NEW Research Finds Stress Blamed for Hair Loss

 
Stress is taking a toll on the nation’s locks, with a survey revealing almost seven in 10 Australians blame it for their hair loss.
 
About six in every 10 (55 per cent) respondents aged 35 and over reported some degree of hair loss, according to the study commissioned by évolis® , developer of the first scientifically proven over the counter hair loss treatment in Australia in 20 years.
 
It is not just the ‘oldies’ who are suffering. One in three 18 to 24 year olds reported that they had already experienced hair loss.
 
While the majority of older Australians attributed their hair loss to aging, seven in 10 (67 per cent) said stress was a factor, with the young and women most affected. 
 
Almost nine in 10 (88 per cent) 18 to 34 year olds, 73 per cent of all women and 63 per cent of men believed their hair loss was stress-related.
 
Mental health affected
In a double whammy for those suffering stress-related hair loss, the survey found losing their hair made almost three in 10 (29 per cent) people feel anxious and 22 per cent feel depressed. Those aged 18 to 34 were more likely to feel depressed about it than older sufferers.
 
Almost half (45 per cent) of all sufferers felt self-conscious, while one in three (33 per cent) said hair loss affected their confidence.
 
“The survey indicates many hair loss sufferers are trapped in a vicious circle where stress is perceived to result in hair loss – and the hair loss then causes further stress and the cycle continues,” évolis® scientist Joseph Haklani said.
 
“Compounding the problem was the survey finding that most sufferers took no action to address their hair loss, when there are solutions, including natural alternatives like évolis®, that are readily available,” he said.
 
Suffering in silence
While the majority of those surveyed had experienced some degree of hair loss, two in three (64 per cent) had done nothing to disguise their thinning hair, such as changing hairstyles or using styling products.
 
Less than half had sought advice from friends, family or professionals. Most of those who did seek advice approached a hairdresser (27 per cent), GP (19 per cent), or an online forum or website (17 per cent). The findings also highlighted a misconception that most treatments and products were for men only, with fewer options for women.
 
New science-based treatments
“There is no need to suffer in silence anymore. There are new, clinically proven treatments for men and women to address hair loss which may be caused by stress, aging or a number of other environmental and hormonal factors,” Haklani said.
 
“évolis® tonics for men and women treat the most common types of hair loss by blocking the FGF5 protein that research shows is the key trigger for hairs to go from the growth to the resting phase and fall out sooner than they would otherwise. With évolis®, hair stays more strongly anchored to the scalp for longer, reducing hair thinning and restoring the natural hair growth cycle.  Lifestyle changes including minimising stress, improving diet and starting a hair health regime can help too,” he said.
 
Proven success: A personal story
Australian actress Paula Duncan knows a thing or two about hair loss.  After strong medication she took during a 16-week hospital stay following a serious fall caused her hair to fall out, she found and used évolis® to reverse the loss.
 
“I was devastated when my hair fell out. Actresses find it hard enough to get roles as they age. When you add hair loss to the mix, it really knocks your confidence professionally and personally,” Paula said.  
 
“I learnt the important thing is not to wallow in despair or do nothing. You need to find out the cause, what is available and take steps to turn your problem around.  When the évolis® tonics worked for me, I not only regained my hair, but my confidence and career.”