Hair Loss and Stress – Ways Stress Affects Your Hair
Raise your hand if you’re under stress! Just turning on the TV these days is enough to stress us out. Let’s face it, we’re all affected in one way or another by the global pandemic, some of us more than others. The way we deal with stress varies from person to person and makes a difference in our lives.
When you feel stressed, the last thing you’re thinking about is your hair. We all know that stress is not good for your body, and your overall health. You’ve probably never even thought about it not being good for your hair. Our doctors tell us to reduce stress. Ha! Easy for them to say!
Did you know that when we are stressed it creates changes in our hormones? They shift their focus and instead of doing what they usually do, they deal with the threat that seems to be present. This will cause a shift in hormones and creates changes to your body in multiple ways.
WORK ON WHAT YOU CAN CHANGE ABOUT YOU
So let’s try to reduce stress by focusing on the things we CAN control and letting go of what we can’t.
- Our internal health is important so start with taking vitamins and supplements. These can greatly improve your well-being as well as your hair and nails. Speak to an expert in your local vitamin store as to what they recommend to help combat the effects of stress.
- Take advantage of the summer weather by taking a stroll and soaking up some of Mother Nature’s Vitamin D. Stop and literally smell the flowers, look at the sky, view some sunsets (or sunrises) and do so in a very conscious and deliberate way.
- Eat healthy!! Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables. Read labels. If you can’t pronounce it then don’t buy it. My mantra is “if you can read it, you can eat it”!
- Listen to your favorite music
- Meditate, yoga, practice mindfulness. Those are proven methods of reducing stress.
If you are really feeling stressed out, perhaps losing sleep or not eating (or eating poorly) then speak with a mental health professional. It really can help!
Unless you address your stress it could continue to cause issues in your life and lead to more shedding and more hair loss.
WORK ON WHAT YOU CAN CHANGE ABOUT YOUR HAIR
What can you do to make sure your hair is as healthy as possible?
- Start by using products that are naturally based and created with your health in mind. Stay away from harsh chemicals. Take advantage of the warm weather and let your hair dry naturally. If you really feel the need to use heat styling instruments, use it for less time and try a lower setting.
- Moisturize your scalp with a good line of moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. The sun, salt water, and pools can be very drying. Now that salons are open for all services, call and make an appointment for a soothing scalp treatment.
- Try to avoid tension on your hair by avoiding ponytails and buns as they can increase the amount of hair loss you have. You may also want to work with your hairstylist to come up with new styling techniques and help you hide any areas that may appear to be thinning.
The good news is that stress related hair loss usually reverses itself once the stress is reduced. You can very likely see your hair growth cycle return to normal which takes approximately three to nine months.
In the interim, if you’re really not happy with the current state of your hair, that’s okay. You can invest in a hair topper or volumizer to help give you the look you want. There are many options available, and they really look natural. Why not treat yourself to a new you while you wait for your hair to come back in?
Taking these steps and working closely with a hair professional, it is possible to have the beautiful hair you desire again. For your overall health, work to reduce the stress you have in your life. It’s not easy but it is achievable. Doing this can improve the amount of hair loss you’re experiencing as well as greatly improve your quality of life!
To learn more about the treatments and options available for you, please contact the staff at www.HairsolutionsLI.com
