A hairdresser has revealed how people can identify if they're suffering from vitamin deficiency - by brushing their locks.
Erica Westbrook, the founder of Westbrook Co. The Salon, in Garland, Texas, shared a video of her brushing a client's hair on TikTok.
As she moves her comb through the wet hair, the woman loses multiple strands, sparking the hairdresser's concern.
In the caption of the video, which has been viewed three million times, Erica warns: "This is what vitamin deficiency looks like.
"If your hair looks like this as you comb, you need to talk to your doctor, it can get better."
The video has racked up thousands of likes - with many viewers thanking the hairstylist for raising awareness.
In the video, Erica said she noticed her client's hair coming out as she shampooed her hair and urged her to visit the doctor.
After running tests, it was revealed that the woman had low Vitamin D levels - as Erica had initially expected.
She explains: "You've heard me talk about vitamin deficiencies causing hair loss.
"This is exactly what it looks like."
According to Anabel Kingsley, a consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley, hair is non-essential tissue, so it is the last part of you receive nutrients you intake.
Even a small deficiency can cause hair loss - with the most common deficiencies being iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D and zinc deficiency.
Some of the most important nutrients for healthier hair include vitamin D and biotin, vitamins B2 and B12, iron, zinc and omega fatty acids.
Bodies make the vitamin naturally when exposed to sunlight but in April the NHS website was updated to urge Brits to take supplements while they were under lockdown.
The advice currently states: "It's important to take vitamin D as you may have been indoors more than usual this year.
"You should take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D a day between October and early March to keep your bones and muscles healthy.
"There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).
"But there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D to prevent or treat coronavirus."
The viral video has sparked a huge reaction - with many people thanking the stylist for her efforts to educate.
One viewer commented: "I had hair loss and my dermatologist had me tested for vitamin D, amongst other things.
"Vitamin D definitely helped."
Another responded: "Thank you for this vid! Jut found out mu sister's vitamin D level is low."
A third added: "I am currently taking Vitamin D and my hair is so strong and full of life."
