Stressed - my hair is falling out in clumps- what can I do?

I can totally understand how stressful this must be for you. I feel there is a link between your hair loss and how you mention you’re feeling anxious all the time.

Stress is responsible for so many hair loss cases that I see. On average everyone has approximately 100,000 follicles on their head. Each hair follicle is in an ongoing cycle of growth, rest and shedding. As all the hairs are in different stages all the time no one ever loses all their hair at the same time, which is good news.

Telogen Effluvium is when the hair follicle shifts into the resting and the shedding phase sooner than anticipated. When your stress levels are high you produce higher levels of cortisol. Cortisol is our flight or fight hormone and when cortisol level is high it puts your hair into the resting phase quicker than intended. This is why your hair feels thinner all over.

Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition and your hair should go back to normal once you can figure out what’s causing the underlying issue. It could be stress, a hormone change, a new contraceptive pill, or a lack of a certain vitamin. I would recommend that you make an appointment with your GP for blood tests and to chat with them about your anxiety.

I would also suggest that you have a consultation with a certified trichologist to determine the type of hair loss you are suffering and put you on a treatment plan. Sometimes a change in lifestyle can help. Perhaps meditating every day or going for a long walk would be a good way for you to relax. Also talking to someone outside your family like a trained therapist can be a great way to sort through what’s causing your anxiety.

If you are twisting your hair without noticing, this could definitely be the reason that you’re noticing bald patches on those areas of your hair. Sometimes when you twist your hair you can pull on it without realising. This can add extra tension on those follicles and if you’re doing it regularly then this would result in those bald patches you’re experiencing.

Tips to help get your hair in good condition if it’s falling out:

 

TLC for your hair

Your hair and scalp are in need of TLC. Take time once a week and use a nourishing hair mask. Apply it to your hair and massage it into your scalp. A good head massage is the best way to increase blood flow to your hair follicles and promote healthy hair. Why not take a relaxing bath, light some candles and put on some music while you let your hair mask work its magic?

 

Eat a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet is good for your hair’s health and for your own wellbeing. Foods such as sweet potato, avocados, nuts, fatty fish and berries are all great for promoting hair growth. Essential fatty acids are vital to your hair, skin and nails so they can look healthy. Salmon is high in protein which is a big benefit for your hair and great for added shine. Iron is great for your hair. If you’re low in iron it can make your hair very weak, which can lead to breakage. Try fortified cereals, grains, pasta, soybeans and leafy greens for a good source of iron.

 

Learn to relax

It’s easier said than done but learning to relax is essential to your health. It sounds that a lot of your hair problems come from anxiety. Many people are suffering at the moment with anxiety issues. A lot of this is due to our new normal with Covid and the changes we have had to make to our current daily lifestyle. Taking a regular yoga class or giving yourself time daily to be still and breathe should really help you. Doing little things that you love, like reading or relaxing to music can be a great way of winding down and learning to cope with stress in your life.

 

Get a good night’s sleep

Without a good night’s sleep, we aren’t able to function properly. If you find it hard to sleep there are lots of apps that can help you to relax before bedtime. Stay away from caffeine and try not to be online or watching TV for at least 30 minutes before you plan on going to bed. The more rested you are the less you will suffer from anxiety, as you will feel more relaxed when dealing with any problems that come your way.

 

Tie your hair up

If you find you’re twisting your hair without realising it and in turn adding to the breakage, tie your hair away from your face. If your hair isn’t hanging down it’s harder to find strands to twist. You could also wear a headscarf to cover your hair so that temptation is out of your way. If you need something to hold and twist why not use a stress ball to squeeze? If it’s the twisting of hair that you like you could have a doll-like a barbie, with hair that you can twist and play with while you’re idly watching TV if that helps you to relax. It’s about finding something to help you break the habit of twisting your hair.