Stress-Induced Hair Loss and How To Treat It During COVID.
2020 has been a trying and taxing year. The presence of a virus set on upending social norms certainly leads to considerable stress and anxiety. Anxious about our loved ones, our jobs, politics and our social lives, the stress and anxiety can often manifest in the form of hair loss.
Of course, some degree of hair loss is normal for everyone—hair goes through several growth stages and eventually falls away naturally. All hair eventually falls out and is replaced in a continuous process. Some people are also genetically prone to premature hair loss as the hair follicles gradually shrink and die out.
Besides genetics, psychological factors like stress and anxiety exacerbate hair loss, and we have seen COVID-driven stress leading to significant hair loss.
In recent months, many have experienced increased anxiety and stress due to COVID and related issues, such as failing businesses, job insecurity, sickness and uncertainties about the future. Men are particularly prone to suffering from hair loss because they are still traditionally seen as the heads of households, making them responsible for their family’s future safety and security. If you’ve been suffering from premature stress-induced hair loss in recent months, you should take active measures to avoid baldness.
This article provides some tips on avoiding stress-induced hair loss.
Use natural hair products that nourish your scalp and hair.
You can minimize hair loss by using natural hair products that nourish your hair and scalp. Most people use styling products that leave residue behind, clogging up the pores in your scalp. Clogged hair follicles accelerate your body’s hair loss response, leading to premature Male Pattern Baldness. As such, you must avoid hair products with harsh chemicals and switch to natural hair products made of ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil, etc. Whether you’re using pomade, styling wax, or shampoos, natural is better.
Consult a reputable dermatologist.
Natural hair products will certainly help slow down premature baldness, but they won’t necessarily stop hair loss altogether. If you’re still experiencing rapid hair loss after changing your hair products, you should consult a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment before it’s too late. If you act proactively, a dermatologist can diagnose the root cause of your premature baldness and set you on the right course with minimal intervention.
When you consult a dermatologist, they’ll examine your hair quality and scalp to identify the potential root cause of your hair loss. Most dermatologists start your treatment with topical medications that you can apply at home. Some patients suffer from rapid hair loss due to the excessive production of DHT, a hormone that harms your hair follicles. If that’s the case, the doctor may prescribe medications to block DHT production.
If the topical treatments don’t work, the dermatologist may recommend laser therapy. You may have to wear a cap that activates cellular regeneration, encouraging hair growth. And, if all else fails, the doctor may recommend surgical options and transplants as a last resort. However, if you want to preserve your hair without resorting to surgeries or other advanced treatments, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as you notice changes in the amount of hair you or a loved one is losing.
