Stress, hair loss & all our thoughts…

Let’s chat a minute…about stress and what it does to our luscious locks!  Have you noticed more-than-usual hair clogging your shower drain or in your hairbrush during an especially stressful time? My friend, you aren’t alone. Sudden hair loss should be discussed with a physician, but know that it can be caused by stress and anxiety. 

Stress may cause hair loss directly from the scalp. Physical and emotional stress can have a direct impact on your hair follicles, leading to hair loss. It is not uncommon to notice hair loss 6-12 weeks after a stressful period.

The adult scalp has approximately 100,000 hair follicles on its heads. Each follicle is in a constant cycle of growth and rest. During the transition from growth to rest is when hair shed occurs. During a stressful time, a trigger causes sudden, unusual shifts of the hair into the resting phase, prompting hair loss. The trigger that causes this? Extreme emotional stress and anxiety. 

There are 3 types of hair loss caused by stress.

Telogen Effluvium is the resting phase your hair follicles enter after a growth cycle. It may be prematurely entered due to stress or trauma. On any given day, 5-10% of hair is in the resting phase. With telogen effluvium, the percentage of hair in this phase greatly increases to more than 100 strands a day. 

Trichotillomania is a hair-pulling disorder. A person with this condition may be going through extreme stress, anxiety, depression, frustration, or boredom. The hair may be pulled from the scalp, eyebrows, and lashes. Scalp thinning follows such hair loss.

Alopecia areata is identified by bald patches on the scalp due to stress. Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles. 

A number of stressful situations trigger hair loss, including chronic illness, pregnancy, relationship or financial issues, poor nutrition, and medications like antidepressants. Here are a few tips to reduce stress and protect your hair:

1. Learn and practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing
2. Exercise regularly, which reduces stress
3. Spend time with people who are positive
4. Seeing a therapist or professional to help
5. Eat a healthy diet and take vitamins or supplements to encourage hair strength and healthy hormones
6. Treat your hair with care - a good hair routine using gentle shampoo and conditioner have a protective layer to the hair cuticle. Is you style with heat tools, always use a protectant product like a hydrating spray.

Taking a hair vitamin like HAIR HIPPIE from Kunu is a great option to promote good hair health.
Let’s grab a tasty Hair Hippie treat and take those stress levels down a notch or two!  💖

Big love,

Chrissy Scott