤️

Thank you so much for sharing this! I have recently experienced my hair texture and density changing. I had taken a year off from heat and still nothing. I had attempted to donate blood and was told my iron was too low, but thought it was due to me being on my menstrual cycle. You've definitely prompted me to get a full blood work done with my doctor and see if I'm deficient and see what things could be going on with me as well. Please track you journey! It would be great to see your progress!!

So glad you're back. Really missed your videos. Hope you feel better soon. Please track your progress, would be interesting to see.

WOW!! I JUST FOUND YOUR VIDEO, and this is exactly what happened to me. I am anemic, and actually had to have a blood transfusion, but had no idea, Iron deficiency was the problem. I also had and still have the same issue with the darkness around my eyes. Thank You so much for this video👍. Very informative.

So thankful for this video. This is confirmation of what my diagnosis is as well! Thank you for keeping this video up! I have my iron infusion in two weeks❤

Thanks for sharing Ashly! This will help so many who may be suffering from the same thing ❤️

A big eye opener. Thanks boo. Happy you got to the bottom of it😙

You hair is amazing😍, glad you figured it out. Thanks for sharing your amazing. !!!!!!!

Such an informative video 💜 health is definitely wealth. Thank you for sharing.

This was a great help! Never thought iron could be an issue but all the signs you stated I could relate to. Thanks for sharing!

That is very true! Back in February, I started an 8 week session for iron IV treatment! I, too, started my natural haor journey in April 2014. Back in February, I noticed my hair was thinning too. I tell you....getting those treatments was the best thing for me, of course along with eating the correct foods high in iron!

Omg this video has helped me so much. I have had the same issue with my hair lately and never thought that it was because of my iron levels. So thank you ☺️

Hi I Love your videos! ❤️ I’m so glad that I continued to watch your channel. Because I have low iron deficiency as well, now I haven’t had any changes in my hair texture, however, I did notice shortness of breath, and wasn’t aware that it could be due to low iron. I contributed it to other things like my heart etc. Thank You, so much I now have my answer because I had blood work done etc. and Dr.’s have told me I’m ok! But yet I was still having shortness of breath. Grateful to you, sorry for your experience, I pray God ‘s healing over you. Amen 🙏🏽

Please track your progress! I am glad that you found out the issue and working on your health. I have missed your videos. Glad that you are feeling better😊

Thank you for posting this! I have Dr. Who I can't stand because I honestly feel like she doesn't take my health seriously. She hasn't been telling me ANYTHING about my levels. I was .2% away from BEING PRE DIABETIC and she said NOTHING. This just goes to show that people need to start taking better care of themselves, Dr or not. Eat more vegetablesz drink more water, be more physically active.

Thanks Ashley! I never thought that low iron could be the cause of so many issues with hair abd nails. So now that I know, I will definitely start taking my iron like I should. I would live gor you to track your progress as well as advise on products that work for this issue. Thank you again.

This happened to me last summer. My iron levels were very low and I had to cut my hair off into a tapered cut. In addition to taking iron pills and eating iron rich foods, I also purchased an old school cast iron skillet. That helped as well. You're right it is going to take some time. For me it was about six months before I began to see my hair density and curls return back to normal. Good luck.

Happy to see you and the source the issue was found now you can get back healthy....yes want to see updates 😍😍😍so happy you’re ok

Thanks so much for sharing! Please document your journey and keep us updated. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much for this. Needed the clarity

Ashly your back! I'm so sorry about your iron deficiency. Your hair looks marvelous and will be back to normal shortly. Just take it 1 day at a time.

