As we're all probably aware by now, stress can manifest differently in people and have a profound impact on both our mental and physical health.
Oftentimes, you'll get a headache or when it gets worse, a migraine. Some get a tight jaw, others eat too much (or too little), and some folks may even suffer from a tense scalp.
Source: Drobotdean/Freepik
Yes, you read that right – scalp tension is a real thing.
Presently, there's little research about general tension in the scalp area but certain studies have found that it is rather common for people to hold a fair amount of stress in the general vicinity of the scalp, including the hairline, behind our ears and, of course, the neck. Not exactly parts of the body – aside from the neck – that you would think to self-massage.
Of course, our scalp isn't new to the whole stress thing. Apart from scalp tension, stress is also capable of inducing an array of scalp problems – from an itchy scalp to an oily one plus dandruff, hair shedding, and in some serious cases, hair breakage and even hair loss.
Common ways stress can affect your hair and scalp
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First, it's important to note that our hair is non-essential tissue, therefore it is one of the most sensitive barometers to physiological and psychological health, as well as stress.
Due to the nature of our hair growth cycle, the damaging effects of stress will not be noticeable on your hair and scalp until six to 12 weeks later, so most of us don't always connect stress with the issues we face on our hair and scalp.
Although genetic factors do play a role, 70% of the common hair and scalp problems that we face – hair loss, scalp oiliness, and scalp sensitivity, for example – are still largely due to oxidative stress, according to Retern Hair's senior trichologist, Carienne Hew.
Here are some common telltale signs of hair and scalp that's under a lot of stress:
- Dandruff: Stress commonly triggers (or worsens!) flaking and itching of the scalp, and if you're already prone to dandruff, stress is really the last thing your hair needs. That's because stress can affect hormone levels and may subsequently disrupt the micro-flora of the scalp. In the long run, flaking can cause hair loss, and while offering temporary relief, scratching will only result in further irritation and may even abrade the surface of your scalp.
- Oiliness: When you're facing a lot of stress, you may find that your roots get limp and greasy faster than usual. This is because stress can, through a convoluted route, raise androgen (male hormone) levels – which in turn increases your scalp's natural oil production.
- Reduced hair volume: As mentioned earlier, stress can increase androgen levels and over time, follicles can actually get smaller gradually with each passing hair growth cycle and produce hairs of a thinner diameter and shorter length, resulting in an overall reduction in volume. While stress is not the sole cause of reduced volume, it can certainly make it worse.
- Hair breakage: Some of us may have a tendency to play with our hair when we're stressed, and this habit is something that we're often not conscious of. The act of hair twiddling is usually harmless, but if done roughly or frequently, you may risk breaking hair strands or even pulling them out from the roots.
What can you do to save your stressed hair and scalp
Well, the good news is that it's not the end of the world. When caught on early, it is possible to treat stress-induced scalp issues and reverse the damages as much as possible. One of the solutions is to consult a professional at certified haircare centres such as Retern Hair.
With more than 20 years of haircare experience, Retern Hair is renowned for its bespoke hair solution that's derived from scientifically proven herbology which is able to target and address even the rarest of hair concerns. It is also accredited by certified trichologists and herbalists, and has even formulated a bespoke, efficacious homecare range to deliver in-centre results right in the comfort of your home.
To treat the damage caused by stress, Retern Hair has specifically developed one particular solution called the Tricho-Blend Deeptox Scalp Therapy. Formulated with powerful botanical ingredients, this deep cleansing scalp treatment is able to tackle irritating oily scalp, dandruff, and hair loss while remaining safe even for delicate skin.
Its ability to thoroughly cleanse and purify scalp has earned itself the Best Treatment for Scalp (Editor's Choice) award in the recent Daily Vanity Spa & Hair Awards 2020!
Learn more about your scalp condition through Retern Hair's scalp analysis with a certified hair specialist
To start, your treatment begins with a consultation with a certified hair specialist where you will be taken through a thorough scalp analysis offering three different views to diagnose your scalp condition more accurately. Next, you'll adjourn to the treatment area where you'll get a quick massage with a paddle brush to stimulate circulation in the scalp.
Then, the hair specialist will run a special high-frequency device that's designed specifically to eliminate bacteria residing in the hair before moving on to the main agenda: a 15-minute scalp mask that's mixed with two essences chosen for your scalp condition.
The high-frequency device is designed to resemble a hair comb to eliminate bacteria in the hair more effectively
During my visit, I tried the Corrective and Stimulate Essences to tackle my oily scalp plus mild dandruff issues. I've been told that you can mix up to two essences per session as the essences are formulated in high concentrations and may be too stimulating for the scalp if more than two variants are used at the same time.
After 15 minutes, you'll move on to the wash area where your scalp will enjoy a double cleanse using the in-house shampoos before conditioning. Why a double cleanse? Well, it's necessary in our humid climate because the first cleanse helps get rid of the daily grime and sebum so that the second cleanse can zoom in on properly cleansing the scalp.
After a quick blast dry, the hair specialist will then apply a Prolonger booster which is also mixed in with the essences that were initially selected for your scalp condition. A specially developed Scalp Meridian Therapy Massage will then ensue to stimulate blood flow before concluding with a complete blow dry.
It goes without saying that regular scalp treatments help give you a clean scalp more effectively, which is key to preventing and controlling hair problems that are induced by stress.
For best results, it's highly recommended that you go for the Tricho-Blend Deeptox Scalp Therapy once a week. With this regular frequency, you should be able to see positive results in reducing hair loss issues within three to six months.
Just take a look at some of Retern Hair's customers who are reaping benefits from going for regular scalp treatments below!
You'll also be happy to know that the Tricho-Blend Deeptox Scalp Therapy is suitable for all ages, including expectant mothers as well as ladies who are in the post-natal stage.
The 150-minute Tricho-Blend Deeptox Scalp Therapy is priced at S$259 and is available exclusively at Retern Hair. For package prices, you can enquire directly with Retern Hair by sending them a WhatsApp message at 9272 3911 (click on the number to send a WhatsApp message).
Where to find Retern Hair
Address: 1 Scotts Road, #04-01, Shaw House, Singapore 228208
Opening hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon to Fri) | 10.30am – 7pm (Sat & PH) | Closed on Sundays
Contact: 6363 5755 or book online here
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