Is Stress Causing Your Hair Loss?

82 per cent of UK adults have experienced stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

According to research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, more than 82 per cent of UK adults have experienced stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of us shrug off some kind of stress as a normal part of everyday life, thanks to its pervasive nature, it has the ability to impact almost every part of our lives, resulting in broken sleep, poor dietary habits and even hair loss. Yet despite stress being the second biggest cause of hair loss after genetics, many of us fail to make the connection between the two.

Using CBD in its purest form for hair loss

Taking a botanical approach to the issue of hair loss, Wild Science Lab created the Leaf + Seed range based on founder’s experiences with post-partum hair loss. Using over 90% natural ingredients in all formulations, all chosen for their potency and efficacy, the collection also uses a host of therapeutic essential oils, famed for their ability to provide a calming sensorial experience while you wash. With the aim of giving your hair the best chance at a new beginning and helping it to thrive, Wild Science Lab’s formulas are cruelty free, vegan and free from sulphates, phthalates, parabens and silicones.

Hair loss explained

Hair has a programmed life cycle that starts with a growth phase, is followed by a rest phase and finally ends in a shedding phase. These three phases are anagen, catagen and telogen; exogen is the active shedding phase. The anagen phase is the most active of these and is when new cells are formed in the root of the hair. In general, hair grows around half an inch a month although this is dependent on several factors including ethnicity and general health.

While it’s normal to lose anywhere between about 80 -100 hairs a day, excessive hair loss may be a sign that something is wrong, and that the growth cycle has been impacted or sent into shock, causing the shedding phase to be triggered prematurely. Although stress is often the cause of this, because of the length of time it can take for hair to react – anywhere between three and six months – we are often unaware of the link between the two. Thanks to the intense psychological relationship we have with our hair, changes in its density or noticeable shedding can have a profound effect on our anxiety levels, which in turn can exacerbate the stress we’re under, perpetuating a vicious cycle of stress and hair loss.

Luckily, stress-related hair loss is usually temporary and reactive to lifestyle changes. As well as looking at ways to reduce your stress levels, implementing a good haircare routine that can help restore the health of your hair, and your scalp, is paramount. Often overlooked when it comes to haircare, a healthy, balanced scalp will foster healthy hair growth, so ensure scalp care is included as part of your regular routine. To avoid irritating the hair follicles, which can aggravate already-compromised strands, steer clear of sodium laurel sulphates (SLS) in your hair care formulas too.

More about LEAF + SEED collection

To help with hair loss, boost hair vitality, volume and resilience, Leaf + Seed Head First Scalp Relief Shampoo and Conditioner are specially formulated with CBD and hemp oil. As well as being known for its anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties, CBD is a complete protein source and contains all the amino acids you need for healthy hair repair and growth, making it an essential addition to the formula. To combat hair loss, re-establish balance and add hydration, the Leaf + Seed Head Strong Hair Defence Strengthening Serum contains a roster of fatty-acid enriched oils such as Avocado oil, Kahai oil, Olive oil and Moringa oil, helping to restore balance and activate hair renewal.