How to Regain Hair Loss from Stress: 8 Effective Treatments

Does stress-induced hair loss only lead to more stress? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that can definitely be treated. In this blog post, we have discussed how stress and hair loss are interlinked and how you can regain hair loss from stress through 8 simple and effective treatments. However hard we try, stress is an inevitable part of our lives. While stress can bring with it a lot of physical and mental health problems, hair loss is just another byproduct of stress. Different people experience different problems due to stress, and the amount of hair loss can also vary from person to person. But once you have confirmed the cause behind your hair loss, you can work your way towards healing from it. If the cause of your hair loss is stress, your hair follicles have not been permanently harmed. Your hair's growth rate could revert to normal if you manage your stress and care for your health.

Stress and Hair Loss: How Are They Related?

Stress has the potential to affect your body negatively. Along with many other symptoms that come along with stress, hair loss is a common one. So if you are wondering if stress can cause hair loss, the answer is a simple and short yes.  High amounts of stress can interfere with the ability of the hair follicle to function. When encountered with a high-stress situation, our body releases stress chemicals called cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones redirect nutrients to our critical organs while decreasing blood flow to the skin. Since your hair isn't really considered "essential", your hair follicles can temporarily receive fewer nutrients, which might eventually lead to stress-related hair loss. Depending on the type of stress you encounter (acute or chronic), the density of hair loss can also vary. 

Signs of hair loss due to stress

If you’re losing more than 150 strands of hair every day (often a small palmful) or notice a huge difference in the amount of hair loss, it is most likely because of stress. Most people with this type of stress-related hair loss experience sudden shedding 2-3 months after a stressful incident. You can notice a wider hair split or a smaller ponytail if you have stressed-related hair loss. Stress can also cause hair loss, notably in the area around your temples.

Is stress-related hair loss permanent?

The good news is that stress-related hair loss is only temporary. Yes! It’s completely reversible and even treatable after a while. If you are sure that your hair loss was because of stress, you can also be sure that you can regain your hair with proper treatments. Obviously, you can get your hair back if you learn to control your stress levels.  However, the rate of regrowth can be different for everyone. You can consult a doctor to get more insights on your issue.

How to Regain Hair Loss from Stress: 8 Effective Treatments

As mentioned already, hair loss due to stress is completely treatable.  Here are 8 simple tips you can follow in your everyday life to prevent hair loss from stress

1. Eat a balanced diet

Eating a wholesome and nutritious diet is probably one of the most common ways to fix most problems. A balanced diet is healthy for your overall body, including your hair. Since many nutritional deficiencies brought on by poor eating habits or crash diets have been demonstrated to affect hair growth, it is important to prioritize healthy eating. Make sure you include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins in your diet to encourage hair regrowth. Focus on incorporating a lot of protein into your diet, as proteins are the main source of nourishment for your hair.  Try eating these foods often to recover from stress-related hair loss

• Eggs
• Berries
• Tofu or Paneer
• Spinach
• Avocados
• Sweet potatoes
• Chicken and turkey
• Quinoa 
• Fatty fish
• Nuts and seeds
• Soy products

2. Get a good amount of sleep

Sleep is how your body heals and repairs any issues. High-stress levels can disrupt regular sleep patterns, impacting your ability to heal. This can, in turn, interfere with your hair growth and worsen the situation. Make sure you get a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep every day.  Maintaining a proper sleep routine can be quite challenging, especially when experiencing unusual stress. If you can’t get yourself to follow a routine, follow these simple tips that can help you:

• Practice a good sleep hygiene. A warm shower before bedtime can soothe and calm your stress hormones.
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Doing this will automatically modify your sleep pattern.
• Follow the same evening routine (like meditation, yoga, exercise, etc.) every day. This can help you get to bed early and manage your stress. 
• Always sleep in a cool and dark environment.
• Try to avoid any screen time at least one hour before bed.

3. Take supplements

Did you know that stress-related hair loss can result from certain nutritional deficiencies? Ferritin, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Vitamin B12 are some of the essential nutrients your body needs to ensure healthy hair growth. Supplements are your best option if you find it difficult to include these in your diet. Look for Vitamins A, B6, B12, and C, biotin, and zinc in your supplements as they are the primary forces that guide hair regrowth. It’s advisable to consult a doctor before taking any supplements. Remember, supplements are only an additional treatment to maintaining a healthy diet and sleep routine. It shouldn’t be your only option. 

4. Manage stress levels

No matter how well you sleep or eat, at the end of the day, your hair loss can be permanently reversed only if you learn to manage your stress.  Different people deal with stress differently. But you can always try these stress management techniques:

• Yoga: Yoga is one of the best ways to relax and relieve stress. Sign up for a yoga class or simply browse through YouTube.
• Mediation: This simple stress-relieving technique can impact your routine more than you can imagine. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
• Journaling: Writing/drawing/doodling your thoughts and feelings can help too. Letting out your feelings can calm you down and allow you to focus on other things.
• Spending time outdoors: If someone advises you to take a walk in the park, trust them and go for it. It actually helps. Stepping out to get some fresh air can make a huge difference.
• Therapy: Finally, seeking help can go a long way in dealing with stress. Try attending a session once to notice the change!

5. Massage your scalp

Taking care of your scalp can also significantly affect your hair regrowth. High-stress levels are bound to damage your scalp and leave them undernourished. While eating a balanced diet rich in proteins can improve your scalp and hair health, you can also try external treatments like massaging your scalp. The purpose of massing your scalp is to wipe away dead skin, extra sebum, and product buildup, leaving the scalp clean and revitalised. You can also use hair products like oils to make the massage more effective.

6. Exercise regularly

While this can seem like a huge task for all the couch potatoes out there, exercise is actually a great way to keep you busy, healthy and stress-free. We all might have a few gym freak friends who would hit the gym whenever they experienced a minor inconvenience. And honestly, working out is a healthy way to relieve stress.  Exercise is proven to reduce the body’s stress chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline. Additionally, it also stimulates the production of endorphins- the brain's natural painkillers and mood enhancers. If you feel relaxed, optimistic or even “high” after you exercise, it’s probably because of these endorphins.

7. Cut down on heat-styling tools

Heat styling your hair frequently can damage your tresses and make your hair dry and prone to breakage. Hair straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers, etc., cause your hair to look thinner, dryer and less healthy. Since they are already harmful to your hair, using heat-styling tools when you experience stress-induced hair loss will only worsen your condition. Make sure you avoid using any heat-styling tools and other harsh chemicals on your hair. Instead, use conditioners, serums and other hair care products to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.

8. Visit RichFeel

And finally, if none of these methods seem to work for you, it’s considered best to consult a doctor. At RichFeel, we have a team of certified trichologists who are focussed on treating all your hair problems with utmost care and attention. According to your issues, we offer both surgical and non-surgical hair and scalp treatments performed by our expert trichologists.  Book an appointment today to get started!!

Conclusion

Going through stressful situations in life can be exhausting both physically and mentally. While different people experience different outcomes due to stress, hair loss is one of the most common responses your body can come up with. But don’t worry, hair loss caused by stress is completely treatable!  As discussed in the blog, these were some of the most simple ways to reverse stress-induced hair loss. Try to follow these tips, one at a time, to see gradual changes. To gain more insights on hair loss and its treatments, feel free to contact our doctors at RichFeel. Remember to be kind to yourself whenever you go through a stressful day, week or even a month. And if you are experiencing high stress and signs of depression, seek professional help immediately.