De-Stress Your Tresses This Summer.

Stressed hair is often a sign of unhealthy hair and can lead to damaged and dry hair. If your hair is constantly going under the hairstyles, curling irons, straighteners and blow dryers; it’s time to give your hair some healthy treatment. Hair needs protection similar to our skin. Damaged hairs are thirsty for nourishment and care.

It is time to de-stress your tresses this summer. Some basic things can make your hair feel good.

What Is De-stressing Your Tresses Mean?

De-stressing is the process of removing existing stress from your body or mind. Proper care is also needed for your hair. Sometimes, stress can cause hair loss and other hair-related problems like dandruff, scalp problems, and so on. 

It is necessary to constantly de-stress your tresses which will probably promote healthy hair.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair growth involves three stages. In growth (anagen), strands of hair push through the skin. In degeneration (catagen), hair ceases to grow, and the follicle at the base of the strand shrinks. In rest (telogen), hair falls out and the process can begin again. Hair is among the few tissues that mammals can regenerate throughout their lifetime.

The hair growth cycle depends on stem cells found in hair follicles. During the growth phase, these stem cells divide and create new cells, which help regenerate hair. In the resting phase, the stem cells do not work. Researchers have not yet figured out how chronic stress affects hair follicle stem cells.

Why Should You De-stress Your Hair?

Stress can cause hair loss, scalp problems and premature graying. It can also make your hair look dry and frizzy. It is important to dedicate your time to de-stress your hair which can help reduce stress and make your hair look healthier and shinier

How Does Stress Affect Your Hair?

1. Premature Graying

Stress is one of the most common factors of hair loss. Stress hormones can cause the melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles to activate and move away from the follicle. Without these stem cells, new hair can’t be pigmented and will appear gray or white.

2. Scalp Problems

Stress can cause your scalp to produce more oil, which can cause dandruff, itching and flaking.

3. Hair Regrowth

It is said that our hair can typically grow back in three to six months without treatment. However, if emotional stress causing hair loss isn’t addressed, the cycle may happen again.

4. Split Ends

Stress can damage your hair by weakening the shafts, which often leads to split ends. To keep your hair healthy, it’s important to manage your stress levels.

Time to De-stress Your Tresses!

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve your blood circulation to the scalp. They release endorphins, which are the body’s natural stress relievers. They also help reduce cortisol, a hormone that causes hair thinning.

2. Sleep

Get enough amount of sleep(7-9) hours and practise good sleep hygiene. It reduces stress and promotes healthy hair growth by regulating hormones and repairing cells. 

3. Practise Relaxation

Try meditation, yoga, mindfulness or deep breathing. These are proven ways to help reduce your stress and promote hair growth.

4. Use Hair Products

You can also try to use hair products that contain biotin and keratin. Trim your hair regularly to maintain and prevent damage.

5. Spend Time with Others

Connect with positive people and set aside time for yourself. 

6. Take a Break from Electronics

Reduce screen time and the number of electronic devices in your home. 

Remedies to Take Care of Your Damaged Hair

1. Brush It Out

Detangle your hair once in a while with a soft bristle brush which will make you feel better. Smooth out all the stringy strands and make way for softer, smoother hair.

2. Protect It

Protect your hair when you step into the sun, as the UVA rays from the sunlight even cause more damage to your hair. 

3. Conditioner

Use a good conditioner, after every hair wash that is suitable for your hair. Prefer contents that are suitable for your hair like jojoba oil, aloe vera or keratin. This will reduce the damage caused by external factors like stress. 

4. Hot Massage

Apply hot oil to your hair and massage it before washing. Hair that is stressed and damaged often lacks its natural oils, so it’s beneficial to leave the oil on overnight and then wash it out the next day. Secure it in a loose braid for the whole night.

5. Home Remedies

Use some home remedies for your hair as it goes through some serious wear and tear the whole day. Home remedies are easy, inexpensive and can be easily made with the material available at home. Try some hair masks at home before a hair wash.

Olive Oil and Egg

Apply a mixture of one egg and two teaspoons of olive oil to damp hair and let it sit for twenty minutes. 

Water, Apple Cider Vinegar

After shampooing and conditioning, spray damp hair with a mixture of a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar and two cups of water. 

Black Tea

After using black tea, use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. 

Conditioner

To hydrate hair and shield it from the elements, use a leave-in conditioner. 

Note: Increasing your intake of protein-rich foods like nuts, beans, eggs, fish, lean meats, and seeds is another option. 

Final Note

We hope you got an idea of how stress affects your body, mind and even hair. Make sure to relax and reduce tension. Spend some time taking care of your hair by following the above-recommended actions that will surely make your hair look stronger and healthier.