Taking a Holistic Approach to Stress-Related Hair Loss

Following a recent American study, which found that job-related stress was having an effect on mortality rates, it is clearly becoming increasingly to manage our stress effectively. Not only can it negatively effect our physical and mental health but stress is also a known factor in various hair loss conditions. 

Both men and women with thinning hair blamed it on the pressure of their jobs in a 2014 study, with 50 per cent and 75 per cent respectively believing this to be the cause. Furthermore, a 2016 research report from the UK's Trade Union Centre showed that over 70 per cent of workers believed stress was a problem in their workplace.

Treating stress hair loss holistically

Dealing with a hair loss condition brought on or made worse by stress is the relatively easy part. Following a consultation, a specialist will be able to swiftly assess the level and pattern of shedding. From there they can custom-tailor a bespoke hair loss treatment course featuring clinically-proven components designed to inhibit shedding and promote regrowth.

Once the visible effects of stress on your hair are in hand, it is still important to deal with the underlying causes of your anxiety or pressure. You can talk through any concerns or queries with your dedicated treatment advisor as part of a 360 degree, rounded approach to dealing with hair loss and any factors which could influence it.

This holistic concept may involve checking your diet to ensure your body is receiving the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth, but where stress is the most prominent issue, tackling this is most important.

If changing jobs or removing yourself from whatever stressful situation is causing the problem is not an option or is a last resort, there are other stress management techniques you can try.

Tips for stress management

As a result of the TUC survey the organisation commissioned a number of experts to share their top tips for reducing stress. These include:

Snacking mindfully
Reaching for sugary snacks can leave you feeling more tired and stressed than you were when first arrived for work. Says Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com: “Stick to snacks that don’t raise your blood sugar too quickly such as nuts including almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, as these contain some protein and good fats that will reduce your cravings.” Excess sugar, incidentally, has also been linked to hair thinning.

Getting a good night’s sleep
Dr Marilyn Glenville, author of ‘Natural Alternatives to Sugar’ explains: “As a society we are sleeping less; the time we sleep each night has reduced from 9 hours to 7.5 hours since the 1900s. Lack of sleep can have effects similar to those brought on by too much alcohol. Those with sleep deprivation suffer from reduced concentration, memory loss and are more likely to make mistakes and have a slower reaction time.” Lack of sleep is a form of stress and can affect the hair in a negative way.

A new 2016 report showed how lack of sleep was also leading people to drink more fizzy drinks a potential double whammy to the heath of their hair because sugar can cause spikes in glucose levels that some experts believe to be damaging to the hair; too much sugar also comes with an increase in the chance of contracting type 2 diabetes, which can also lead to hair loss.

Meditating
Says Shona Wilkinson: “Meditation is now gaining mainstream recognition through scientific research for its ability to reduce stress. It can be done anywhere, such as on the bus or train into work and even five minutes can be helpful to clear your mind and feel refreshed.”

Maximising natural light
A gloomy office lit by fluorescent lighting is not an inspiring place to work, and studies show it can lower productivity levels and heighten stress. Try and let as much natural light into your office, as not only will these keep you more alert and focused, it will lower your stress levels.

Drinking more water
Dehydration is a key cause of migraines, headaches and other aches and pains that will only increase with stress. From a hair loss point of view, dehydration is a problem because it can affect the body’s ability to absorb and process essential nutrients needed for healthy hair growth.