How to reduce stress-related hair loss

Share tips on how to reduce stress-related hair loss.

Hi friends! Happy Monday! I hope you enjoyed your weekend and that your week is off to a good start. We’re unpacking Liv’s room and cleaning out her closet today (pray for me) and looking forward to jumping in the pool later.

In today’s post, I wanted to talk about something that affects a lot of women (and men!): hair loss. Hormonal changes, stressors, toxins, nutrition, and hair care habits can all affect the quality and quantity of hair, so I thought I’d share some tips for keeping your hair luscious and healthy.

A friendly reminder that I am not a doctor. If you notice hair loss, especially sudden hair loss, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. This could be a sign that something else is going on, so it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider for a full evaluation.

I also wanted to say I’ve been there. With postpartum, illness, and stressful life events, the quality, texture, and quantity of my hair took a toll. I feel that over the past 5 years, i have seen a huge improvement in my hair. Friendly reminder: This post is not medical advice and is for informational purposes only.

How to reduce stress-related hair loss

In our fast-paced and demanding lives, stress has become an all too familiar companion. While it can affect various aspects of our health, one surprising result is stress-related hair loss. Toll from chronic stress can lead to thinning and hair loss, leaving us concerned about the health of our precious tresses. Today, I’m going to talk about the relationship between stress and hair loss and provide you with practical strategies to mitigate its impact.

Understand the relationship between stress and hair loss:

Before tackling the issue head on, it is essential to understand how stress affects the health of our hair. Stress causes hormonal imbalances, especially increased cortisol levels, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss. Knowing about this connection enables us to take proactive steps towards reducing stress and its negative impact on our hair.

Adopt stress management techniques:

Applying effective stress management techniques is key. Explore relaxation practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga to promote a sense of calm and reduce stress hormones. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can work wonders in managing stress. Here is my blog with lots of meditation tips.

Prioritize self-care and my time:

Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, remember to prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Whether you’re reading a book, taking a long shower, or dabbling in a hobby, giving yourself regular time is vital to reducing stress and nourishing your hair health.

Be gentle on your hair 😉

I feel like in the US especially, we’re obsessed with products and overwashing, which can dry out hair. I like to wash my hair once a week, maybe twice if i sweat more. I also use nourishing products (Under Luna is my favorite shampoo and conditioner combo right now!), and I try to avoid heat whenever possible. Brush dry your hair, and be sure to use a heat protectant spray when applying heat. Try a Nourishing mask once a week.

Feed your body a balanced diet:

A nutrient-rich diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair. Include foods rich in vitamins (B, C, D, E), minerals (especially zinc and iron), and omega-3 fatty acids to support hair growth and combat stress-related hair loss. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are excellent additions to your de-stress list. Hair loss can be a sign of a mineral deficiency or imbalance. Work with your provider to get to the root cause of this happening.

Some of my favorite hair supplements include Omega 3a b complex (if needed), collagen (I order it at Thrive Market), and Hair support. (Talk with your doctor before adding new supplements to your routine.)

One of the preferred methods of testing for metals and toxic heavy metals is through hair and tissue mineral analysis. If you are interested in working together and exploring testing options, email me at gina@fitnessista.com

Stay active to combat stress:

Physical activity is a natural stress reliever that benefits both your body and your mind. Do regular exercise that you enjoy to help reduce stress hormones and increase endorphin levels. Just remember that exercise can also be stressful for the body, depending on frequency and intensity. Be sure to include a mix of low and high intensity workouts, with 1-2 days of full recovery each week.

Follow a healthy sleep routine:

Good sleep is the body’s way of rejuvenating and recharging. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality. A well-rested body can better manage stress, leading to healthier hair growth and less hair loss. If you are looking for sleep tips, check out this post!

Stress-related hair loss can be annoying, but with a few simple steps + working to identify the root cause of the problem, you can help encourage healthy hair growth.