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There are many reasons that men and women of all ages lose their hair. One of the more common and most treatable forms of hair loss is that which is caused by stress. If you're wondering how to treat stress hair loss, you've come to the right place.
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Introduction
- Many people of both sexes experience increased hair loss during times of severe emotional or physical stress. During these stressful times, the body sometimes reacts by stagnating the regular cycle of hair growth and production. Since new hair is not growing, the hairs that naturally fall out are not replaced, which can result in thinning hair or bald patches. If you think you are losing your hair because of stress, consult with your doctor first to ensure that your hair loss is not due to an underlying medical problem. If your doctor confirms that your hair loss is stress-related, try some of the tips listed below.
Wait it Out
- If your stress-related hair loss is due to physical stress or bodily changes such as those experienced during pregnancy, the postpartum period, or following surgery or rapid weight loss, the hair loss you're experiencing is likely temporary. Your hair should return to its natural cycle of shedding and growth and it's pre-stress glory within a few months. If you can, be patient and allow your hair to grow back naturally. For tips on how to hide your thinning hair in the meantime, refer to Mahalo's guide on how to conceal hair loss.
Massage
- An excellent way to help deal with stress and also combat hair loss is through massage therapy. Studies have shown that scalp massages can not only be calming, but can also stimulate the hair follicles to produce new hair. Either seek out a professional masseuse, ask a close friend or family member to gently rub your scalp, or perform your own scalp massages. For additional relaxation, try using a blend of a base massage oil blended with a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oils, which have a calming effect on most people.
Reduce Stress
- The first step in coping with stress is to identify the people or situations in your life that cause you stress or anxiety. To help you identify your stressors, keep a journal and make note of when you feel the most stressed. Examine the events leading up to these stressful times and look for a pattern. If you can, avoid people and situations that cause you undue stress.
- Other methods of combating stress include:
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing your caffeine intake
- Meditation
- Talking about your stress or anxiety with someone you trust
- Taking time out to spend time on activities that you truly enjoy
- Laughing
- Getting a sufficient amount of sleep
- Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet
- Taking a relaxing bath or soaking in a hot tub
- For more information on dealing with stress, see Mahalo's guide on how to cope with stress.
Conclusion
- Although losing your hair because of stress may be worrisome, keep in mind that this is one of the easier types of hair loss to treat. If you're experiencing unusual hair loss, always consult a doctor to ensure that the hair loss is due to stress and not because of a more serious medical condition. If your hair loss is indeed caused by stress, do what you can to figure out why you are stressed out and then take steps to reduce, eliminate or combat the stressors in your life.
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