You may think hair loss from stress is permanent, but luckily, most of the time, it’s temporary. You can regain your lush locks, and here are some practical ways. So, let’s dive into the world of hair growth and stress management.
Why Does Stress Cause Hair Loss?
Stress is a sneaky culprit, often lurking in the shadows of major life events like job loss, divorce, or losing a loved one. But how does it lead to hair loss? The answer lies in our hair follicles and the hair growth cycle.
Our hair follicles are like tiny factories, tirelessly producing strands of hair. They go through a cycle of growth, rest, and shedding.
Under normal circumstances, this cycle is well-regulated. However, when stress enters the picture, it disrupts this cycle. The stress hormone, cortisol, rises in our bodies, pushing more hair follicles into the shedding phase prematurely.
This phenomenon leads to types of hair loss such as Telogen Effluvium, where hair falls out in handfuls, and Alopecia Areata, where hair falls out in patches.
Here are 8 ways to regain hair loss from stress.
1. Manage Stress
The first step to regaining hair loss from stress is, unsurprisingly, managing stress. It’s easier said than done, but there are practical ways to achieve it.
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help you stay grounded and reduce stress levels. They allow you to focus on the present moment, taking your mind off your worries. But this method is temporary.
You’d better figure out the origin of your stress, and then find ways to deal with it may help you eliminate stress in the future, and thus prevent hair loss from stress.
2. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is not just for the weary; it’s for those who want to maintain a healthy mane too. During sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates itself, including your hair follicles.
When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more cortisol, the stress hormone, which as we’ve learned, can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your body the rest it needs. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your room dark, quiet, and cool, and establish a regular sleep schedule.
3. Have A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is like fuel for your hair. It provides the necessary nutrients for hair growth. Incorporate foods rich in protein, iron, vitamins A, C, and E, and Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. These nutrients promote hair growth and health.
Protein is the building block of hair, while iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles. Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants, protecting the hair follicles from damage, and Omega-3 fatty acids nourish the hair, promoting a healthy scalp.
So, next time you’re at the grocery store, fill your cart with leafy greens, lean meats, nuts, and seeds.
4. Take Supplements
Supplements can be a great ally in your fight against hair loss. Biotin, Vitamin D, and Zinc are known to support hair growth.
Biotin helps the body convert food into energy and plays a role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin D may help create new hair follicles, the tiny pores in the scalp where new hair can grow. Zinc plays a role in hair tissue growth and repair. You can add these supplements to your diet.
5. Have Exercise
Regular physical activity helps reduce stress levels and improves blood circulation, including to your scalp, promoting healthier hair growth.
When you exercise, you’re not just working your muscles; you’re also increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your scalp. This can help your hair follicles stay healthy and produce strong, vibrant hair.
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a vigorous gym session, or a calming yoga class, find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.
6. Massage the Scalp
A good scalp massage stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever. Spend a few minutes each day massaging your scalp with your fingertips. You can do this while you’re shampooing in the shower or when you’re relaxing at the end of the day.
For an extra boost, use a few drops of essential oils like lavender or rosemary, which are known to promote hair growth.
7. Be Gentle with Your Hair
Your hair is going through a tough time, so be gentle with it. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the hair and minimize heat styling. These can cause “traction alopecia,” a type of hair loss caused by tension on the hair. Meanwhile, it’s better not to use a dryer and let it dry with air.
8. Try Hair Care Products
There are numerous hair care products on the market designed to combat hair loss. Using a gentle shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair.
Look for ones containing ingredients like minoxidil or finasteride, which are known to promote hair growth. Minoxidil, available over the counter, works by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles. Finasteride, a prescription medication, functions by blocking the production of a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.
9. Seek Professional Help
If your hair loss persists despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. A dermatologist or trichologist can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can determine if your hair loss is indeed due to stress or if there’s another underlying cause.
They can also recommend treatments that you may not have considered, such as laser therapy or corticosteroid injections.
Conclusion
Stress-induced hair loss can be regained. With the right strategies and patience, you can regain your hair and confidence.
