Hair care is self-care - it really is that simple. We live in an age of extreme busyness and stress. Making (and actually taking!) time for yourself is often more difficult than it should be but we'd like to outline some practical self-care strategies to help both you and your hair!
 

How stress affects our hair

Hair grows in cycles or phases. [1] Stress is thought to disrupt the hair growth cycle by prematurely halting the hair growth period. This is known as the Anagen Phase of the hair cycle and occurs as the root of the hair divides rapidly and adds to the hair shaft. [2] During this phase the hair grows about 1 cm every 28 days. After the Anagen Phase, hair moves to the consolidation or Catagen Phase (where the hair follicle clubs and regresses slightly after its initial growth [3]) and then finally to the resting or Telogen Phase. [4]

In normal circumstances, hair moves from one phase to the next in staggered stages so there's no noticeable difference to the appearance of your hair. When stress disrupts the Anagen Phase however, a larger percentage of the overall hair volume rapidly reaches the Catagen Phase and then Telogen Phase at the same time and results in a larger volume of hair fall at the same time. This is often up to 10 times more than usual and becomes noticeabley visible. 

The good news is that the hair will generally grow back gradually after a bout of stress but it’s best to seek medical advice if you are experiencing continued hair loss to rule out other causes of hair loss. 

Simple Ideas for Self-care

It's really important to take care of our mental, physical and emotional health so that we don’t stay depleted and run down after a bout of acute stress or because of ongoing stress in our daily lives. It is possible to reduce stress levels with some intentional and mindful, daily self-care rituals. These don't have to be complex or costly. Something as simple as making time to sit and read a book, draw a lovely bubble bath, go for a long walk outdoors or seek out friends or counselling if needed.

Having a long bath with Epsom salts, lavender or rosemary essential oils and lighting a scented candle can reduce stress levels, relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation. Having a cup of herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint tea or lemon balm tea) will also help to calm your nerves and reduce stress levels and anxiety. Switching off tech devices 1 hour before bed helps to reduce the amount of blue light exposure from screens which over-stimulates our eyes and brain activity at a time which should be soothing instead. Another great (and fun!) way to care for yourself and your hair is by making an at-home hair mask. These not only help to nourish your hair, but many women find it enjoyable to be a bit more creative and actually make something for themselves as a treat!

 

Some of the best hair mask recipes we've found:

Nourishing Mask

 

2 tablespoon of coconut oil

1 tablespoon of honey

1 ripe banana

This mask is designed to nourish and care for your hair. Coconut oil helps to prevent hair breakage and split ends. By managing these two things, you'll ultimately be contributing to hair length and strength. Using coconut oil on your hair promotes a healthy scalp and is a natural dandruff treatment too.

Simply add all ingredients together, blend them well and apply to your hair. Leave in for 20-30 mins before rinsing out with warm water.

 

 

Split Ends Hair Mask

1 egg

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Rosemary essential oil

 

Using Rosemary Essential Oil in your hair helps reduce scalp irritation and promote healthy hair growth. This mask is rich and luxurious and smalls AMAZING!

Allow the Rosemary to infuse into the oil for 30 minutes before adding the egg to the mixture. Wash your hair as normal and then apply the mixture on damp strands with a heavy emphasis on the ends. Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing and conditioning your hair.

 

Damaged Hair Mask 

1 avocado

2 eggs

1 tablespoon of honey

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

 

The natural fats in avocado as well as the Vitamin C and E in them, helps to promote healthy hair growth. Eggs are rich in Vitamins A, D, and E which adds shine and lustre to your hair. This mask is jam-packed with tonnes of good stuff for your hair and skin!

Simply add all ingredients together, blend them well and apply to your hair. Leave in for 20-30 mins before rinsing out with warm water.

 

Find your hair loss 'TRIBE'

While you're putting your feet up with your homemade hair mask and focussing more on yourself, we invite you to join a group of like-minded women in the hair loss community. We run a totally private, encouraging and safe group for women with fine, thin and thinning hair on Facebook called The Lovely Boost N Blend Ladies. Women from all over the world share their experiences with thinning hair and provide endless amounts of support, advice, tips and tricks too. We'd love for you to join us! 

 

If you're looking for another simple and instant solution to fine, thin and thinning hair... look no further! Our great range of Female Hair Loss Fibres for women with thinning hair is available at one of our global stores:

  

SHOP BOOST N BLEND UK	SHOP BOOST N BLEND AU	SHOP BOOST N BLEND USA

 

 

[1] K. S. Stenn & R. Paus (1 January 2001). "Controls of Hair Follicle Cycling". Physiological Reviews. 81 (1): 449–494.

[2] Brannon, Maryland, Heather. "Anagen Phase". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-11-14.

[3] Brannon, Maryland, Heather. "Catagen Phase". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-11-14.

[4] Brannon, Maryland, Heather. "Telogen Phase". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-11-14.