The bald truth about lockdown hair loss

While hair loss is usually associated with men, the latest statistics suggest as many as nine in 10 people are now seeking help for thinning hair are women – with lockdown stress being blamed as the major reason behind the rise.

Although the jury’s still out on whether Covid itself causes hair loss, experts believe the emotional and physiological stress that has accompanied the pandemic is a major factor.

Usually, about 85 per cent of our hair is in a growing phase, called anagen, while 15 per cent is in a resting phase, telogen. At times of physical or psychological stress, this ratio switches and more of our hair goes into the resting phase.

As a result, two to four months after a period of stress, we often see increased shedding leading to an overall reduction in hair volume and even bald patches.

The good news is that stress or trauma-induced hair loss is temporary, and there are a number of ways to treat thinning and boost volume.

The root of it...

The first step is to see a doctor to identify why you are losing hair.

Doctors may do a blood test to rule out a thyroid issue or nutritional deficiency, both of which can also cause hair loss.

They will also look at lifestyle to pinpoint a stressful event that may have triggered the issue.

LIFESTYLE TIPS

■ Biotin is a B vitamin that is used by the body to produce proteins such as keratin, which are essential for healthy hair. Biotin-rich foods include brown rice, soya beans, lentils, barley and oats, as well as nuts and seeds such as walnuts, pecans, almonds and sunflower seeds. Try a biotin-rich breakfast of wholegrain oat porridge mixed with plenty of nuts and seeds.

■ Feed your hair by eating healthy fats that are found in oily fish, raw seeds and nuts, cold-pressed flaxseed oil and avocados.

■ Reduced circulation to the scalp can also affect hair volume so eat more vitamin C and bioflavonoids, found in fruit and vegetables, which support the health of blood vessels.

■ Low levels of iron can contribute to hair loss. The best dietary sources of iron are red meat, beans and lentils, green leafy vegetables and seeds.

■ Protein provides the strength and structure of hair so tuck into meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and dairy products.

■ Get stress under control. Try yoga or meditation classes, listen to relaxing music and take time to do things you enjoy.

BRILLIANT BOOSTERS

■ Klorane has a budget-friendly range specifically for thinning hair, so try this three-step programme. Klorane Quinine & B Vitamins Shampoo, £8 (escentual.com) works to both increase the microcirculation of the scalp to stimulate hair growth, and thicken existing hair by strengthening its natural keratin. Klorane Quinine Strength, Thinning Hair, Loss Conditioner, £10, strengthens and thickens locks, and Klorane Keratin Strength Fortifying Spray, £24.50, contains powerful quinine and B vitamins.

■ A healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth so it’s worth giving it some attention. Scalp massage helps boost blood flow to the area and can stimulate hair follicles and hair growth. Use a hair oil or serum a couple of times a week, massage in well and leave overnight. Try Wild Science Lab Leaf + Seed Head Strong Hair Defence Strengthening Serum, £35 (wildsciencelab.com). This super oil is packed with pure CBD, organic hemp seed oil, avocado oil, kahai oil, olive oil, moringa oil, radish seed extract, rosemary leaf extract and sunflower seed oil.

■ There are various cover-up products that are useful in disguising hair loss which make the hair appear thicker. Try L’Oreal Magic Touch, £5.99 ( from most supermarkets). It is available in a range of colours.

THE GOOD HAIR DIET

■ Try a cup of hair strengthening tea every day. Fable & Mane Tiger Tea, £10 ( fableand mane.com) is packed with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, ashwagandha, vitamin B12, zinc and biotin to boost hair growth as well as calm the mind and improve blood circulation in the scalp.

■ Take a vitamin D supplement. Research shows that women suffering from hair loss have much lower levels of vitamin D. Try Hair Gain Capsules, £34.99 (hairgainnow. com), which contain powerful phytonutrients derived from organic pea shoots and help promote fuller, thicker hair in just one month. They are vegan and available as gummies.

HIGH-TECH HELPER

■ Angel PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy) is now being used for hair restoration with great results.

A small amount of your blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and growth factor proteins that aid healing, and then it is injected into your scalp.

This boosts blood flow to the scalp and can reawaken dormant hairs to stop hair loss. Three treatments give the best results. From £1,200.

● For more of Lesley’s tips, visit lesleyreynolds. com