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Let's talk about stress ... not fun, but necessary. Because let's face it: in today's society, who doesn't suffer from stress to varying degrees? Whether it's an overly busy job, money worries, personal shit, or an overload of stimuli ... we all know it. But did you know that stress has a negative effect not only on our mental health, but also on our physical appearance? One of the most noticeable and visible effects of stress is its impact on our hair.
How stress affects your hair
> Hair loss
Don't shoot the messenger, but one of the most common effects of stress on your hair is hair loss. Stress can lead to a condition known as telogen effluvium (you can forget that word right away), in which a large number of hair follicles go into dormancy and fall out over time. This can lead to thinning hair and, in extreme cases, even bald patches. The good news is that this is usually reversible if stress factors are reduced.
> Weakened and brittle hair
Stress tends to throw your body out of balance, which in turn affects the health of your hair. Your hair can become drier and more brittle, which can result in split ends and hair breakage. This makes it more difficult to grow long hair, and it often requires more care and attention to keep it in good condition.
> Gray hairs
Stress can also contribute to the early appearance of gray hair. Yup, you read it right: it literally gives you gray hair.... Although hair graying is usually genetic, stress hormones can speed up the process. So if you find that your hair is turning gray faster than you expected, stress could be one of the culprits.
How can you reduce stress?
Of course we don't want this, so it's high time to do something about it. The good news: you can. The bad news: there is no quick fix to "just quickly" reduce your stress levels. You will have to look for the cause of the problem in order to tackle it at its roots and ensure structurally less stress in your life.
What else helps: regular exercise, a healthy diet with enough vitamins and minerals and enough sleep. You can also use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises to lower your stress levels.
Hair care during stress
In addition to eliminating the cause, it is also important to take extra good care of your hair during stressful periods. Here are a few tips:
1. Gentle treatment
During stressful periods, your hair is more susceptible to damage. Therefore, use mild hair care products and avoid harsh chemicals and hot styling tools.
2. Conditioner and hydration
Moisturize your hair regularly with a good conditioner and use a moisturizing hair mask to maintain moisture levels.
3. Sun Protection
Overexposure to the sun can damage your hair. Wear a hat or use a UV protective spray to protect your hair.
4. Cut regularly
Cutting your hair regularly helps prevent split ends and keeps your hair in good condition.
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