Im so glad there a videos like these. I have cried over my hair. The one thing I can say about me is, Ive always had the most beautiful hair, since I was about 2 years old. Im almost 39 now. When I was 16 I desperately wanted straight hair as I couldnt manage my thick curls. I use to relax my hair & I mean I kept that product in much longer than it said on the box before washing it out & still my hair was strong & healthy. I wasnt know for dying my hair much, only now & again Id have highlights put in. I stopped using relaxers when I hit about 20 & never used them again as I didnt need to as my hair was straightening with the irons, but anytime I got bored with the straight hair, Id go wash it & it would go back to my normal curls. I got to 29/30 & decided I wanted to rock my natural curls, no more straightening & for a while all I did was put leave in conditioner in my hair & I was good to go, maybe some moose to get my curls a little more crunchy. In 2015 I noticed my hair was thinning. I had to try cover up the bald patches & this upset me. I noticed my curls werent the same, but still curly enough. Then in 2016 I wanted a bit of a change & decided to colour & straighten my hair, but the colour didnt take to my hair. I gave up on the idea of colour but kept it straight for a few days. I got bored with it so went & washed it. As Im washing it I notice its still really straight. This isnt normal for my hair. I let it dry & still it was straight. For a few days I tried to get my curls back but they were gone. I thought I could trick my hair by getting a curling want to make curls & then the curls would remain, but within a couple of hours even those curls dropped & Id be left with frizz. I went to different salons asking for advice & they all couldnt understand because they checked my hair & said my hair was strong & healthy, no damage. One said it could be hormones or lack of vitamins. My doctor was useless. Its 2020 now & I have days were my curls are trying to come back & days were they wont. I was so frustrated & couldnt style my hair as nothing would stay so I would keep it up in this horrible bun each day, making me feel unattractive. Then I went to a hair salon to get help & they just made things worse. I got so frustrated that I ended up just straightening it because anything was better than this ugly bun. Ive been hearing many people with our hair type say its lack of iron & I believe I lack iron in my body so ive started taking vitamins including iron to see what happens. Ive also heard products with silicone in it can cause these issues with our hair, so Im looking around for shampoos that dont have it. Wish me luck in getting my curls back. I really miss them 🤦🏽‍♀️

I had my son last August and I noticed my hair changed during my pregnancy and I also notice a difference now postpartum. I think we are now starting to take a turn in the right direction :) Also my iron is always low too and watching this reminds me that I really need to go back on a multi vitamin. Gotta stay healthy for myself and little man :)

Thank you so much for this useful video! Same problems, thoughts "I'm getting old" , same doctors "you're fineee, it's normal". With this video I see a hope! Thank you and bless you :*:*

I’ve always had beautiful curly hair and never use heat on it, but the last year my hair has been disrespectful 😭 it’s starting to go straight at the root. And idk what to do 😫 I moved from New Mexico to Texas and I’m not sure if it’s the water here or since I’ve been off BC. The struggle is real. So glad you got answers!

I would love for you to track your progress! I'm going through the same issue as well but WE BOTH will get better! Stay encouraged.

This happened to my hair too! I did research and found it could be cause from iron deficiency and started taking iron supplements now my hair is growing back in normal. I plan on making a video about my experience. I’m surprised to find this video because at the time when I was trying to find videos about the texture change I could not really find anything that seemed to be my situation.

I’m so glad I found this video!! I have been facing the same exact thing. Had also been told I have very low iron but didn’t know my hair change could be due to this! Thank you for this video

Thank YOU Thank YOU...My hair has gone from being like yours used to be too almost straight now and super thin. I have always been anemic but never knew that one day it would affect my hair. I am going to sub for sure and keep up with your progress.

Yes please track your changes. My hair has gotten thin and was shedding bad wondering if I could have an iron deficiency as well. Def going to get checked out. Thank you for this informative vid!

I’m a severe anemic and this is definitely true. I had been wondering why my curls looked looser than they used to be after my iron had dropped really low and asked my doctor and she told me this. I have to take my iron pills twice a day and eat foods with really high iron. Grape juice also helps. Glad you were smart enough to see a doctor!

My iron stayed low because of fibroids so I elected to have them removed along with a partial hysterectomy. I had the same issues as you along with heavy periods. I now take a liquid iron and go get labs drawn once a month. It’s been 4 months and I feel so much better!

Thank you for this info!! My hair was thicker when I was younger and thinned out. This may be something I need to look into.

Thank you! I needed this information. My hair and curls were going away thought because I was getting older.

Me and my mom are anemic 😩 I have dealt with half those symptoms , I hope your hair gets back to what it use to be

Ah..ha...this explains so much. This makes so much sense now. Thank you for sharing your experience!

I honestly wonder if that's what's going on with me!!!! Thanks for this video....I'll have to get mine checked ASAP!!

I cut my hair recently and noticed my curly hair is growing back looser. & it def can’t be damage bc it’s all new growth literally my hair went from 3b to like 2c it’s really annoying. I don’t know what to do and this is the only video that helped. Thank you!

I am so happy that I watched this video, I have a 3a/3b curly hair type and have seriously tamed the amount on heat I use on my hair. I have straightened my hair maybe 15 times in the past year and those being special event's. I am thinking about seeing a doctor because thyroid problems run in my family and I am wondering if I have a possible iron deficiency. Thank you so much for helping me find a way to figure out what is wrong with my hair

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have noticed hair thinning in my front as well and I am now concerned. I will be seeing my dr to see if i have the deficiency as well. I absolutely love your hair and your channel and thank you for sharing!!!

