Is stress causing hair loss? Easy home remedies for hair growth

Meeting deadlines or managing home can be quite stressful, as you just have 24 hours and so much to do. As you race against time, try not to stress over things. Yes, we have all heard about how stress can affect your mental health or disturb your sleeping pattern. Well, stress can also induce hair loss! If you are experiencing this, here are some home remedies help to regrow hair.

Health Shots connected with Dr Mandeep Singh, Head of Department, Plastic Surgery, Paras Health, Gurugram, to find out how to regain hair loss from stress.

Stress and hair loss

You may be surprised to know that hair loss can be related to stress in several ways.

1. Stress can cause a condition called Telogen Effluvium

It is a type of hair loss that happens when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle simultaneously, explains Dr Singh. This can lead to significant hair shedding over a period of several months.

2. Stress can trigger a condition called alopecia areata

It is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. It is believed that stress can trigger an autoimmune response that causes the body to attack hair follicles.

3. Stress can exacerbate certain types of hair loss that are genetic or hormonal

If you have androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-related hair loss, stress can just worsen it.

4. Stress can make you engage in hair-damaging behaviours

If you end up pulling or rubbing your hair, you can blame stress for it. Such behaviours should be avoided as they can lead to hair loss.

But the expert notes that not all hair loss is related to stress. There may be other underlying medical conditions or genetic factors that are making you lose hair.

Home remedies to regain hair loss from stress

There is no definitive cure for hair loss that is caused by stress. But there are hair loss treatments and home remedies that may help to improve the condition of your hair and stimulate hair growth. Here are four possible remedies:

1. Use coconut oil

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that can nourish and moisturise the hair, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties can help to keep your scalp healthy. Women with dry or damaged hair can use coconut oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Apply the oil to the hair and scalp, leave it on for at least 30 minutes, and then wash it off with a mild shampoo. This treatment can be done once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the hair damage.

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains enzymes that can help to promote healthy hair growth and soothe scalp that’s inflamed. Women with sensitive or dry scalp can use aloe vera gel as a natural conditioner. Apply the gel to the hair and scalp, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then use a mild shampoo to wash it off. Do it at least once a week.

3. Argan oil

Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which can help to protect the hair from damage and promote healthy hair growth. Women with frizzy or dry hair can use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner, suggests the expert. Apply a small amount of the oil to the ends of the hair, avoid the scalp, and leave it on until the next wash. Do it after each hair wash.

4. Onion juice

Onion juice has high levels of sulfur, which can help to improve blood circulation to the hair follicles and help in hair growth. To use onion juice, blend a few pieces of onions and extract the juice. Apply it directly to your scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it off.

Scalp massage can be an effective way to reduce stress and improve blood flow to your hair follicles. This can help to nourish your hair and stimulate growth. A balanced diet is essential for healthy hair growth, so make sure you are getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals in your diet.