The holidays are famous for bringing stress along with joy. So, it’s hardly a shock that to some, they are also associated with hair loss. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Though, as a side note, the “Christmas tree pattern hair loss” in women is not related to the holiday season. Instead, it’s a type of hair loss that’s a side effect of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Is Holiday Hair Loss Real?
It is not only quite real, but has even been getting mainstream attention for some time now. Of course, like most commentary around hair loss there is a lot of myth and misinformation to sort through. Is it the stress, the weather, or some other seasonal factor? And how can you best combat it?
Can Holiday Stress Cause Hair Loss?
Between shopping, parties, family gatherings and all of the other minutiae of surviving the holidays… it would seem logical that the increase in stress is at the root of any seasonal hair loss. And while that is true, much seasonal hair loss seems more tied to the time of year and weather. This change in temperatures and humidity causes stress to your scalp and follicles – resulting in hair shedding or hair loss.
When excessive stress can cause hair loss, this is a condition known as telogen effluvium… and it is the other great holiday culprit. In these cases, the impact of stress on the bodily systems prevents the hair follicles from re-entering their growth phase after a resting phase.
Obviously, stress reduction strategies are the appropriate response in these cases. Some of the best things you can do immediately include:
- Get Some Exercise. Not only is it good for you in general, but it also increases circulation to the scalp… bringing more nutrients to the follicles to keep your hair healthy.
- Make sure to Get Good Sleep. All of your bodily systems need the recharging of a good night’s sleep, including your hair and scalp.
- Schedule your commitments. It is easy to get overburdened during the holidays. Putting everything into a schedule or calendar reduces stress by imposing organization.
- Be kind to yourself. Try not to let the stress get to you. Take breaks, get a massage, do something fun in order to recharge your batteries.
- Mind your diet. This isn’t about depriving yourself of holiday treats. It’s about making sure you don’t accidentally deprive yourself of vital nutrients for hair growth. So have your holiday favorites while also making sure you mix in healthy, nutrient-rich foods and/or taking a multivitamin. B vitamins and magnesium also help counter stress.
How Long Does Seasonal Hair Loss Last?
Stress-related seasonal hair loss usually abates once the stress levels are reduced. As the elevated levels of cortisol produced by the body drop, so does their negative effect on the hair follicles.
RHRLI Are the Experts in Treating Hair Loss
Some seasonal hair thinning is to be expected, but, if you are experiencing heavy shedding or your hairline is receding, book a consultation with Robotic Hair Restoration Long Island. We have transplanted more than one million hair follicles since 2015 and we have the experience to diagnose the cause of your hair loss and develop a treatment plan. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation!