Stress is just the worst. Maybe it’s life changes, job drama, or the everyday strain of existing in the world, but your hair often suffers when you’re going through difficult times.
Being constantly under stress can elevate your cortisol levels, flooding your body with this stress hormone and causing hair damage and shedding—the last thing you need when you’re already down in the dumps.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your hair happy, and we’re here to help. Here are the tips to get your hair health back on track and your mind on the sunny side.
Boost your blood flow.
We know it’s tempting to skip that gym trip or neighborhood walk in favor of another hour of doom scrolling, but getting your heartbeat pumping is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including the health of your hair.
When your heart rate rises, fresh blood flows to your follicles, supplying them with oxygen and a nutritional boost. This can also lower those pesky cortisol levels by elevating feel-good endorphins throughout your body.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a big deal. Make time for a daily gratitude walk, a free online yoga class, or whatever makes your body feel its best. We promise your strands will thank you!
Prioritize hydration
Even more than exercise, hydration is vital to a healthy body and healthy hair. And with one survey finding that up to 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, you might be more at risk than you realize.
One way to keep your hair happy is to drink at least one ounce of water per day for every pound you weigh, increasing the amount if you’re a frequent consumer of caffeine or alcohol since both can dehydrate. Investing in a fun water bottle or downloading a water-tracking app can help you stick to a schedule.
Your strands need hydration as much as the rest of your body to look their best. We recommend adding hydration-boosting products to your hair care routine, like this easy leave-in conditioner and nourishing repair mask. Together, they support keeping your hair happy to achieve the health, beauty, and glossiness you want for your strands.
Don’t stress out your strands.
What you do to your hair is essential, but what you don’t do might be just as critical for your strands’ long-term health and happiness. That means avoiding overly harsh, chemical-based drugstore hair care and minimizing heat treatment whenever possible.
If you wash your hair daily, ramping it down to every other day might be a good idea to help your scalp stay healthy and avoid overdrying your roots. If you get too greasy between wash days, an excellent dry shampoo refreshes you.
Eat the rainbow
Nutritional gaps can cause hair loss and weaken strands from the inside. And let’s face it, we could all use more fruits and veggies in our diet! A great way to make it fun is to practice “eating the rainbow,” grabbing at least one fruit or veggie in each hue daily to get your micronutrients in.
Chowing down on leafy greens, vibrant red berries, purple cabbage, and more tastes incredible and can inspire you to get more creative in the kitchen. And when you get all those essential vitamins and minerals, you keep your hair happy as the rest of your body.
Introduce calming habits
If you’re stressed out, your hair will be, too, so adding stress-busting habits to your daily routine can be a game-changer for your locks. Solly or using one of the many mindfulness apps on the market, an easy ten-minute daily meditation can be an excellent place to start.
Practicing gratitude is another habit that studies show lower stress, leaving you happier and more at peace. Follow an online guide or start a text thread with friends where you share a few things you’re grateful for daily. It’s a beautiful way to connect and build a community around positivity and good vibes.
Sleep smarter
Last but not least, how you sleep significantly impacts your strands. That means practicing good sleep hygiene, like keeping screens out of the bedroom and the lights low, and introducing hair-friendly habits to your nighttime routine.
Apply your hydrating leave-in conditioner before bed, and consider sleeping in a protective hairstyle like braids. Using a bonnet or silk pillowcase can also be transformative, preventing micro tears and tangling. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to take on a good hair day in style!
