Undoubtedly, we all desire a full, healthy head of hair to look and feel our best. However, the stresses of the digital age and the pandemic brought about changes in our daily lives, and for many, it also negatively impacted their hair health. While we know that stress is an undeniable factor in our lives, its impact on our physical and mental health is perhaps more far-reaching than we might imagine. In particular, when it comes to our hair health, stress is the second biggest cause of hair loss after genetics. From stress-induced shedding to significantly altered hair care routines, the aftermath of the pandemic has left many of us struggling with thinning hair and overall hair loss. To help you regain your beautiful locks and self-confidence, we have curated a guide on the root causes of these post-pandemic hair woes. Read on to learn a simple yet holistic approach to revitalising your locks. Bookmark this guide if you want to give your mane a dose of love and care!
01What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can have far-reaching emotional consequences, often affecting our self-esteem and confidence. The first step of how to prevent hair fall is to understand its root cause. Hair loss can be an upsetting experience, but it's important to understand that it's a normal part of the hair growth cycle. However, excessive shedding or noticeable thinning can be a sign of underlying problems. Some common causes of balding include:
- Stress: The mental and emotional stress of the pandemic can trigger hair loss, which is known as telogen effluvium.
- Poor Scalp Health: Neglecting scalp care can lead to scalp conditions such as dandruff, inflammation, and clogged pores, which can prevent hair growth.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, can weaken hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, often associated with postpartum or menopause, can negatively impact hair growth.
02How To Prevent Hairfall?
A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth. Here are some simple tips for maintaining a healthy scalp:
- Mild Cleansing: Incorporate a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to clean your scalp without stripping away natural oils.
- Scalp Care: Opt for regular scalp massages with a hair oil such as the Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Oil, which can improve blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles. While there isn't one best hair serum for hair growth, use hair serums such as Love Beauty And Planet's Tea Tree & Rosemary Scalp Serum or Love Beauty Planet's Curry Leaves & Vegan Biotin Scalp Serum that contain ingredients that nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and minimise breakage, preventing hair fall.
- Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your scalp with a scrub such as Love, Beauty & Planet's Tea Tree Oil & Peppermint Scalp Scrub once a week to get rid of dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Don't use excessive heat styling as it can damage hair and weaken the follicles. Shield From
- Sun Exposure: Protect your scalp from harmful UV rays with a hat or sunscreen
03Food Intake To Promote Hair Growth
A balanced diet plays an important role in hair health. Include these nutrient-rich foods in your meals:
- Protein: Eggs, lean meats, fish, poultry, beans, and lentils comprise the building blocks for hair and should be incorporated into your food intake for hair growth.
- Iron: Spinach, kale, lentils, and red meat are great sources of iron, which is crucial for healthy hair growth.
- Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, and legumes are rich in zinc, a mineral, which boosts hair follicle function.
- Biotin: Eggs, almonds, and avocados comprise biotin, a vitamin that supports hair growth.
- Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure and fortified foods such as milk and yoghurt can help meet your vitamin D needs. Vitamin D stimulates the growth phase of the hair cycle and reduces inflammation. Therefore, incorporating a focused scalp care routine with a nutritious diet can significantly improve hair health and promote regrowth. In addition, keep in mind the following tips:
- Stress Management: Regularly, remember to practise relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to manage stress better.
- Adequate Sleep: Always aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support your overall physical and mental health. By working on both external factors such as scalp care and internal factors like balanced nutrition, you can take a holistic approach to support your hair growth. However, if you are still experiencing severe hair balding or have concerns about your hair care routine, consult with a dermatologist or medical professional.
