By now, we all know that stress is bad for our general health, but do you know that stress is also directly related to the health of your hair as well?
Stress causes the body to produce a hormone called cortisol, which can affect nearly every part of your body. When you're under prolonged stress, cortisol levels can rise and negatively impact your hair. It can decrease hair production, increase the breakdown of essential skin/scalp elements, and even cause inflammation throughout your body - which can lead to more health problems down the road.
3 Ways Stress Effects Hair Loss
1. Causing Telogen Effluvium (TE) - One common type of hair loss related to stress is Telogen Effluvium, which causes excessive shedding of hair. This condition is often triggered by stress and is more commonly seen in women. Stress can be either short-term (acute), long-term (chronic), or caused by hormonal changes. When it is the primary cause, we typically see a disruption in the hair cycle: shorter hairs being shed and/or sudden bursts of shedding with little re-growth.
2. Worsening Existing Hair Loss - If you're already dealing with Alopecia Areata or Androgenic Alopecia (genetic or hormonal hair loss), stress can make these conditions worse. For example, stress can cause small patches of hair loss in Alopecia Areata to grow larger or take longer to regrow. With Androgenic Alopecia, stress can speed up hair thinning or cause it to progress faster than it otherwise would.
3. The Stress/Hair Loss Cycle - Losing your hair can be a major source of stress, particularly for women. Unfortunately, this can create a vicious cycle where the stress from hair loss causes even more hair loss, which leads to even more stress. Breaking this cycle can be one of the toughest parts of dealing with hair loss.
Managing Stress to Support Hair Growth
I work with my clients to help them manage stress because it has such a significant impact on hair health. Reducing stress can improve your hair's chances of regrowth and help you feel more in control of the process. Here are my top recommendations for managing stress:
1. Create a Treatment Plan That Fits Your Life - The treatment plan for hair regrowth should never add more stress to your life. In fact, it should help you feel more in control and give you hope for the future. I work with you to design a plan that works for you and your lifestyle.
2. Use Stress-Reducing Supplements - Adaptogens are natural supplements that can help your body better manage stress. These can counteract the negative effects of cortisol, including its impact on your hair health.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude - We live in a fast-paced world, where many of us, especially women, are constantly focused on the next goal. We rarely take the time to pause and appreciate what we've already accomplished. Studies show that taking just two minutes a day to reflect on what you have and how far you've come can lower cortisol levels and help calm your nervous system.
4. Deep Belly Breathing Before Bed - Slow, deep breathing before bed can have an immediate calming effect on your body and mind. It helps reduce stress and improve sleep, which is crucial for overall health—and for healthy hair growth.
5. Incorporate HeartMath into Your Routine - HeartMath is a science-based method for reducing stress and improving mental, physical, and emotional health. It uses breathing techniques to help balance your nervous system. This approach is used by the U.S. military and many large companies to promote better performance and health.
Managing stress is key to improving your hair health. By acknowledging the link between stress and hair loss and adopting strategies to reduce stress, you can give your hair the best chance to grow back and thrive. If you’re struggling with hair loss, remember, you’re not alone. There are solutions, and taking control of your stress can make a world of difference.
Your Trichologist,
Cali
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