The natural fall typical of spring has been accentuated by stress problems derived from anxiety and worry caused by the coronavirus
Losing hair is normal. It is estimated that each day we can lose an average of 100 hairs. It is also natural that this fall is more pronounced during the spring or that it is accentuated in periods of stress and nervousness such as the one we are experiencing due to the coronavirus. There is no need to be alarmed, in most cases it is a seasonal drop that we can deal with with products and by following some tips.
According to dermatologists, hair loss in these weeks is related to the hair growth and growth cycle itself. Hair tends to die in spring or be delayed for 3 to 4 months, so autumn is another critical date. Rocío Escalante, expert in dermocosmetics and nutrition and owner of Arbosana Farmacia, advises to take measures and "go to a specialist if we have noticed a great loss of density or a very prolonged and abundant fall". The specialist will be the one to analyze if we are facing a problem and its causes since it may be due to stress, hormonal imbalances or a poor diet.
Moncho Moreno, owner of two beauty salons in Madrid, has confirmed to Vozpópuli that the anxiety and insecurity to which the stress of being at home is subjecting us makes us find ourselves in a strong season of hair loss. We can experience two situations, a mass fall or notice that the hair does not grow enough. For this reason, he advises as soon as we can return to the hairdresser "to strengthen the scalp, oxygenate and make a good cut." He also places a lot of emphasis on food "since it is more important than we think."
How is alopecia caused by the coronavirus?
Since last March, we have found ourselves in a situation that, due to its nature, the uncertainty of its evolution and its consequences at the social, work and personal level, generate an increase in the level of stress. It has been shown that one of the consequences of this stress peak is hair loss and this alopecia has different characteristics than usual. Dr. Javier Pedraz, medical director of the Insparya clinic in Madrid defines it as "a generalized and more homogeneous alopecia that affects the entire scalp equally and that occurs very suddenly, in just 1 or 2 weeks".
Stress causes an increase in adrenaline in the blood and, when this increase is maintained over time, it produces an increase in cortisol that causes blood circulation to decrease and as a consequence less nutrients and water reach the scalp. This causes the hair to weaken and all those hairs that are in the process of growth to fall out.
If stress lasts too long, alopecia can be irreversible
This response is due to the fact that the human body, in the face of threatening situations, seeks to protect the essential organs to maintain life, hence, in the words of Dr. Pedraz, “the cells in charge of offering nutrients to our hair migrate to other areas where they are needed”.
It is a temporary problem but, if the stress period lasts too long, alopecia can be irreversible. In addition, "despite the fact that the loss occurs immediately, the recovery of the hair is much slower, and may take 3 to 4 months", says the specialist.
Foods to stop hair loss
In a situation like the one we are living in, eating habits are altered and we eat more and worse. This change leads us to gain weight, and therefore our body fat also increases. These factors, which are not good for general health, are not good for hair health either. It is important to have a balanced diet to protect your hair.
The pharmacist Rocío Escalante recommends that "any anti- hair loss treatment be accompanied by a varied and balanced diet. This diet must be rich in fruits and vegetables, the main source of vitamins and minerals, which are essential for hair to have strength.
Although there are no miracle foods that prevent hair loss, it is advisable that they do not lack in our meals:
· Legumes such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils.
· Fruits such as orange, raspberry, kiwi, strawberries or banana. Remember that avocado is also a very complete fruit.
· Vegetables and vegetables such as carrots, peppers or spinach.
· Nuts such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or cashews.
· The blue fish being a product rich in omega-3
In addition to fiber and protein that can be obtained through eggs, dairy products and meat.
The best anti-hair loss shampoos:
When you notice that your hair is falling more than usual, the owner of Arbosana Farmacia advises using specific treatments and once a week, a massage on the scalp, to stimulate microcirculation and thus favor the penetration of the active ingredients that we will apply later.
If we suffer from flaking we can make use of Insparya Balance, a shampoo that has a local antiseptic action and is indicated to prevent the formation of dandruff. One of its components is rosemary, which has a high natural antioxidant power that tones and energizes the hair. It also has seaweed that helps restore the balance of the skin.
If you notice that your hair has lost strength and falls out or that it is more fragile and breaks, Elvive de L'Oréal Paris proposes the Full Resist Power mask. It is a vitamin cocktail that stimulates and strengthens even the finest hair, achieving up to 71% less breakage from the first use. Also, if you want to give it an extra boost, you can leave it in your hair all day to reinforce it.
Keren Shampoo is a treatment that fights hair loss with concentrates of 10 vegetable active ingredients indicated for brittle, fragile and low volume hair. Thanks to its innovative formula, this shampoo neutralizes the causes that accelerate hair loss, activating the scalp's microcirculation, rebuilding its structure and providing resistance to hair to prevent breakage. It also removes excess oil and adds shine and volume.
Forté Pharma's Expert Capilar shampoo is a treatment that stops hair loss and strengthens its structure. Among its components we find Gingko Biloba extract that favors microcirculation as well as isoflovones that stimulate growth. It should be used two or three times a week and does not irritate the scalp.
One of the most famous products on the market is Mi Rebotica's onion extract shampoo. It is a mild shampoo that is perfect for dry, curly, colored or damaged hair. This product stimulates hair growth and also protects it from free radicals thanks to its antioxidant capacity.
Kóoch Natural Amem shampoo has a vegan formula that includes organic aloe vera , wheat protein, castor oil and horsetail extract, which help strengthen, give elasticity and control hair loss. Also with its use we will achieve stronger and more resistant hair.
Beyond shampoos, we can also use masks such as the Repail Sauna proposed by Iroha Nature. Its cap format creates a sauna effect that achieves full action in just 15 minutes. Its results are professional and you can get them at a reduced price and in your own home. Its composition based on Argan Oil nourishes and helps repair damaged, frizzy or dull hair. It is perfect for the curliest or frizzy hair.
Food supplements for hair
Another remedy to put an end to hair loss are food supplements that we can find in pharmacies or specialized centers.
Keren Preventia are capsules with a nutritious cocktail that helps maintain hair health thanks to its high content of biotin and zinc, among other ingredients. It is enough to take one dose a day at breakfast and it is recommended for both men and women.
Forever Daily tablets are a blend of 55 nutrients that include essential vitamins and minerals. It also combines a patented formula of fruits and vegetables that ensure that our body receives all the basic elements to complete our diet.
We finish with the Expert line of Forté Pharma where we find 'Expert Capilar', a perfect complement for these moments since it is especially indicated for the seasonal fall and for specific periods of stress. We also have 'Anti-Hair Loss Expert' that stimulates growth and is recommended for hereditary alopecia in men or baldness caused by hormonal changes in women.
A few final tips
In addition to treatments and food, we can include a series of good habits in our day to day that will help to stop hair loss.
Avoid using dryers and irons. Excess heat is harmful to hair as it deteriorates, enhances the appearance of split ends and accelerates hair loss.
We must also avoid dyes, highlights or colorations. Its use weakens the hair and can cause hair loss. Therefore, if you decide to use them, look for products that do not include ammonia in their composition.
Don't think stress will end confinement. Experts predict a new peak when the time comes to return to normality. After a few months in which time seems to have stopped, we will once again recover common obstacles such as rushing, setbacks at work and problems with family reconciliation.
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