IS STRESS ACTUALLY TO BLAME FOR YOUR HAIR LOSS
More than half of men 50 or older have experienced signs of hair loss, according to Medical News, which can be psychologically distressing. Although, it's usually blamed on your family tree, there are a number of alternative triggers that may be causing your hair to fall out.
Studies have found that stress is a common reason for men are losing their hair. Here’s what you need to know about the link between stress and hair loss.
TYPES OF HAIR LOSS CONDITIONS LINKED TO STRESS
Similar to skin, your hair is constantly going through a growth cycle and just as stress can impact your skin, it can also impact your hair. Stress can interrupt the natural hair growth and lead to your hair shedding sooner than it needs to.
Telogen Effluvium- is the medical term given to temporary hair loss believed to be caused by physical or mental stress. It usually occurs on the top of the scalp.
Alopecia Areata- is thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system. One in five people with the condition have a family history of the condition. Alopecia areata often develops suddenly, over the course of just a few days. In many cases the hair grows back after about a year.
Trichotillomania- is more common in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms include pulling out your hair in response to a stressful situation, this may be done without really thinking about it. Studies have shown that the natural hair thinning experienced by men could actually trigger self-inflicted conditions like trichotillomania.
If you're struggling with stress or other parts of your mental health, please reach out for help from friends, family, medical professionals such as GPs or use other online resources.
SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE
• Stray hairs on your shower/bathroom floor
• Hair on your pillowcase and bedding
• Your hair looking noticeably more thin
• More hair in your shower drain than usual
Stress-induced temporary hair loss occurs all over the scalp and results in an overall thinning of the hair. Whereas natural male pattern baldness is not as obvious at first, you will tend to only notice more if you compare pictures of yourself from previous occasions, to now.
Treatment options
Luckily this type of hair loss tends to be temporary, which means you can be back to a healthy full head of hair once you start tackling the issues that may be giving you stress.
TRY ADDRESSING NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES THROUGH DIET
Alongside a healthy diet and lots of water, essential vitamins can be vital to hair growth:
Vitamin C builds collagen tissue, found in hair follicles.
Vitamin B promotes a healthy metabolism, as well as healthy skin and hair.
Vitamin E contains potent antioxidants, which can contribute to a healthy scalp.
ADOPT STRESS-MANAGEMENT
There are several different techniques you can try to find the right rotuine that works for you. These include:
Exercise: Try to find an activity you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, rock climbing or yoga.
Counselling Support: Can help you explore what is causing your stress and specific solutions that will help you to combat it.
Meditation: Gives you a sense of calm that can benefit your overall health.
For more information on how to manage stress, check out the Mental Health Foundation. They provide a variety of resources to give you practical advice.
LASTLY...
If this continues, talk to a doctor about a prescription or over-the-counter remedy to spark hair regrowth. There are a number of topical creams, oils, and other treatments that may help with your hair loss.