Many people who had Covid-19 are experiencing hair loss. Stress from being diagnosed with it can also wreak havoc on tresses. Others are experiencing hair thinning simply from stress since the pandemic began.
The good news is it’s not permanent. Read on for more information about stress and hair loss.
Is stress-related hair loss permanent?
If your hair loss is caused by stress, it’s possible for your hair to grow back in time. The rate of regrowth will be different for everyone.
If your hair loss has been triggered by stress, managing your stress could be the key to returning to a healthy rate of hair growth.
What you can do
There are a number of things that you can do to reduce hair loss and encourage new growth.
Diet and nutrition
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet of whole foods is necessary for the health of your body — and your hair.
Foods Great For Your Hair:
EGGS
NUTS
BERRIES
SPINACH
PEANUT BUTTER
ALMOND BUTTER
CASHEWS
BROCCOLI
SALMON, MACKEREL, OYSTERS
FLAXSEEDS, CHIA SEEDS
KIWI FRUITS
ORANGES, ALL CITRUS OR RED FRUITS & VEGGIES
STRAWBERRIES
SWEET POTATOES
PAPAYA
WALNUTS
BRAZIL NUTS
MUSHROOMS
CHEESE
BUTTER
AVOCADO
Lots of people diet today and don’t realize their hair will die right along with it. Your hair needs fats to be healthy and shine. Two pats of butter on whole wheat toast will do the trick. If you’re experiencing hair loss, make sure you are getting enough healthy fats. Next, make sure you get the right vitamins through what you eat or take the right supplements.
While it’s important to include all essential vitamins in a healthy diet, there are some vital to hair growth:
Vitamin C. This vitaminis essential for building collagen, the skin’s connective tissue that is found in hair follicles. Foods that contain vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, and strawberries.
Vitamin B. This complex of many vitamins promotes a healthy metabolism, as well as healthy skin and hair. B vitamins can be found in foods like dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, and avocados.
Vitamin E. This vitamin contains potent antioxidants, which can contribute to a healthy scalp. Foods rich in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, spinach, olive oil, broccoli, and shrimp.
If you aren’t getting enough of these nutrients in your diet, talk to your doctor about supplements. They can discuss your options and recommend the best dosage for you. You should never add nutritional supplements to your routine without your doctor’s supervision.
Keeping properly hydrated is also essential to overall good health. Every cell in your body relies on water to function properly.
Men should aim for 15 1/2 cups of water per day, and women should aim for 11 1/2 cups per day. That amount can come from food, water, and other beverages. A reasonable goal is to drink 8 glasses of water per day, and allow the rest to come from your diet and other beverages.
Stress management
Learning how to effectively manage your stress levels may help you reduce your risk for further hair loss. Of course, this is often easier said than done.
You may have to try several different stress-management techniques before you find what works for you.
Popular ways to reduce stress:
Exercise. Exercise is a great way to eliminate stress. Try taking a light daily walk, signing up for a dance class, or doing some yard work.
Hobbies. Occupying yourself with something that you enjoy doing can be a great way to combat stress. Consider doing volunteer work, joining your local community theatre group, planting a garden, or starting an art project.
Writing. Try taking a few minutes each day to write about your feelings, and the things that cause you stress. Reviewing the daily items that trigger your stress may help you to discover ways of coping.
Breathing and meditation. Meditation and breathing exercises are great ways to allow yourself to focus on the present moment. You may also wish to try techniques that combine meditation with physical exercise, like yoga or tai chi.
Topical treatments
Castor oil. This is a popular folk remedy for hair regrowth. Although anecdotal evidence suggests that topical use can increase hair growth, research to support this is limited.
What if you aren’t seeing improvement?
It’s possible that your hair loss isn’t stress related. There are many factors and conditions that could cause you to lose your hair.
Other common reasons for hair loss include:
aging
genetics
medications, like some blood thinners or antidepressants
chemotherapy
illness or recent surgery
hormonal changes, like childbirth or menopause
nutritional deficiency, like a lack of sufficient protein or iron
The bottom line
Hair loss is most often caused by stress, so make sure you do things daily to de-stress you mind. Physical activity isn’t only good for your body. It helps to relax your mind too. Other ways to de-stress include listening to music, journaling, mediation, having a cup of green tea, drawing, reading and being out in nature. Focus on the present.
Take a look at your environment too. De-clutter. When your environment is clean and clear –your mind will feel more relaxed. Take the time to toss out what you don’t use and create a home environment that makes you feel relaxed.Social media can be reactionary and trigger stress. Limit TV and time on social media. Make sure you turn off all electronics two hours before bedtime, and create a relaxing atmosphere where you sleep at least 9 hours each night.
Remind yourself that your hair follicles haven’t been permanently damaged. Managing your stress and taking good care of your nutrition and health result in your hair returning to a normal rate of growth.
This too shall pass.
If OTC measures aren’t working — or you aren’t seeing results — see your doctor. They can help diagnose the reason for your hair loss and advise you on any next steps. If regrowth is possible, they can help determine the best treatment plan for your symptoms.
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