Mind, body, soul... and hair

Hair is an integral part of our body, and just like every other aspect of our health, it naturally changes over time.

For example:

• As our bodies age, so does our hair.

• Changes in metabolism can impact how our hair behaves.

• A sluggish diet can lead to dull, lifeless hair.

• Stress can affect hair health by restricting blood flow to the scalp.

Many women experience noticeable hair changes due to lifestyle factors, stress, and overall well-being. More than ever, there is a growing awareness of the importance of self-care, with countless resources encouraging us to pause, reflect, and prioritise both mental and physical health for overall well-being—including the health of our hair.

One of the most common concerns among women in recent years has been noticeable hair loss and thinning.

Three major reasons why women may experience noticeable hair loss or thinning include:

• Limited Sun Exposure & Fresh Air – Spending extended periods indoors can reduce sun exposure and fresh air intake, both of which play a role in overall well-being and hair health.

• Nutritional Deficiencies – Poor dietary choices, including increased sugar or alcohol consumption, can negatively impact gut health. Since gut health is closely linked to overall wellness, imbalances may contribute to hair thinning.

• Stress & Anxiety – Worrying about life changes, uncertainty, or adjusting to new circumstances can lead to increased stress and anxiety, both of which are known triggers for hair loss.

As a hairstylist of 34 years and a person that is very invested in understanding the workings of the human body and how we age, I can confidently say that your best hair starts from within and the choices you make as to how well you nourish it.

External ways of nourishing your hair are to maintain good hydration and reduce heat exposure to the surface of the hair. This can be done using a thermal protective spray or by lessening the temperature and number of times the hair is styled with heat during a week, as well as sleeping on a satin pillowcase.

So, start small and simple and I promise you will start to see the changes. Even just these little habits here, performed weekly, can make a difference from today!

1. Before you jump out of bed in the morning, do 3 deep diaphragm breaths - basically this means taking a deep breath and allowing your whole tummy - not your chest - to rise up and expand with air.

2. Add an extra glass of water with a slice of lemon in it - first thing in the morning before your coffee is best.

3. Gentle scalp movements. Using the pads of your index and middle fingers, place them on your forehead hairline and gently move them around in a circular direction twice. Re-position and continue around the whole hairline of the face. This will take 30 seconds only so I suggest you repeat this 2 to 3 times (but if once is as much as you can start with then it will still bring benefits).

To learn more and feel inspired about improving the health of your hair, I’ve written a book called LOVE YOUR HAIR, designed to empower you in many areas of style discovery. It also offers valuable insights on achieving and maintaining healthy hair at every stage of life. You can find it HERE

Before I wrap up this blog, I have to mention the benefits of StayStyled Satin Pillowcases—a must-have for preserving moisture and maintaining your style. They provide incredible protection, helping to reduce the need to restyle your hair the next day. You can find more by tapping HERE

By Natalie Varrasso