How to prevent, treat and cope with stress-related hair loss

Did you know that stress can result in hair loss? This condition – telogen effluvium – isn’t preventable, but it can be dealt with. Here’s how:

The impact of stress – especially for extended periods – can have far more side effects than just affecting your mental health. These range from high blood pressure to headaches, to muscle pain, to exhaustion, digestive issues, and problems sleeping, among others. One common condition associated with both ongoing stress or a once-off traumatic ordeal is hair loss. And, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, this issue is becoming increasingly widespread.

But why exactly does this happen and are there ways to prevent and treat it?

Tackling telogen effluvium

Some ways to deal with stress-related hair loss include:

• Be gentle when it comes to styling and handling your hair. Don’t tie it back tightly as this puts strain on your fragile strands. It’s also best to avoid chemical treatments and dye jobs until your hair is in better condition.
• Speaking to your pharmacist about over-the-counter products. There are some topical formulas available. Look for ones that contain at least 5% minoxidil for the best results, and follow the instructions carefully!
• Ensuring that you are eating a hair-healthy diet. Good nutrition is the cornerstone of overall wellbeing and beauty also starts from the inside, out! Vitamin D, zinc and iron are crucial for luscious locks.
• Making rest and relaxation a priority. If you’re experiencing hair loss because of stress, it’s imperative that you take time to recharge your batteries so that you don’t develop other, more severe, stress-related side effects.

If shedding doesn’t stop after a few months, there could be another reason behind your hair fall. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan.