Stress level is enough to deteriorate your health condition, even it can impact your hair and skin. Indeed science proved that there is a significant link between emotional stress and hair loss. There are different types of hair loss problems we can see, but the stress-related hair loss is Telogen effluvium. This is the common type of reversible hair loss problem which is also known as stress-induced hair loss problem, Stress level is proportionate to less hair on your scalp.
The link between stress and the hair cycle
There are approximately 100,000 hair follicles on the adult scalp, though it depends on the texture and type of hair color. Each hair follicle is gradually cycling between rest and growth phase, The major part of the hair follicles remains in the Anagen or growth phase at a specific time when the hair follicles transform to telogen or resting phase. The hair starts shedding. During the Telogen Effluvium, there will be a sudden abnormal shift of hairs present in the resting phase. With the increased emotional stress, the hair remains more in the dormant or telogen phase.
Significant emotional stress associated with negative thinking, trauma, breakup, divorce, loss of a loved one causes extensive emotional stress. Actually, significant emotional stress comes from gradual depression, not from a single bad day. Serious and prolonged stress comes from the Covid-19 pandemic also responsible for extensive hair loss. To examine the link between chronic stress and hair loss. Researchers conduct experiments with mice. They exposed artificial stress to mice and the researcher proved that the artificial stress caused quick termination of anagen or growth phase of the hair cycle. It is scientifically proved that stress can block the normal cycling of the hair follicle which causes immense hair loss or growth of hair.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a kind of temporary hair loss that happens after stress, shock, and traumatic event. It usually occurs on the middle part of the scalp. Telogen effluvium is reversible, therefore hair may start to grow within 6 months if the stress gets released. A person who suffers from immense stress generally does not lose his all hair at a time, however, Thinning can be noticeable. It appears with the uneven distribution of hair on the scalp. Our hair usually goes through three different phases like Anagen or growth phase, catagen or transitional phase, and Telogen or resting phase. Telogen effluvium is linked with the telogen phase. When your hair remains in the telogen effluvium, the anagen phase slows down gradually. It means very less amount of hairs enter into the next two stages. According to a study, 30 percent of hair follicles come into the telogen phase which means hair shedding takes place.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Telogen effluvium is the significant amount of hair a person sheds. Some patients may observe that they are facing extensive hair fall issues than normal. Therefore, they are afraid to wash or brush their hair. They usually find more hair in the drain and on their pillow cover in the morning
Stress Management Tips
Meditate
Meditating can release you from stress. The regular practice of meditation increases your resilience power. You can take assistance from meditation experts. You can try different kinds of stress-relieving meditation which help you to cope with emotional illness. You can chant a mantra to make your meditation more powerful. You can breathe slowly, This is the best practice of mindfulness. Meditation relaxes your brain and energies your mind. You get mental peace. Regular meditation helps you to balance your emotion and help to control anger, anxiety, fear, and panic attack.
Breathing Exercise
Breathing exercise is super effective to release stress. The slow breathing process significantly reduces your stress. Reduced stress levels positively alleviate your hair loss problems. The right kind of breathing technique gradually calms your body and brain.
Breathe in through your nasal and fill your belly with air. Count slowly from three to one while you inhale. You have to hold the air for at least five seconds, then slowly release the air through your nose as you count 1 to 3 again.
Breathe in through your nasals and imagine that you are a peaceful soul. You must imagine that air spreading through your body. When you exhale, imagine that your our breathing out with released stress.
Do some exercise
Exercise is the best stress-relieving approach that starts working in a minute. You can walk slowly and enjoy the greenery in the morning. Morning walk is very important to remedy releasing stress. It improves blood circulation and improves your brain functions.
Fast-acting stress-relief strategies include getting a hug from a loved one because a simple hug releases happy hormones like oxytocin. You can take a spa or enjoy aromatherapy which efficiently relaxes your mind along with energizing your soul.
If managing stress won’t work effectively, then you need professional hair treatment from a trichologist.