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Many are well-aware of the profound impact high levels of stress can have on both mental and physical health, but what is less widely known is the damage that it can do to our hair and scalp.It’s important to realize that as hair is non-essential tissue, it is one of the most sensitive barometers to physiological and psychological health, and therefore to stress.Due the nature of the hair growth cycle, the effects of stress will not be noticeable on your hair until 6-12 weeks later, so people do not always connect the two events. However, stress can impact the scalp much faster. In all cases of hair and/or scalp issues, treatment should be holistic and involve using the right products and making relevant changes to diet and lifestyle – and this commonly and increasingly involves targeting stress.
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ScalpStress commonly triggers and/or worsens flaking and itching of the scalp – especially if you are already prone to dandruff. This is because stress can affect hormone levels, and this in turn may disrupt the micro-flora of the scalp. Flaking can cause hair loss, and scratching may result in further irritation and even abrade the surface of your scalp, so it’s important to tackle it ASAPTips:Use soothing anti-microbial products, like Loving You and Touch of Love, and Bounce Back should be apart of your weekly and/or daily regiment.Set aside time each day to clear your mind : take a walk at lunch, listen to soothing music, start reading again, have a care free day a week (go to the park or ground self).
If you find yourself reaching for creamy, comfort foods, like cheese and cream, try substituting with a healthy alternative. Full fat dairy products, as well as white wine and champagne, can make dandruff worse.
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How stress shows up as hair loss1. Telogen effluvium.In telogen effluvium (TEL-o-jun uh-FLOO-vee-um), significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase. Within a few months, affected hairs might fall out suddenly when simply combing or washing your hair.2. Trichotillomania.Trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh) is an irresistible urge to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body. Hair pulling can be a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, tension, loneliness, boredom or frustration.3. Alopecia areata.A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), possibly including severe stress. With alopecia areata, the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles — causing hair loss.Any number of stressful situations can trigger hair loss, including pregnancy, chronic illness, injury, relationship issues, financial concerns, poor nutrition, surgery, medications such as antidepressants, and even jet lag. To counteract stress and protect your hair, try theseTips:Learn and practice relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga) regularlyGet regular exercise, which helps manage stress and its effectsSpend time with positive people — isolating yourself can make stress worseSeek professional help from a therapistEat a healthy dietSupplement if needed with a customized nutritional supplement that is recommended by your Practitioner.Treat your hair with care when washing, drying, and styling itMassage your scalp 2-3 x/ week to increase circulationAesthetics procedures such as PRP may be added on to increase results, scalp health, and health of hair produced.
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