Why Does Your Hair Thin? Hair Loss and Hair Thinning with Trichologist Eva Proudman

Since the start of Social Distancing, Self-Isolating and Lockdown, I have seen a big increase in people worried about their hair thinning, excessive hair falling out or even patchy hair loss. Although Face to Face clinical appointments are not possible, video consultations are, and could be a great way to help you take control of your hair loss and hair worries.

What Common Factors Affect Hair Thinning and Hair Loss?

Stress has a major impact on our overall well-being and our hair health, and in our current situation, there is no doubt that stress levels are elevated for many people for a variety of reasons.

The hair is very sensitive to many things including stress, emotional issues, particularly bereavement, dietary changes, illness and operations. The growth cycle can become disrupted and hair can start to shed prematurely, re-grow and shed again. This hair loss is due to a condition called Telogen Effluvium, it is very common but fortunately, it has a very successful treatment rate.

I see Telogen Effluvium in my clinic every day, however, it can be very effectively treated if all underlying causative factors are identified and addressed.

Sustained levels of stress can cause the hair follicles to move from the growing phase to the resting phase, 2 – 3 months later this is often seen as a very noticeable increase in hair falling out, causing the appearance of hair thinning, and a loss in overall hair density. It is a frightening condition as most people think that they are about to lose all of their hair – this isn’t the case, the hair is shedding and re-growing, it isn’t all staying in the growing phase for long enough which leads to the thinning hair and loss of density.

The effective treatment of Telogen Effluvium requires 2 things:

• An accurate diagnosis
• A bespoke treatment plan that addresses all underlying causative factors.

If stress is a trigger or underlying cause for your Telogen Effluvium, the following actions will support recovery from this condition:

• Try to stay active: exercise reduces the stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol, it also promotes the production of feel-good chemicals called endorphins that are the body’s natural way of lifting your mood and feeling of well-being. Exercise can take many forms such as your daily walk or bike ride, working in the garden, an online exercise or dance class, or even cleaning and tidying to uplifting music that gets you moving more – you don’t have to be an athlete find what you enjoy, and you will enjoy doing it.
• Eat well: you all know how passionate I am about diet playing a vital role in hair health. Absolute Collagen taken as a supplement can help to manage your feelings of anxiety and levels of stress, which in turn has a positive impact on your hair and scalp.
• Relax: make some time to stop overthinking, meditation and yoga are common tools to aid relaxation, but find what works for you, reading, completing a puzzle or jigsaw, drawing, crafting and so many other activities that can be enjoyed and help you to relax whilst you are doing them.
• Sleep: getting enough sleep is vital for our general health and our hair health.
• Take control: talk to a Trichologist about your concerns if you’re suffering from hair loss or thinning hair, and find out what your condition is, what is causing it and how you can manage it. It’s a guaranteed way to reduce the stress you may feel about your hair thinning.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the hair follicle causing patchy hair loss. We know from research that stress is a major trigger for this condition, there are many supportive treatments that can be used, if you are worried about this condition and can’t get to a GP or Dermatologist talk to your Trichologist who can advise and help with positive actions you can take during this lockdown period, and potentially point you in the right direction of a hair loss treatment.

Photo by Alexis Chloe on Unsplash