Serum Ferritin and Hair Iron Content in Correlation to Hair Diameter and Density: A Case-Control Study

March 2026 in “ Dermatology Reports ”

Arlha Aporia Debinta, W. Keumala Budianti, Andira Hardjodipuro Hardjodipuro, Sri Linuwih Menaldi, Dian Kusuma Dewi, Legiawati Lili, Yudo Irawan, Inge Ade Krisanti, Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya

serum ferritin hair iron content hair diameter hair density androgenetic alopecia AGA iron levels hair thickness hair loss

TLDR Hair iron levels might help increase hair thickness in early hair loss.

This study investigated the correlation between serum ferritin and hair iron content with hair diameter and density in Indonesian men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It included 33 men with AGA and 33 non-alopecia controls. The results showed no significant differences in serum ferritin and total hair iron levels between the groups. However, in men with milder AGA, a weak positive correlation was found between total hair iron level and hair diameter. In the non-alopecia group, a weak negative correlation was observed between serum ferritin and total hair iron levels. The findings suggest that hair iron levels may play a role in promoting hair thickness in early AGA, indicating potential for adjuvant therapy.

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