As we undergo another lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreaks, it’s fair to say that the past year has been a very stressful time with most of us experiencing unimaginable challenges. Excessive stress can have a huge impact on many aspects of our mental and physical well-being, including causing hair loss. And with salons once again closed, you would have turned to your trusted hairdresser for advice and may feel stuck now and not know what to do.
Stress-induced hair loss is an issue that could impact on some of you almost immediately or others within 6-12 weeks’ time, while others will not notice any difference.
To help you give yourself the support you need, wig and hair loss experts Banbury Postiche have teamed up with Lynda Hutton MIT from The Hair Care and Trichology Clinic to share the key advice that can help to identify and manage hair loss caused by stress.
Understand the types of stress-induced hair loss
The most common hair loss resulting from stress is called Telogen Effluvium. It is caused when hair follicles are pushed to the resting phase. This creates diffused hair loss and its effects take six to 12 weeks for the results to occur.
Another type of hair loss that has been linked to stress is Alopecia Areata, which causes patches of loss. With Alopecia Areata a patch can appear within weeks. In many cases the hair will grow back within six months without intervention.
Trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder or compulsive hair pulling, occurs when people pull out their own hair or eyelashes. This condition needs to be treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Suggest a heat styling holiday
This is a perfect opportunity to improve the condition of the hair. Encourage yourself to wash your hair less frequently, go easy on the styling products and pack the hair dryer and styling tools away for a while.
While improving the condition of the hair won’t have an impact on hair loss, it will give the illusion of healthier hair.
It’s worth mentioning that hair should still be washed a minimum of once a week to maintain scalp health.
Look for ways to reduce your stress levels….
That might sound easier said than done, but here are some steps that you can be taken to reduce stress – even at this crazy time.
• Talk to your hairdresser if you can with any issues you have regarding your hair it may help you feel calmer.
• Be reassured that you are not alone with your feelings at this time
• Maintain a daily routine if possible your feel better
• Set one small achievable goal and practice relaxation techniques.
• If stress becomes unmanageable there are lots of online support groups
for mental well-being, while Alopecia UK is a fantastic community for those suffering from the condition.
Recommend a healthy diet….
Stress also impacts on digestion and how the body deals with the absorption of important nutrients. As the body doesn’t consider hair essential tissue, it is the first thing it will cut off the supply to if there is a lack of nutrients. A healthy diet includes all the main food groups, including plenty of protein and leafy greens.
Take good vitamins as advised…..
Always stick to the recommended dose of hair supplements, as there can be side-effects from taking the wrong amount. For example, low iron can interrupt the cycle of the hair but too much iron is bad for the body as well.
Being inside may reduce your exposure to Vitamin D from sunlight, so this is a sensible time to introduce a Vitamin D supplement.
Use power-up products
Nioxin and CRL Lab are renowned for their extensive research into thinning hair and hair loss and for formulating the most effective haircare and styling ranges for these complaints.
Their products are backed by Trichologists and have proven track records in slowing hair loss and improving the condition of the scalp.
Get wiggy with it
Hair loss and stress can create a vicious circle because the hair loss causes additional stress. Wigs can be a fantastic tool to alleviate the stress from alopecia. They’re also fantastic for those having heat styling holidays or with roots they’d rather not show off.
CONTACT ME
If you would like to discuss any hair issues due to normal everyday issues or due to covid please feel free to email me at Sharmainw13@gmail.com
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