Stress can manifest in many ways—sleepless nights, appetite changes and even hair loss. Yes, if you’ve noticed more hair collecting in your drain, your stress levels might be to blame. It’s an emotional topic, and one I find myself discussing regularly with my own beauty guests. Read on for 4 self care solutions for peace of mind.
HOW STRESS CAN LEAD TO HAIR LOSS
While “shedding is normal,” if you are losing more than the typical 50-100 strands a day, it might be worth taking a deep dive into lifestyle habits that may be at play. Career challenges, financial burdens, social conflicts–and even all of them at once–can lead to elevated stress levels.
Besides genetics, one of the most common causes for hair loss in women is stress. “This can be emotional, such as suffering the loss of a loved one, or physical stress such as a severe illness or major surgery,” says Dr. Carolyn Krieg at Parsley Health. “There is frequently a delay of a few months between the onset of the stressor and the appearance of hair loss. Likewise, it can take months after the stressor is over to notice your hair loss improve.”
For these reasons, it’s increasingly important to focus on self care as a consistent part of your routine.
Here are 4 my self care solutions to alleviate stress and help save your strands.
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #1: START A DAILY MEDITATION OR MINDFULNESS ROUTINE
In today’s world, we’re constantly connected to technology and that means we’re regularly flooded with news and information that can feel overwhelming. It’s important to find ways to disconnect and tune in with ourselves. Even a few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety.
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #2: EXERCISE AND FLOW
The shorter days of winter can limit our routine but a brief walk outside or flowing through a favorite yoga routine can help lower our body’s stress hormones, release endorphins and help us sleep better (we all know how important sleep is for a healthy mindset!).
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #3: PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Energy flows where attention goes, so practicing gratitude reprograms our brains to look for the positive. Before you go to bed, make a list of 10 things you’re grateful for that day. What are your entries showing you? Gratitude journaling is a simple way to rev up our internal dialogue!
HAIR LOSS SOLUTION #4: MAKE TIME FOR YOU
Whether that means turning on a favorite comedy, soaking in a warm bath or treating ourselves to an in home spa treatment, creating time for things that make us feel good is so important. When we feel good, we set the tone for our body to rejuvenate and heal itself.
Hair Loss Is An Emotional Topic
Putting our self care first can instill a sense of calm and wellbeing, feelings we could all use more of! If you are experiencing stress related hair loss, please know you are not alone in this journey. Have you incorporated more self care and love into your daily routine? I’d love to hear how.
See my must-have product suggestions (starting at the scalp!) below, followed by each product’s innerflection to instill a sense of peace.
~ Joanne Starkman, Founder
My Clean Beauty Picks for Scalp + Hair Health
HAIR RENEW SCALP OIL
Lightweight treatment oil repairs skin’s moisture barrier and hydrates the scalp.
Try It: As a pre or post wash treatment or while styling.
Innerflection: I honor and nourish my roots.
CLARITY HAIRBATH + CONDITIONER
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner gently cleanse and soften hair while soothing the scalp.
Try It: If you experience allergies, scalp or skin sensitives.
Innerflections: I am clear and calm, I am present and peaceful.
HAIR RENEW PRE WASH TREATMENT
Refreshing pre wash treatment removes product buildup and balances natural oils.
Try It: If you notice your strands look greasy or that your scalp is in need of a reset.
Innerflection: I am resilient.
HAIR RENEW DAILY ACTIVE SERUM
Soothing serum helps reduce flaking by fortifying hair follicles and revitalizing roots.
Try It: If you’re dealing with itching, dryness and irritation.
Innerflection: I celebrate myself and welcome new growth.
HARMONIC TREATMENT OIL
Our luxurious treatment oil, rich in flower essences and sacred tamanu oil, balances skin and scalp health and nutrition.
Try It: A five minute scalp massage before your morning shower sets your day for ease and flow and invigorates your scalp for healthy hair growth.
Innerflection: I am nourished with the healing powers of self love
PURE HARMONY HAIRBATH AND PURE INSPIRATION DAILY CONDITIONER
If your hair is feeling more delicate than usual, weightless cleansing and conditioning will help retain body and bounce. Our Pure line perfectly balances hair, leaving it healthy and voluminous.
Try It: If you’re already using our Color or Hydrate line, swap for our Pure line. It provides the same gentle cleansing and conditioning in less concentrated form.
Innerflections: My life is full and in perfect balance and I am happy and I radiate a natural glow
I CREATE LIFT VOLUMIZING FOAM
Our Allure award-winning foam styler adds weightless texture, boosts volume, and defines curls on wet or dry hair.
Try It: Add a pump or two to your fingertips and run through wet or dry, second day hair to revive style and texture without heat tools.
Innerflection: I am vibrant and my hair is healthy and happy
REFRESH DRY SHAMPOO
Not only does our unique foam to powder dry shampoo extend shampoos past Day 2 and beyond, but it’s also perfect for building body on freshly styled hair.
Try It: Add a pump or two of Refresh Dry Shampoo to your palms, then “scrunch” into freshly styled hair for weightless texture and grip.
Innerflection: I am at peace and renew every area of my life
