Understanding Stress Hair Loss and How to Treat it

On average, women shed about 100 to 150 strands of hair daily, and some women lose a lot more than that. For those that experience the latter, this is often referred to as stress hair loss, and it can turn out to be a major issue if left unaddressed. We have gathered information from professional hair stylists in Clapham to shed light on the situation. In today’s blog, our aim is to educate women about the symptoms of stress related hair loss, and share some valuable tips on regaining hairless caused by stress, and share some measures you can take to prevent this from happening to you.

 

Types of stress-related hair loss 

People experience hair thinning as a result of stress, and it may begin when you start noticing that your hair is no longer as thick as it once was. If this is happening to you, and at the same time you are carrying the crumbling weight of pressure from daily stress, there is a chance that you might be experiencing stress-related hair loss. Living with any of these conditions can affect anyone’s confidence, but we are here to tell you that this happens to many people. In this blog, we are going to guide you through some of the medical conditions and their distinctions to help you identify and address them. If you are affected by any of these conditions, we hope that by the end of this blog you feel more in control and confident enough to walk into your next Olaplex bond repair treatment at your favourite salon.

Telogen Effluvium (TE)

Telogen effluvium or TE occurs when there’s a change in the number of hair follicles that are actually growing hair leading to shedding status. Stress causes hair to be pushed into the resting cycle, resulting in less growth. This type of thinning may not occur all over the head. It’s often seen in patches and commonly found toward the center of the scalp. People affected by TE typically don’t lose all of their scalp hair. The good news is the hair loss that occurs from TE is fully reversible. TE doesn’t permanently damage the hair follicles, instead, TE will affect the duration of your hair growth. It can mean the difference on whether your hair grows back in a few short months or longer. When the situation normalizes, the hairs get pushed out. Before you invest in hair extensions Clapham, it is important to note that this condition does not cause baldness.

Alopecia Areata (AA)

Alopecia actually means “hair loss”. This type of female pattern baldness can occur due to severe stress. Severe stress can make your immune system attacks your hair follicles, and it can result in hair loss. With Alopecia, hair may be lost in round patches on the scalp, or even across the entire scalp. The hair may grow back and fall out repeatedly over a period of time. AA can affect men and women of any age, and unfortunately, there is still no known cure for AA.

How to Regain Hair Loss from Stress?

Hair loss due to stress, will it grow back?  You can still take charge, and there are a number of things that you can do to reduce hair loss and encourage new growth and it all comes down to self-care.

Diet and Nutrition

The hair can benefit and suffer as a direct result of what you eat. According to professionals and Olaplex stockists, eating a well-balanced, healthy diet of whole foods is essential for your overall health as well as the health of your hair. While it is critical to have all of the essential vitamins in a healthy diet, there are some that may be more vital to hair growth:

Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential for building collagen, the skin’s connective tissue that is found in hair follicles. Foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, and strawberries. Vitamin C supplements are also a viable option.

Vitamin B: This complex of many vitamins promotes a healthy metabolism, as well as healthy skin and hair. B vitamins can be found in foods like dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, and avocados.

Vitamin E: This vitamin contains potent antioxidants, which can contribute to a healthy scalp. Foods rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, spinach, olive oil, broccoli, and shrimp.

Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration is also essential to overall good health. Every cell in your body relies on water to function properly.

Stress Management

You guessed it, dealing with stress in a healthy way can help you prevent stress-induced hair loss or lower its rate. Of course, this is often easier said than done. You may have to try several different stress-management techniques before you find what works for you. Below are a few proven activities that lower stress, but they are not limited to these. We would encourage you to explore activities that match your lifestyle.

Exercise: Exercise is a great way to eliminate stress. Try taking a light daily walk, signing up for a dance class, or doing some yard work.

Hobbies: Occupying yourself with something that you enjoy doing can be a great way to combat stress. Consider doing volunteer work, joining your local community theatre group, planting a garden, or starting an art project.

Writing: Try taking a few minutes each day to write about your feelings and the things that cause you stress. Reviewing the daily items that trigger your stress may help you to discover ways of coping with it.