holiday hair stress

The holiday’s can be a very stressful time. Most people are aware that stress can take a toll on your mental well-being, but did you know that stress can also affect your hair? Often times stress and anxiety can cause hair loss, which may induce more stress initiating a vicious cycle.

Hair loss can be a complex issue. Stress and anxiety increase levels of cortisol in the body. The influx of cortisol may cause hormone imbalances and increase skin sebum production. The body’s supplies to maintain healthy hair and growth are diminished.

The American Hair Loss Association states that during this time your body does not supply the hair with the nutrients it needs and tells your hair in the growing and resting phase to shed. The increase in sebum also clogs the pores on the scalp, which obstructs hair growth. Because of this, it is important to maintain a healthy scalp for healthy hair. The hair loss is not an immediate reaction, and often times an individual will not experience hair loss or shedding until 6-12 weeks after the stressful event. In some cases, shedding may not begin until 3-9 months after the event.

With the holiday’s approaching, it is important to remember to take time for yourself and decompress–self-care during the holidays is extremely important. Ideas for stress relief include: meditation, yoga, or exercise. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night can also help ward of stress and hair loss.

If you are experiencing an increase in hair loss this holiday season contact us at 615.662.8722.