How to help your clients struggling with hair loss post lockdown

Published 14th Apr 2021 by eleanor
How to help your clients struggling with hair loss post lockdown As the Coronavirus lockdown begins to ease, it's fair to say the that the past year has been a very stressful time with most of us experiencing unimaginable challenges. Excessive stress can have a huge impact on many aspects of our mental and physical well-being, including causing hair loss. And with salons reopening,  clients may turn to their trusted hairdresser to discuss their concerns. "While there is no scientific evidence of a direct link, an increasing number of people who are recovering from COVID-19 are reporting hair loss as a side effect of the illness. However, it is not just those who have had COVID-19 who will be suffering from hair loss, for many people the past year has been incredibly stressful, and stress and hair loss are intricately connected," explains Mark Blake (MIT WTS IAT), leading globally recognised trichologist. Stress-induced hair loss is an issue that could impact on some of your clients almost immediately or others in 6-12 weeks’ time, while others will not notice any difference. "Hair is non-essential tissue that needs lots of energy to grow, but it has to take a back seat when the body is under stress and needs to survive. This means that the hair follicles may simply be shut down by the body when it is in its survival mode," explains Mark. "Once the causative factors are removed hair should start to grow back again, however it takes around three months from the moment it is triggered back into life again to see any hair peeping out from the scalp.” To help you give clients the support they need, either when they are able to return to the salon or during online consultations, wig and hair loss experts Banbury Postiche have teamed up with Lynda Hutton MIT from The Hair Care and Trichology Clinic to share the key advice that can help to identify and manage hair loss caused by stress.

Understand the types of stress-induced hair loss

The most common hair loss resulting from stress is called Telogen Effluvium. It is caused when hair follicles are pushed to the resting phase. This creates diffused hair loss and its effects take six to 12 weeks for the results to occur. Another type of hair loss that has been linked to stress is Alopecia Areata, which causes patches of loss. With Alopecia Areata a patch can appear within weeks. In many cases the hair will grow back within six months without intervention. Trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder or compulsive hair pulling, occurs when people pull out their own hair or eyelashes. This condition needs to be treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Suggest a heat styling holiday

This is a perfect opportunity to improve the condition of the hair. Encourage clients to wash it less frequently, go easy on the styling products and pack the hair dryer and styling tools away for a while. While improving the condition of the hair won’t have an impact on hair loss, it will give the illusion of healthier hair. It’s worth mentioning that hair should still be washed a minimum of once a week to maintain scalp health.

Look for ways to reduce stress levels

That might sound easier said than done, but there are some steps that can be taken to reduce stress - even at this crazy time. • Listen to them and do what you can to make them feel calmer. • Reassure them that this time will pass. • Encourage them to maintain a daily routine if possible. • A good strategy is to set one small achievable goal and practice relaxation techniques. • If stress becomes unmanageable there are lots on online support groups for mental well-being, while Alopecia UK is a fantastic community for those suffering from the condition.

Recommend a healthy diet

Stress also impacts on digestion and how the body deals with the absorption of important nutrients. As the body doesn’t consider hair essential tissue, it is the first thing it will cut off the supply to if there is a lack of nutrients. A healthy diet includes all the main food groups, including plenty of protein and leafy greens.

Take good vitamins as advised

Always stick to the recommended dose of hair supplements, as there can be side-effects from taking the wrong amount. For example, low iron can interrupt the cycle of the hair but too much iron is bad for the body as well. Being inside may reduce your exposure to Vitamin D from sunlight, so this is a sensible time to introduce a Vitamin D supplement.

Refer them to a trichologist

If you are unsure how to help the client or feel they would benefit from an expert, refer them to trichologists.org.uk. Due to the lockdown situation, the Institute of Trichologists are currently allowing online consultations. However, advise them to choose someone local as they will need to have their scalp examined when the restrictions have been lifted.

Use power-up products

Nioxin and CRL Lab are renowned for their extensive research into thinning hair and hair loss and for formulating the most effective haircare and styling ranges for these complaints. Their products are backed by Trichologists and have proven track records in slowing hair loss and improving the condition of the scalp.

Get wiggy with it

Hair loss and stress can create a vicious circle because the hair loss causes additional stress. Wigs can be a fantastic tool to alleviate the stress from alopecia. They’re also fantastic for those having heat styling holidays or with roots they’d rather not show off. www.wigsuk.com supply wigs to both the NHS and private patients and have an extensive range of wigs available online. To find out more about the CNC system by CRL Hair in the UK visit crlhair.co.uk. Partner Enquiries should email [email protected] or call 01295 757400.
eleanor

eleanor

Published 14th Apr 2021

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