Divorce, child custody through court, and sorting out finances can be very stressful and emotionally traumatising. The trauma and stress can manifest itself in many ways, one of which being hair loss.
Hair loss for most people can be an upsetting experience, leading to much emotional turmoil. Being litigants in person ourselves, we understand what you’re going through. Most who have gone through a divorce or the family courts have experienced some sort of trauma that manifests itself physically. Whether that be through skin conditions, hair loss, or other internal illnesses, it’s a common effect of going through an emotionally taxing experience.
You’re not alone. We know how it feels. Below we have listed some remedies and information which may help start your journey towards healing. It will take some time, but improving your health through our tips below is worthwhile. As you heal yourself both mentally and physically, you’ll slowly see yourself improving and becoming better than ever before.
1. Massaging the scalp with warm coconut oil
Gently warm some coconut oil in a pan and place a towel around your shoulders. Check the temperature of the oil to make sure it’s not too hot. Dip your fingers in the oil and gently massage the oil into your scalp and hair follicles. Let the oil seep into your hair follicles. Light a scented candle or play some relaxing music at the same time to create a calming environment. Massaging your hair follicles with warm oil will relax you and also increase the blood circulation to your head bringing with it nutrients to stimulate hair growth. If you can, leave the oil on your scalp all night and wash your hair in the morning. Place a towel on your pillow to prevent the oil soaking into it.
You can replace coconut oil with any other oil you choose.
2. Love your B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells which take oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles stimulating hair growth. Vitamin B12 can also condition the hair as well. You can take a supplement or eat food rich in vitamin B12 such as animal liver and kidneys, trout, salmon, sardines, tuna, beef, most cereals, eggs, and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt.
3. Let's not forget about B7
Vitamin B7, which is also known as biotin, and can increase the rate of hair follicle growth. You can take a supplement or eat food which is rich in vitamin B7 such as eggs, seeds, nuts, sweet potatoes, liver and kidneys. Consumption of this vitamin also promotes keratin production in the body, which is a protein that leads us to our next tip below.
4. Increase the level of protein in your diet
The protein keratin is an important part of your hair’s makeup. During your divorce, you may stop eating or start developing bad eating habits such as bingeing on sugary and salty foods due to stress. This can cause the levels of keratin in your hair to drop. Bringing yourself back into forming good eating habits can help you increase your keratin levels, improving your hair health. Start to include protein rich foods in your meals, such as cereals, seeds, fish, nuts, beans, and lean meats. Soon your hair will feel the benefits and look better than ever.
5. Don't brush your hair when it's wet
Wet hair is weak, vulnerable and prone to damage. It stretches easily when wet and brushing can cause breakage. Wait until your hair is dry before running a brush or comb through it to prevent injury to the hair and follicles on your scalp.
6. Avoid drinking and smoking
If you want to heal your hair loss, there are two unhealthy habits that need to be cut from your lifestyle – drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Smoking can damage the cells that help hair growth in the hair follicles. It can also cause damage to the roots of your hair. Drinking alcohol reduces the level of nutrients in your body and causes dehydration within your body.
Both of these things can hurt your hair follicles as the body finds it difficult to grow your hair, leading to hair loss and thinning. Cutting out these habits, or lowering the amount you indulge in these habits, can improve your overall hair health.
7. Relaxing with yoga
Yoga is relaxing and de-stressing for the mind and the body. It encourages blood flow to the scalp and promotes peace within the mind which can help calm any stress. Certain positions and poses, especially inverted ones, will increase blood flow to the scalp stimulating hair growth. Including this in your daily routine can also help you manage your stress levels, improving your overall health.
8. Munch on vegetables and add more salads into your meals
Cucumbers, beetroot, tomatoes, carrots and raw leafy vegetables all contain iron which is important for blood circulation and carrying oxygen to the hair follicles thus stimulating hair growth. They help strengthen and heal your hair.
Although it might sound like a dull snack, you can make it tastier by dipping the vegetables in dips such as houmous, sour cream, or guacamole. A flavourful salad dressing can also help you add more vegetables into your lifestyle.
9. Massage your scalp with aloe vera
Massage aloe vera gel into your scalp will cleanse and condition your scalp. This may slow hair loss down and prevent hair breakage. Leave the aloe vera on your scalp for at least an hour before you wash it out. Try to do this twice a week.
10. Wash your hair with buttermilk
Soaking and then washing your hair with buttermilk can nourish your hair follicles. Buttermilk is rich in essential amino acids, which are basically the building blocks of proteins. Buttermilk will cleanse your scalp and strengthen your hair.
Give your hair some love and try out some of these tips. Share your own tips for taking care of your hair with others on our forum and social media to help each other out.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
