The holidays can be a stressful time for lots of folks. But after almost two years of living with the ups and downs and worries and disruptions of a pandemic, even people who in the past have been chipper and worry-free during the holiday season may feel the burn this year. Holiday stress not only can put a damper on what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also cause health problems, including hair loss.
Increased hair shedding is an annual lump of coal in many people’s stockings during the holidays, and it’s not only because of all of the running around and stress. As fall turns into winter, the dryer, cooler air that accompanies the change in the seasons can also lead to more significant amounts of hair loss.
Here are three common reasons for holiday hair loss and simple tips you can use to keep you and your hair full of holiday cheer.
Holiday Stress and How To Manage It
Holiday stress now seems as much a part of the season as Santa and egg nog. All of the accumulated stress we’ve all been under can become magnified during the hustle and bustle of the holidays and can be a huge contributor to increased hair loss. Also known as telogen effluvium (TE), stress-related hair loss usually appears a few months after a highly stressful event or time.
Finding effective ways to manage and reduce stress is important all year long for many health reasons other than hair loss. While it may take more effort to make time for stress management during the busyness of the holidays, try to take regular breaks from the tumult to take care of yourself. Keep to your regular exercise regimen to the extent possible, set aside short periods for quiet time, meditation, or reading, and turn off your phone and other gadgets from time to time. All of these simple adjustments can help reduce your holiday stress levels and keep any stress-induced hair loss at bay.
Be Mindful of Your Holiday Eating and Drinking
Our diets impact our health and well-being in several ways, including the strength of our hair follicles. During the holidays, our diets often change, not just in terms of how much we eat and drink, but also in the kinds of things we consume.
When the body lacks the nutrients needed to function properly, some of those functions can shut down. This can include hair growth and regeneration. As you stuff yourself with turkey and ham or devour those holiday cookies, try to make sure that your body is getting enough of these nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for hair growth and overall good health.
Fight Dryness
Even here in South Florida, winter can bring drier air, outside as well as indoors. Hair needs moisture to stay healthy. After you wash your hair with a gentle shampoo that exfoliates and cleanses your scalp, use an ultra-light moisturizing conditioner that can nourish your follicles and soften brittleness that often comes with dry hair.
The Miami Hair Institute: Excellence In Hair Restoration No Matter The Season
Hair loss can be an issue no matter what the season. There is no time like the present if you are ready to do something about your thinning hair. At the Miami Hair Institute, our world-renowned hair restoration physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases through the most advanced hair transplant surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments available. To receive your personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.