These Hair-Raising Times

Help for Hair and Scalp Problems

An article in the New York Times caught my eye a few weeks ago:
“Doctors are seeing a huge increase in patients who have been shedding abnormal amounts of hair, and they believe it is related to stress associated with the coronavirus.”

The article interviews dermatologists, people recovering from COVID-19, and people who were never infected with the virus about how the impact of the intense physical and emotional toll of living through a global pandemic has been affecting hair.

Emotional stress from any cause, and physical stress such as illness or pregnancy can all cause hair and scalp issues. Thinning hair, hair loss, dandruff, and changes in hair texture and colour can all be expressions of our body’s inner state. 

For serious hair loss or scalp conditions, please contact Energy Matters about prescription treatment including herbs, acupuncture and other therapies. For self-care at home, my number one recommendation is scalp massage.

Scalp massage can be done with the fingertips or a brush, which benefits the hair as well as dandruff or dry scalp, or more intensely to stimulate hair growth with tools such as a microneedling dermaroller.

To keep it simple, use your finger tips or a silicone scalp brush to add a minute of gentle massage when you are in the shower. For a deeper treatment on the sofa, add a few drops of warmed oil to your scalp first, then massage. Some scalp soothing options include jojoba (all purpose), sesame (moisturizing), or castor oil (promotes hair growth). Add a drop of rosemary, ylang ylang or rose geranium essential oil, all traditionally used to promote hair health and growth. (Just a drop! Too much essential oil can be drying and irritating). Follow with a vinegar rinse to brighten and soften hair and balance the scalp. Dilute one part organic apple cider vinegar to 5-10 parts water and use to rinse the hair and scalp. 

Let scalp massage become a comforting part of your self-care routine! And if you’re struggling with hair loss and scalp health right now, you’re not alone - give us a call for treatment options and support.