Losing your hair over locking? A new study reveals that you are not the only one

You know you are stressed. And why not be in the midst of a global pandemic? But you may not have realized that your hair also feels the pressure – and it shows.

Research released to the Post alone has revealed that, since the locks began, in March 2020, a fifth of people believe their hair condition has worsened, with 36 percent of those say their hair is thinner, and 40 percent say it looked more likely.

The numbers come from research conducted by Viviscal Hair, but hair experts across the country are touting its findings.

‘When we opened up after the first lock, we definitely saw a lot more of our clients complaining about hair loss or hair loss,’ says Richard Ward, a well-known stylist for Ban -duke of Cambridge.

Part of this can be due to a change in habits. ‘People wash their hair so often in locks and, if you’re prone to scaly skin or dandruff, that can make it worse,’ says dermatologist Dr Martin Wade, of the London Skin and Hair Clinic.

And as trichologist Anabel Kingsley, of Philip Kingsley Clinics, points out, our diet may have changed as well. ‘When you’re stressed, you may not eat as well as you normally would. Nutritional deficiencies often first appear in the form of hair loss. ‘

Many people think they turn gray at lockdown – and not just because they can’t see their color. Could the weight of the coronavirus accelerate the rate at which you lose your natural color?

‘My grandmother used to say that her father, who was very young when he went to war, came back completely gray,’ said Richard Ward. ‘My gut idea, based on seeing a lot of clients, is that you’re going to turn gray under pressure.’

Although it has not been tested in humans, studies on mice suggest that it is possible. And just look at politicians who reach a head office with a full head of colored hair but leaving thinning and gray.

If you have had Covid, hair problems may be even more pronounced.

There is a well-documented condition called acute telogen effluvium, ‘says trichologist John Sallis (hairmedic.co.uk). ‘This is when an illness, car accident or other type of shock stops the hair formation process for some time.

‘Doing hair requires a lot of energy, and when the body is stressed it decides that it can’t expend energy on this and sends it away to fight the disease.’

Hair often sits at rest for two to three months before going out, so thinning is not noticed until then, when new hair does not replace what is naturally lost.

Sallis said: ‘With coronavirus, I have seen that even patients with very mild symptoms suffer from hair loss. For all degrees celsius rise in temperature [they’ve suffered with a fever], they suffer about a ten percent reduction in hair. ‘

So what can you do if your hair is suffering from stress? The ultimate solution is to treat the cause, not the symptoms.

‘You need to be relieved of the stress, whether it’s through medication or some other means of rest, eating a healthy balanced diet and getting enough sleep,’ says Dr Wade.

But if you want to treat the symptoms in the meantime, try these results.

TONER SOOTHING

Philip Kingsley Flaky / Itchy Anti-Dandruff Scalp Toner, from £ 10, philipkingsley.com

As part of a wide range specifically designed to treat scalp issues, this soothing toner is designed for use after every wash (and on the skin when hair is dry, as needed) .

There are a variety of ingredients to prevent itching, stop itching and help get rid of the fungus that causes dandruff.

Use in addition to washing your hair every day.

BÒRD VOLUME

Blast Volume Dry Living Proof, £ 25, livingproof.co.uk

If your hair feels thin and you want more volume when sticking, try this smart sprayer.

It will not leave hair limp, greasy, or down weight but just increases the space between hair, giving a bigger look.

AFTERNOON PRAYER

Kerastase Fusio Dose Specifique Apaisante, £ 47.30, kerastase.co.uk

Richard Ward recommends this to his clients who suffer from irritated scalps.

This course of 12 ‘doses’ is designed to be applied three times a week for four weeks.

HAIR HEALTH

Viviscal Enhancements, from £ 25.99, viviscal.co.uk

According to Richard Ward, this is the biggest product they sell in a salon.

‘It will take three months to see a difference, and you have to take it religiously, but there is a strong science behind it and whether you are stressed, sick or on medication, I think you will see an improvement in it. hair size and quality. ‘

RESTORE SHINE

Made by George Northwood Unpolluted Shampoo, £ 18, boots.com

Meghan’s favorite hairdresser has launched her own hair care range.

This shampoo is designed for weekly use to find out what build conditioners and styling products can leave on hair, making it look dull.