With 48% of women claiming they have suffered from hair loss or hair thinning, the top female causes of hair loss have been revealed today in a new study commissioned by Viviscal hair loss supplements to mark the beginning of Hair Loss Awareness Month (1st – 31st May 2011)*. Coming in first, causing over half of all female hair loss was stress (53%), followed by age (23%), post birth (20%), dieting (13%) and over styling (17%).
The study shows that most women understand hair loss can be linked to stress (82%), despite this 42% claim that stress is unavoidable in their lives. When breaking down the type of stress behind hair loss, work came top with 39%, although only 16% would consider changing their job to combat the problem. Other stresses connected to hair loss were money worries (35%) and depression (34%).
Expert trichologist, Trisha Buller explains how stress has a knock on effect to your hair:
“Many of us now can’t avoid stress in our lives and deal with traumatic situations everyday. During these periods the pressure can have an adverse effect on our hair. Feelings of lethargy and irritability makes the body’s immune system become vulnerable and our nutritional intake changes due to bad diet habits during these periods. This can create fine weak dull and lifeless hair, which could result in hair shedding”
“During periods of stress our bodies are also releasing chemicals that transmit messages to the hair follicles, entering them into a resting phase. This can have an effect on the normal hair growth cycle. By remaining at this resting stage for a longer period of time, this will affect the density of hair and shedding of an abnormal amount of hair on a daily bases will be visible though a wider partings and less hair in a ponytail”
For most women hair is a key part of their identity and the importance they put on their hair is highlighted by the fact 43% of women spend more on their hair each year (£600), than living a healthy lifestyle, such as healthy food and gym membership (£408).
This year as part of Hair Loss Awareness Month, the annual national health campaign, expert trichologist, Trisha Buller, will provide sufferers with advice and support throughout Hair Loss Awareness Month. Hair loss sufferers will have the opportunity to pose questions directly to Trisha about any issues surrounding hair loss. She will also be providing useful tips and advice on how to improve the overall health of your hair and how to tackle hair loss head on.
Tagged in Stress