Stress Less, Grow More: Your April Haircare Guide
April isn’t just about blooming flowers; it’s also about shedding the layers of stress that may have accumulated over the chilly winter months. This April is all about awareness and as we step in to Tuesday 16th April, being Stress Awareness Day, it’s crucial to discuss not just stress itself but its sneaky side effects—such as stress-related hair loss, a topic close to our hearts, but also other common issues people face as a result of stress such as digestion problems (IBS), skin flare ups, and repeated bouts of illness and poor sleep.
Here at CENTRED, we’re diving deep into the science behind this phenomenon and showing you how our Inside Out Method™ and holistic approach to self care can nurture your hair back to health.
The Science of Stress and Hair Loss
Did you know that your hair has its own life cycle, and stress can interrupt this cycle dramatically? It’s true; psychological stress can trigger hair shedding, technically known as telogen effluvium. When stressed, your body’s natural response is to conserve energy, and unfortunately, hair growth isn’t exactly top of the survival priority list. This can push hair follicles prematurely into the "resting" phase, halting growth and causing increased shedding weeks or even months later.
But why does this happen? Stress boosts the production of certain hormones, like cortisol, which can then affect other hormonal levels, including those that regulate hair growth. Over time, this hormonal imbalance can lead to the scalp’s reduced ability to support healthy hair growth.
Read more on this here - Cortisol and hair loss, what's the link?
Understanding Stress: Common Questions Answered
1. How do I stop being stressed?
Stopping stress isn't about a one-time fix; it's about developing resilience and techniques to manage life's pressures. Key strategies include:
Routine Self-Care: Incorporating regular self-care acts, like using CENTRED’s relaxing En-Root Scalp Oil during a scalp massage, can help reduce stress.
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices help you stay present and significantly reduce stress levels.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise, even a quick walk, can drastically decrease stress hormones like cortisol.
Sleep and Nutrition: Ensuring adequate sleep and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial for stress management.
2. What does stress feel like?
Stress can manifest both physically and emotionally, and it feels different for everyone. Common signs include:
Emotional Symptoms: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or anxious.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, or changes in appetite.
Behavioural Changes: Increased use of alcohol or drugs, social withdrawal, or changes in sleeping habits.
3. What are the signs of stress and anxiety?
Stress and anxiety often overlap, and their signs can be similar, including:
Emotional Signs: Constant worry, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mood swings.
Physical Signs: Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues.
Behavioural Signs: Avoidance of certain situations, obsessive or compulsive behaviours, and changes in performance at work or school.
4. What are the main causes of stress?
Stress can be triggered by a variety of factors, often categorised as:
External Triggers: Such as job changes, relationship difficulties, financial problems, or major life changes.
Internal Triggers: Including pessimistic thinking, unrealistic expectations, rigid thinking, or lack of flexibility.
Physical Triggers: Poor health, lack of sleep, or nutritional deficiencies can all heighten stress responses.
See also - Biohacking happiness
CENTRED’s Inside Out Method™: A Dual Approach to Stress and Hair Care
1. Nourishing from Within:
Our Tender Love & Hair supplements are not just pills; they’re powerhouses of nutrients. Formulated with stress-busting B vitamins, zinc, and selenium, they help manage stress at a biochemical level while supporting hair’s natural growth cycles. The addition of biotin and amino acids provides the building blocks for healthy hair, ensuring your follicles get all they need to thrive.
2. Soothing the Scalp:
Stressed scalp? Our En-Root Scalp Oil is like a spa day for your head. Infused with rosemary leaf extract and peppermint oil, it stimulates circulation and calms inflammation. This oil isn’t just soothing; it’s a strategic strike against stress, helping to rejuvenate the scalp’s natural vitality.
3. Gentle, Effective Haircare:
Our Daily Calma Shampoo and Conditioner duo complements our supplements and scalp oil by providing gentle, stress-free cleansing and conditioning. Free from harsh sulphates and loaded with hydrating ingredients, they keep your hair soft, hydrated, and less prone to breakage from physical stress.
Embracing Stress Management Techniques
Join the Movement
For the rest of April, we challenge you to not just understand your stress but to take active steps towards managing it. Follow along with our blog and social media as we share daily tips, exercises, and inspiration to help you stay CENTRED. Let’s make this month about growth in every sense—less stress, more lush, thick hair and more feeling CENTRED.
Remember, tackling stress is a journey, not a sprint. It’s about making small changes that lead to big results. So, take a breath, grab your En-Root Scalp Oil, and let’s embark on this path together. Your hair—and your heart—will thank you.
