Stress And Hair Loss: 4 Self Care Solutions
2020 has been a year! On top of everything else, women are reporting hair loss at record levels. It’s an emotional topic, and one I find myself discussing regularly with my own beauty guests. Yes! Stress can lead to hair loss. Read on for 4 self care solutions for peace of mind.
HOW STRESS CAN LEAD TO HAIR LOSS
While “shedding is normal,” if you are losing more than the typical 50-100 strands a day, it might be worth taking a deep dive into lifestyle habits that may be at play. Job changes, financial stressors, social isolation, “Zoom school” – and even all of them at once – can lead to elevated stress levels.
Besides genetics, one of the most common causes for hair loss in women is stress. “This can be emotional, such as suffering the loss of a loved one, or physical stress such as a severe illness or major surgery,” says Dr. Carolyn Kreig at Parsley Health. “There is frequently a delay of a few months between the onset of the stressor and the appearance of hair loss. Likewise, it can take months after the stressor is over to notice your hair loss improve.”
For these reasons, it’s increasingly important to focus on self care as a critical part of your routine. Here’s 4 my self care solutions to alleviate stress and help save your strands.
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #1: START A DAILY MEDITATION OR MINDFULNESS ROUTINE
In today’s world, we’re constantly connected to technology and that means we’re regularly flooded with news and information that can feel overwhelming. It’s important to find ways to disconnect and tune in with ourselves. Even a few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety.
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #2: EXERCISE AND FLOW
The shorter days of winter can limit our routine but a brief walk outside or flowing through a favorite yoga routine can help lower our body’s stress hormones, release endorphins and help us sleep better (we all know how important sleep is for a healthy mindset!).
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #3: PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Energy flows where attention goes, so practicing gratitude reprograms our brains to look for the positive. Before you go to bed, make a list of 10 things you’re grateful for that day. What are your entries showing you? Gratitude journaling is a simple way to rev up our internal dialogue!
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #4: MAKE TIME FOR YOU
Whether that means turning on a favorite comedy, soaking in a warm bath or treating ourselves to an in home spa treatment, creating time for things that make us feel good is so important. When we feel good, we set the tone for our body to rejuvenate and heal itself.
Hair Loss Is An Emotional Topic
Putting our self care first can instill a sense of calm and wellbeing, feelings we could all use more of right now! If you are experiencing stress related hair loss, please know you are not alone in this journey. Have you incorporated more self care and love into your daily routine?
Written by: Joanne Starkman, founder
The views expressed in this article intend to highlight alternative studies and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe & Chic, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
