Stress can cause our hearts to race, and lose sleep at night. It can also cause damage to our bodies. You may notice more hair on your brush or itchy skin when you feel tremendous pressure from your daily life. Below are a few symptoms to watch for that may alert you to the negative effects of stress on your hair, scalp, and skin along with some ideas on how to address some of the symptoms.
Before I jump into this, I want to remind you to always consult a medical professional to address significant stress issues or other possible underlying medical conditions.
Hair Loss
One of the stress effects that may be the most noticeable is hair loss. High amounts of stress from events such as death, divorce, or childbirth can cause your hair to start falling out in clumps. Hormonal changes from starting or stopping certain medications can cause an increase in the amount of hair you shed on your brush. Increased shedding may not be entirely noticeable for up to three weeks after a traumatic event. Stress can also deplete vital nutrients for your hair, scalp, and skin, which can cause a variety of problems.
Reducing stress can give your body time to heal and regrow. In the meantime, you can use volumizing hair products to provide more fullness to your hair. Brush your hair gently and avoid heavy conditioners that can weigh down hair strands. If you suffer significant hair loss, you may want to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Dry and Itchy Scalp
Another one of the stress symptoms you may experience is a dry and itchy scalp. Stress can increase certain hormones and release inflammatory chemicals that can compromise the function of the barrier of your scalp. Moisture may escape easier, causing your scalp to feel dry. You may become more sensitive to irritants in your hair care products. As a result, you may experience itching, tingling, or stinging on your scalp.
If your scalp is feeling dry and itchy, wash your hair less frequently to allow natural oils to build and moisturize your scalp. Use hair products made for sensitive skin that are labeled fragrance-free or hypoallergenic. Deep condition your hair regularly to help hydrate your scalp.
Skin Flare-Ups
You may notice specific stress effects on your skin when under a lot of pressure. Eczema is a common hereditary condition that can cause red and scaly rashes on your scalp and skin when exacerbated by stress. Psoriasis can be aggravated by stress and cause patches of hardened skin to develop. Medicated shampoos and using skincare products containing salicylic acid may help relieve symptoms. If you are experiencing these conditions, you may want to seek a dermatologist for treatment.
Relieve Stress Effects with Self-Care
Over time, the effects of stress can take a noticeable toll on your body. It is important to practice self-care so that you can look and feel your best. At Michael Anthony Salon, we provide a wide range of services, from relaxing shampoos, nourishing conditioning treatments, and skincare products to gorgeous haircuts and color services. Let us help you relieve stress and take good care of your hair, scalp, and skin. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Enjoy your hair!
Mickey