Sharing tips on how to reduce stress-related hair loss.
Hello friends! Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed the weekend and your week is off to a great start. We are vacuuming out Liv’s room and cleaning out her closet today (pray for me) and looking forward to jumping in the pool later.
For today’s post, I want to talk about something that affects a lot of women (and men): hair loss. Hormonal changes, stress, toxins, nutrition, and hair care practices can affect the quality and quantity of hair, so I thought I’d share some tips to keep your hair lustrous and healthy.
A friendly reminder that I am not a doctor. If you notice hair loss, especially sudden hair loss, see your doctor as soon as possible. This could be a sign that something else is going on, so it’s worth seeing your healthcare provider for a full evaluation.
I’d like to say I’ve been there. With postpartum, illness and stressful life events, the quality, texture and volume of my hair has been affected. In the last five years, I think I’ve seen a huge improvement with my hair. Friendly Reminder: This post is not medical advice and is for informational purposes only.
How to reduce stress-related hair loss
In our fast-paced and demanding lives, stress is an all-too-familiar companion. Although it can affect various aspects of our health, one surprising effect is stress-related hair loss. Chronic stress can lead to hair thinning and shedding, leaving us concerned about the health of our precious locks. Today, I’m going to chat about the link between stress and hair fall and arm you with practical strategies to combat its effects.
Understand the stress-hair loss connection:
Before tackling the problem, it is important to understand how stress affects the health of our hair. Stress can trigger hormonal imbalances, especially an increase in cortisol levels, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause hair loss. Recognizing this connection empowers us to take proactive steps to reduce stress and minimize its negative impact on our hair.
Adopt stress management strategies:
Implementing effective stress management strategies is key. Explore relaxation practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga to promote a sense of calm and reduce stress hormones. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can do wonders in managing stress. Here is my blog post with lots of meditation tips.
Prioritize self-care and me-time:
Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, remember to prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a long bath or engaging in a hobby, giving yourself regular time to reduce stress and nurture your hair’s health is essential.
Be kind to your hair 😉
I think especially in the US, we are obsessed with products and can dry out hair. I like to wash my hair once a week, twice if I sweat extra. I also use nourishing products (Under Luna is my favorite shampoo and conditioner combo right now!), and try to avoid heat whenever possible. Brush dry hair and make sure to use a heat protectant spray when using heat. Try a nourishing mask once a week.
Nourish your body with a balanced diet:
A nutrient-rich diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair. Include foods high in vitamins (B, C, D, E), minerals (especially zinc, iron) and omega-3 fatty acids to support hair growth and combat stress-related hair loss. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds and fatty fish are excellent additions to your stress-busting menu. Hair loss can be a sign of a mineral deficiency or imbalance; Work with the provider to get to the root cause of why this is happening.
Some of my favorite hair supplements include omega-3s, B-complex (if needed), collagen (I order from Thrive Market) and Hair Support. (Talk to your doctor before adding new supplements to your routine.)
My favorite method to test for minerals and toxic heavy metals is hair and tissue mineral analysis. If you are interested in working together and exploring testing options, email me at gina@fitnessista.com
Be active in dealing with stress:
Physical activity is a natural stress-reliever that benefits both your body and mind. Engage in regular exercise that you enjoy to reduce stress hormones and increase endorphin levels. Remember that exercise can stress the body depending on the frequency and intensity. Make sure you include a mix of low and high intensity workouts with 1-2 days of full recovery each week.
Adopt a healthy sleep routine:
Quality sleep is the body’s way of rejuvenating and recharging. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime to improve your sleep quality. A well-rested body handles stress better, which leads to healthy hair growth and reduces hair fall. If you’re looking for sleep tips, check out this post!
Stress-related hair loss can be distressing, but with a few simple steps + working to determine the root cause of the problem, you can help promote healthy hair growth.
My Favorite Healthy Hair Resources:
Silk pillowcase
Under Luna (code FITNESSISTA)
Hair care routine
Heat protectant spray
So, tell me, friends: What’s your favorite hair product? Spread the word in the comments!
xo
Gina
