Stress both physical as well as emotional can wreak havoc on your body, and your hair are no exception. But the silver lining is that by reducing stress one can actually control hair fall to a great extent.
How stress triggers hair loss?
Physical , hormonal or emotional stress disrupts the hair growth cycle and pushes more hair into the resting (telogen) phase. Over time, this leads to increased shedding. Stress-induced hair loss, is known as telogen effluvium. Stress can also trigger Alopecia Areata- an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Effective Ways to Combat Stress-Related Hair Fall
-
Stress :
- Meditation and Yoga: Helps calm your mind and relaxes the body. It balances hormones and improves blood circulation to hair follicles.
- Exercise Regularly: Improves blood circulation to the scalp and releases endorphins which are considered as mood up lifters and maintains mental well being.
- Deep Breathing: Simple breathing exercises can lower cortisol levels which enhances sleep quality, boosts immunity, and promote overall scalp health.
-
Balanced Diet:
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins nourishes hair follicles, strengthens hair, and reduces hair fall effectively.
-
Hydrate Yourself:
Dehydration can weaken hair follicles, whereas proper hydration maintains moisture in the scalp, preventing dryness, which strengthens hair follicles and reduces hair fall. -
Sleep Well:
Our body recovers and repairs the most during sleep. So adequate sleep is a necessity for reducing hair fall. -
Avoid Heat Styling and Chemical Treatments:
As these can weaken the hair follicles and further aggravate the problem of hair loss.
-
Natural remedies:
Natural remedies are a safe option to grow back our hair without any side effects. Here are two natural remedies that work wonders for hair growth if done regularly.
-
Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, encouraging hair regrowth and strengthening hair follicles
Mix the rosemary essential oil (2-3 drops) with the carrier oil ( 2 Tablespoon) like coconut or olive oil. Gently massage the mixture into your scalp using circular motions for 8-10 minutes. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. Wash your hair with a mild paraben and sulphate free shampoo.
-
Fenugreek and Curry Leaves nourish the scalp, strengthen hair, promote growth, prevent dandruff.
Soak fenugreek seeds (2 tablespoon) overnight and grind it in a fine paste. Heat coconut oil (2 tablespoon) and add curry leaves (handful) and fenugreek seeds. You can also add some neem leaves as these are quite beneficial for dandruff which is a major cause of hair fall. Sieve the mixture and apply it to your scalp for 30 minutes to one hour and then wash off with a mild paraben and sulphate free shampoo.
Final words -Happy mind, healthy hair is the mantra.
Hairfall due to stress and anxiety is temporary and can be reversed with consistent care and stress management. Adopt a healthy and stress free lifestyle. Stay positive and confident. And, in just 6-8 months watch your hair bounce back to life!