Hair loss can follow on the heels of stress

We live in a fast-paced society, and lots of people are stressed. This day-to-day tension can result in thinning hair…not exactly the area we were targeting!


Normal hair loss:
We all lose about 100 hairs per day from the 100,000 or so that grow from the scalp. This is normal. The average growth cycle of a hair is only 4½ years. After it falls out, it is replaced in about six months. On average – after age 30 – everyone starts to lose more hair, although men tend to do so at a faster rate. This can be compounded by harsh daily treatment, illness or, as we mentioned, stress.


Stress-induced hair loss:
It’s true. Anxiety can cause accelerated hair loss in women. Excessive physical or emotional trauma is known to cause two types of hair loss:
1. The more common type is called “telogen effluvium,” excessive hair shedding thought to be caused by an acute stress event. The hair stops growing, becomes dormant, and falls out two to three months later. Eventually it grows back, usually within six to nine months.

2. The other type of hair loss, “alopecia areata,” is more severe. This involves a white blood cell attack on the hair follicles, and the hair falls out in patches. It may grow back on its own, but treatment often is required. Sometimes, however, the alopecia is permanent.

If you are experiencing a high level of anxiety, it is important to figure out a strategy to reduce this strain. Here are a few ideas to get you started on the road to a more peaceful and healthy life:


Daily stress-reduction tips:
1. Add something beautiful to your life daily, such as flowers or taking time to watch a sunset.

2. Schedule some “me time” or enjoyable activities with friends or family.

3. Eat, work and walk at a relaxed pace – unless you are walking for exercise, of course.

4. Take a break after meals to relax before putting your nose to the grindstone again.

5. If possible, go outside at least once a day. A little natural light and fresh air will do you good. Take a few moments to notice the simple things, such as the clouds, a toddler playing, or a pigeon scratching for crumbs.

6. During the day, do an occasional self-stress check. Are you clenching your jaw? Is there pain between your shoulders or tension in your neck? Breathe deeply, move around a little bit, and do some gentle stretches.

7. If you are worrying about something, try writing it down. Once it’s recorded on paper, you can access how to deal with these things or shelf the issues for awhile. Then, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and go on a mental vacation.

8. Wear comfortable clothing. Take off your shoes when it’s appropriate. (A little self-administered foot massage can ease tension and get those feel-good endorphins flowing in the brain.)

9. Access the noise level around you. Maybe you need a little quiet. Turn off the radio, TV, iPod and computer. If the noise level is not an issue, consider popping some soothing music in the CD player. Try yoga or spa music or even a sleep CD if you are not driving.

10. Avoid holding in negative feelings day after day. Write in a journal. Pray about it. Seek out a trusted friend or family member with whom you can share your heart. If necessary, schedule an appointment with a counselor or your family physician.

11. Schedule Scalp-Massage treatment with us to help you relax, improve hair-loss and encourage new growth. Massaging the scalp also helps loosen and remove dead cells and excess sebum on the scalp, which can hinder new hair growth. Scalp massage helps to distribute the hairs natural oils to protect and condition the hair.

We wish you the best of health, but if your hair is thinner than you would like, come in to discuss the issue with one of our hair professionals at Salon Trendz. Call us and we will schedule an appointment for a free hair analysis.



Salon Trendz is in Palos Heights, Ill., a suburb near Orland Park, 18 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Our street address is: 12859 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL 60463.
Tel: 708-671-1333

http://www.salontrendz.com/