You could lose your hair due to stress; expert explains connection

Remember how many people started losing their hair after COVID infection? We had heard of several theories that attempted to explore the link, but the one that caught everyone’s attention was the explanation that it was the body’s response to the stress that the COVID virus was exposing the body to. We spoke to Dr. Abhishek Pilani, MD Dermatologist, Founder of Assure Clinics to better understand the connection and how we can link stress and hair loss.
Dr. Abhishek says, “According to the latest research in the medical field, most cases of post-COVID hair loss stem from a condition called telogen effluvium – a reversible condition in which hair falls out after a stressful experience. According to research, the stressors created by having contracted (and suffered from) COVID send your body into shock and disrupt the growth-rest cycle. The process begins after you recover from COVID, leading to intense hair loss within months of contracting the disease. The condition is reversible and usually goes away on its own, without any additional medication.

But how do we know that our hair problems are related to stress? Dr. Abhishek explains, “Stress can appear in many ways in the body, and your hair is no exception. Stress is often accompanied by thinning and graying hair. If you’re stressed, your hair is more likely to break, have less volume, and look rough and dry. Also, if you have dandruff, stress can make your condition worse or worse. Although experts have not found a direct link between depression and hair loss, there is invariably an indirect link. Those who are often depressed also have poor hygiene and eating habits, which can cause or worsen a hair problem. For example, a sad person may go weeks without washing their hair, leading to eventual hair loss. As for stress, it can directly lead to hair thinning by conditions such as telogen effluvium, trichotillomania and alopecia areata, he adds.
Can supplements help the situation?

Many people have turned to popping supplements to treat hair loss, but is it a reliable and appropriate approach to solving the problem? Dr. Abhishek tells us that stress and hair loss unfortunately works like a vicious circle – the more stressed you are, the more hair you will lose, which in turn will add more stress. “While vitamins/supplements can help, these can only be complementary to a good balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, zinc and other minerals. Also make sure you drink enough water , sleep well and follow a healthy hair regimen to protect your hair.

The right way to treat your hair

When it comes to nourishing our hair, we often turn to oiling it with processed oils, hair spas, and using any product that claims to control hair loss. But there may be a simpler, more direct approach to dealing with the situation, says Dr. Abhishek. “Be gentle with your hair – do not comb your hair when wet and do not dry it often. The use of a mild cleanser is advised. Always read the labels of your shampoos and if you are experiencing hair loss extreme, ask your doctor for suggestions. An oil massage once a week will hydrate and massage your hair follicles. However, do not leave in the oil for more than one night and avoid brushing right after oiling. Do not not oil more than once a week.Also, don’t always keep your hair open or tie it too tight: both can in turn contribute to hair loss.Again, the only way to stopping hair loss caused by stress is to eliminate or at least reduce stress. Trying yoga or meditation can be beneficial. Apart from that, physical exercise goes a long way in reducing stress. Finally, a A nutritious diet rich in protein and minerals will help you (and your hair) stay happy and healthy.