Don’t let the holidays go to your head. While the holiday season is a time to spread cheer and be joyful, it also brings a unique mix of disrupted routines, stress, travel, and rushing. This combination can lead to a well-known problem: holiday hair loss.

Occasional shedding is normal, but increased stress can push more hair follicles into the resting phase, causing noticeable thinning. The good news? With a few mindful habits, you can protect your hair and keep it healthy through the season, and beyond.

Tips to Avoid Holiday Hair Loss

Stress, protective styles, and genetics are just a few contributors to hair thinning. In some cases, the hair will grow back over time. But when the hair loss is persistent, it’s advisable to see a trichologist such as Marcey Grant, or schedule a doctor visit.

Managing stress can be extra difficult in these unprecedented times with such unusual federal layoffs, budget cuts, and government closing or limiting useful programs. But managing one’s health, from diet to hygiene, can go a long way toward preventing or reducing hair loss.

With this in mind, here are five tips to help you protect your hair, as well as your skin this holiday season.

1. Invest In Self-Care

One of the biggest triggers of holiday hair loss is stress. Between family gatherings, gift shopping, and year-end deadlines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As such, you can build mini stress-relief rituals into your days. For example, short outdoor walks, journaling, deep breathing, and stretching. Even five minutes of calming activity can reduce cortisol levels and protect your hair from unnecessary shedding.

2. Be Gentle With Holiday Hairstyles

Festive looks like heavy extensions, tight ponytails, and braids cause tension on the scalp, contributing to traction hair loss. If you’re experimenting with holiday glam, choose loose, comfortable styles and avoid pulling your hair back too tightly. Also, to reduce breakage, use satin scrunchies instead of elastic bands.

3. Nourish Your Hair From the Inside Out

A busy holiday schedule often leads to skipped meals or sugary snacking, which can deprive your hair of essential nutrients. Focus on protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and beans, and include iron and zinc sources like spinach and nuts. Hydration is equally important as dry winter air and indoor heating can weaken hair strands. Drinking enough water keeps your scalp and hair healthier.

4. Stay Consistent With Your Hair Care Routine

It’s easy to fall asleep without wrapping your hair or skip shampoo days due to the holiday rush. But consistency matters. In fact, gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and protective nighttime habits help keep your strands strong. If you’re traveling, pack a small kit with your essential products so your hair doesn’t suffer from routine disruptions.

5. Protect Your Hair From Winter Damage

Cold air outside and heated indoor environments can strip moisture from your hair, making it brittle and prone to shedding. To prevent holiday hair loss, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, and consider adding a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Wearing a satin-lined hat can also minimize friction and dryness while you’re out in the winter weather.

Final Thoughts

While stress is a major contributor to holiday hair loss, simple habits can make a noticeable difference. By following these few simple tips, you can enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing the health of your hair.

Happy Holidays,
Marcey, Certified Health Coach & Trichologist

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