Meeting deadlines or running a household can be very stressful, as you have 24 hours and so much to do. As you race against time, try not to stress over things. Yes, we’ve all heard about how stress can affect your mental health or disrupt your sleep patterns. Well, stress can also cause hair loss! If you are experiencing this, here are some home remedies that help in hair regrowth.
Health Shots linked with Dr Mandeep Singh, Head of Department, Plastic Surgery, Paras Health, Gurugram, to find out how to regrow hair due to stress.
Depression and hair loss
You may be surprised to know that hair loss can be related to stress in several ways.
1. Stress can cause a condition called Telogen Effluvium
It is a type of hair loss that occurs when a large number of hairs enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle at the same time, explains Dr Singh. This can lead to significant hair loss over a period of several months.
2. Stress can cause a condition called alopecia areata
It is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the skin and other parts of the body. It is believed that stress can cause an autoimmune response that causes the body to attack the hair follicles.
3. Stress can increase certain types of hair loss that are genetic or hormonal
If you have androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) related hair loss, stress can make it worse.
4. Stress can make you engage in hair-damaging behaviors
If you end up pulling or rubbing your hair, you can blame stress for it. Such behavior should be avoided because it can lead to hair loss.
But the expert notes that not all hair loss is related to stress. There may be other underlying medical conditions or genetic factors that cause hair loss.
Home remedies to reverse hair loss due to stress
There is no sure cure for hair loss caused by stress. But there are hair loss treatments and home remedies that can help improve the condition of your hair and promote hair growth. Here are four possible remedies:
1. Use coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that nourish and condition hair, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties can help keep your scalp healthy. Women with dry or damaged hair can use coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Apply the oil to the hair and scalp, leave it for at least 30 minutes, then wash it off with a mild shampoo. This treatment can be done once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the hair damage.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera contains enzymes that can help promote healthy hair growth and soothe an inflamed scalp. Women with sensitive or dry scalp can use aloe vera gel as a natural ingredient. Apply the gel to the hair and scalp, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, then use a mild shampoo to wash it off. Do it at least once a week.
3. Argan oil
Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which can help protect hair from damage and promote healthy hair growth. Women with dull or dry hair can use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner, suggests an expert. Apply a small amount of oil to the ends of the hair, avoiding the scalp, and leave it on until the next wash. Do it after each hair wash.
4. Onion juice
Onion juice has high levels of sulphur, which can help improve blood flow to the hair roots and help in hair growth. To use onion juice, mix a few slices of onion and extract the juice. Apply it directly to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it off.
Scalp massage can be an effective way to reduce stress and improve blood flow to your hair roots. This can help nourish your hair and promote growth. Nutrition is important for healthy hair growth, so make sure you get enough protein, vitamins, and minerals in your diet.
