Hair loss is a growing problem with a variety of causes that range from aging to hormonal imbalances to stress. Though some hair loss cannot be prevented, other kinds can be prevented and even reversed. One way to stop hair loss, especially hair loss caused by stress, is to improve your diet and to exercise regularly.
Overview
A typical cause of hair loss is sudden or gradual depletion of nutrients to hair follicles, which shocks them. This hair loss can occur because of sudden physical trauma, a change in hormone levels, and a change in diet. Not only sudden trauma but also sustained trauma can lead to hair loss. For example, chronic stress and inadequate nutrition are leading causes of hair loss. For hair loss caused by stress and poor nutrition, you may be able to stop hair loss, or even reverse it, by adding exercise to your normal routine.
Stress Can Interrupt Normal Hair Cycles
Hair growth generally happens in a three-phase cycle: a two- to three-year-long anagen phase, when hair actively grows; a two- to three-week-long catagen phase, which is when hair follicles begin to detach hair shafts; and a three-month-long telogen phase, when hair rests in preparation for the next hair growing cycle. Stress, especially chronic stress, can cause hair follicles to enter the telogen phase early. This is called telogen effluvium, and it may be the second most common cause of hair loss, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Telogen effluvium may cause as much as 70% of your hair to enter the telogen phase. However, this hair loss can be reversed.
Why Exercise Helps
In order for your hair to be healthy and full, you need to have optimal blood circulation to your scalp. Good circulation ensures that your scalp is getting the nutrients your hair needs to grow. Exercise is a healthy and natural way to improve your blood circulation, and for that reason, exercise is one of the best ways to prevent hair loss, stop hair loss, or even reverse it. However, if you have experienced hair loss, it is important to speak with a doctor to determine whether or not exercise will be an effective treatment for you.
Kinds of Exercise
Different kinds of exercise may help you prevent hair loss. For example, cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, running, swimming, and other aerobics, strengthen your heart. They improve your blood circulation, ensuring that nutrients reach your scalp. Yoga, Pilates, and Tai chi also stimulate circulation to all parts of your body, including your scalp, through the use of poses that strengthen and stretch muscle groups. Incorporating these exercises into your regularly daily routines would improve your overall health, and they may prevent hair loss.
