There is no doubt, whether it is because the global pandemic, climate change, the cost of living, or your personal/professional life there is a lot going on in the modern world that leaves us all feel like pulling our hair out at times, but did you know that stress can also cause actual hair loss
Increased hair fall caused by stress is known as Telogen Effluvium.
So what exactly is ‘Telogen Effluvium’?
Well, telogen effluvium is a type of non-scarring alopecia which typically occurs 3 months after a stressful event. These stressful events can cause hair shedding which lasts for up to 6 months.
Usually, The majority (approx 90%) of our hair is in the growing phase (anagen) of the hair cycle, with only 5-8% per cent in a resting phase (telogen). Telogen effluvium leads to less hair in the growing phase, and more in the resting and shedding phases.
Common triggers of telogen effluvium can include childbirth, severe trauma or illness, and a stressful or major life event.
Thankfully, the good news is that most or all of the hair being shed is likely to be recoverable with Telogen effluvium usually resolved without any need for treatment after several months.
While seeing your hair fall out in clumps can add to your stress levels, it’s important to try to de-stress as telogen effluvium hair loss tends to return to normal on its own. Unfortunately, you just have to give it time. However, if you suspect that your hair loss is caused by something more than telogen effluvium from stress or a fever, talk with a hair-loss expert, a dermatologist.
How to treat stress-related hair loss!
Open up to friends and family
When we feel stressed it can feel overwhelming, and we run the risk of pushing others away. As the old saying goes: ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’. So whether it’s relationship troubles or work issues, you’ll feel a whole lot better after a heart-to-heart with a loved one. Trust us.
Check in with yourself
We totally get it, we're all so busy with balancing career along with socialising with friends and family downtime. But it's so important to check in with yourself, switch off and get some ‘you’ time. Yoga and meditation is a great way to do so, and it can be as simple as a few minutes a day.
Exercise = happiness
For some of us the idea of a regular workout sends us running for the hills (well, not actually running), but it's so important that we all get some time in each week to push ourselves physically, and that doesn’t mean hours on the treadmill (thankfully!). Find a fun, regular form of exercise, either on your own, with a group of friends or with complete strangers! All exercise, from yoga to dancing and even rock climbing, can help alleviate all sorts of physical and mental problems like anxiety and stress. So explore your options and find something you really love.
Eat well
Boost your nutrition. We know, we hear it all the time, but a balanced diet and regular exercise really is the ultimate way to look after your body and mind, with the ability to treat a whole load of issues, from weight problems to skin concerns and yes, lacklustre hair! Be your own personal trainer for your hair and put together a nutrition plan for your locks with a good balance of healthy (and the occasional not so healthy!) dishes. Eating plenty of protein, omega 3, iron, fatty acids and biotin will result in gorgeous thick, healthy and shiny hair.
Sleep more!
Ensuring you sleep eight hours a night is imperative to your overall mental and physical health. Top tip: try to not look at a screen up to one hour before you go to bed, as the blue light will stimulate your mind and affect your body clock.
How to make your hair appear thicker!
Are you washing your hair wisely?
You might've heard that our hair’s precious natural oils and proteins that protect the scalp are stripped away whenever we wash our hair. While this is true, don’t let it scare you into never washing… lank, greasy strands are NEVER in style. Instead, try to limit your cleansing to 2-3 times a week, making sure to use the right products that restore the condition of both your scalp and hair. If you’re wondering how to thicken hair through washing, know that we recommend you wash with both a shampoo and conditioner every time.
Now, we've all been there, walking through aisles and aisles of hair care products, feeling confused and desperately asking ourselves, "But which one is right for me?!" There are so many on the market, choosing the right one can seem daunting, not to mention expensive! So stop kissing a bunch of frogs and find your hair care prince by choosing a product containing these top ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid
Although more commonly found in skincare products, this clever bit of science provides a ton of moisture for your hair. As an added bonus, it helps slow down skin ageing, which when used on the scalp, encourages healthy hair growth and promotes thicker tresses.
Keratin
Your hair is naturally formed from this fibrous protein, so adding keratin back in keeps your hair strength at its best. This natural thickening hero provides hair with moisture, body and an instant thickening effect. It is rich in the amino acid cysteine, which helps to give keratin its amazing strength and protection.
Salicylic acid
We know the word ‘acid’ sounds scary, but trust us, it’s really not! Using gentle acids like salicylic is proven to give amazing benefits for your skin, and that includes your scalp. As well as providing intense cleansing for your scalp, it cleans from within the pores, exfoliating and helping rid you of impurities. Say hello to a clean scalp and healthy hair growth.
Pro vitamin B5
This one is essential for hair growth and health. Using products with pro vitamin B5 not only improves hair’s elasticity but also helps your body absorb all those amazing vitamins and minerals in a healthy diet (more on this later!)
Specialist shampoos and conditioners
If you’re not keen on trawling THAT ingredients list on the back of your bottles, look for a thickening shampoo and conditioner duo that will support and care for your hair. Nanogen offer a range of shampoos and conditioners formulated with the right ingredients to give you thicker, healthier hair from the very first wash. Bingo.
Fibres
Last but by no means least, one of the quickest ways to add volume and the appearance of thicker hair is by using products such as Nanogen Hair Fibres. Not only are they fantastic at concealing any thinning areas but they work amazingly well with fine hair to give an extra bit of oomph!
Nanogen fibres are finely milled and can be built up on the hair gradually. The level of coverage and volume can be adjusted depending on desired effect; go big or subtle depending on what you want. The fibres don’t clump your hair and you can avoid overloading the fibres by adding them layer after layer.
DISCLAIMER
While our aim is to provide you with up-to-date and relevant information, drugs affect each person differently. As such we can not guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects and this information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss treatment options and possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your specific medical history.