Thank you for this. I needed to see this video. I have veen getting so upset over the change of my hair. Loss, thinness & curls gone.

I’m having the same hair issues and my dermatologist and pcp have not been helpful at all! My curls are gone my hair has thinned out in the front and my hair sheds so much😩 I’m glad I found your channel. I am going to speak up and demand an iron test. I want to just cut my hair off. Thank you for sharing! Please track your progress, I hope your hair issues get better your hair is beautiful. I’m going to a salon to get my hair cut next week but I may need to rethink it.

I’m glad you found out what’s going on. I’m anemic too and you have to be careful with taking iron because it can make you constipated. I know that’s kinda TMI but just a heads up.

Thanks for sharing! I’ve been having the same issue, wondering why my hair looks so damaged when I haven’t had heat in over a year (no relaxer in over 15 years). I have iron deficiency and never knew that’s what it could be. Would love to see your progress!

I Ashley welcome back is so good to see you I hope you are well and yes I was going through the same thing with my hair I never had problems with my hair until I stop using products that had sulfate in it matter fact I was always using Pantene products in my hair it always kept my hair from being Tangled my hair is somewhat fine but I love the change to my hair it's so much easier now and I don't have to worry about tangling hair so I look forward to seeing you your such a beautiful young lady and welcome back

Hi there, I had the same thing happen - glad I found your video. I searched for a video to find someone with the same hair texture and problem. Exactly....OMG...thank you. I just did blood work as a general procedure but this makes sense. I can't wait to see what the results say. I thought my curls were gone forever...thank you. I love wavy....but I love curls.

Hey! Iron Def has been my issue for a very long time and it wasn't until 2006 that a new Dr finally figured out why I could sleep for 18 hrs straight, wake up and want to sleep more! It was that bad! My mom and sister are iron def also. They both had iron IV; however, it made their hair fall out. As a result, I refused to have the IV (I can't bare to have my hair fall out!). I went natural in 2007 and have noticed many changes. Thinning & curls looser (my coils were very tight). It has taken about a couple of years (yikes!) for my hair to "come back" and now I must say that my texture has changed again - my roots are wavier - I don't know if this is a ok thing or not but I do try to make sure I am as consistent as possible with my iron intake. Thank you so much for sharing and providing us all with tips, tricks, styles, and just your overall joy! We are in this together!

Thank you very much. The past six months I've been noticing a lot of hair thinning, especially in the front [like where you showed] and my curls have been flat. Derp. I've been off my iron pill. I had severe anemia a few years ago due to heavy bleeding from PCOS. The doc said one or two points lower and I would have needed a transfusion. Luckily taking the iron brought the levels up. But this year I stopped taking it.

Surprise ending! I was thinking certain medications can cause this, but never thought about iron. Thank you for this! I have issues with iron and hemoglobin, as well as being frustrated by all this added length to my hair, but loss of curl and thickness.

So glad I came across this video tonight. I actually follow you on IG and I thought I noticed a difference in your hair too. Funny thing, I’m going through the exact same thing right now with my hair coming straight out of my scalp and it’s sooo loose, particularly at the top of my head. My hair seems much thinner rather than thick like I’m used to it being. I will definitely be scheduling a doc appt tues. Thanks for the advice.❤️

Yes, please track your progress. I have hypothyroidism and the medication has definitely made my hair thinner, as well as the fact that I am in my late 40’s. It’s good to share these experiences, so that others may learn. I wish you well and hope your health and curls bounce back.

Wow, thank you so much for this honest video. I really need to look at my own iron levels.

Wow. Thanks for sharing that!

I would love to see your progress!

Ashly I totally understand you, I suffer from the same iron deficiency for 10 years because of the thyroid, my body does not retain iron and I must consume it in large quantities. The last medication I am taking is indicated to pregnant women. We must be more aware of our body alert us when something is wrong, we suffer from this deficiency we have: yellowish skin, weak nails, alopecia, fatigue, constant sleep, muscle weakness among others. We are together in this and we will come out of it. Besos desde RD 😘❤️

It’s good that you caught it early before it got out of hand. Stay healthy honey try not to take too much pills, do a lot of green juices especially after your period it helps me a lot as I’m anemic ❤️