Earlier this month, Love Island star Kaz Crossley opened up about her struggles with alopecia after being detained on her way to Thailand for a drug-related offence.

“But Kaz isn’t alone, as according to statistics, 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss worldwide, with females who experience high-stress levels 11 times more likely to lose their locks.

“Three types of hair loss can be associated with high-stress levels – telogen effluvium (excessive shedding), alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder) and trichotillomania (urge to pull hair out).

“The most common, telogen effluvium, is a form of hair loss characterised by hair thinning and an increase in hair shedding and can be triggered by significant stress or a traumatic event. With this type, less hair is grown during the anagen phase, making the hair growth process significantly slower and pushing a large number of hair follicles into the telogen/resting phase.

“Here’s a few tips for anyone suffering from stress-related hair thinning:

A nutritious diet

“If you’re experiencing hair thinning, then it’s vital that you have a healthy and nutritious diet. The foods you eat have a direct impact on the growth, strength, and volume of your hair.

“In particular, it’s important to consume plenty of protein as the hair follicles are mostly made up of a protein called keratin. So, when an adequate amount of protein is consumed, the hair produces higher levels of keratin, enabling the hair to repair and grow.

“Similarly, ensure you’re eating foods rich in iron, Omega-3, Vitamins A, C, & E, Biotin, Zinc, and Selenium.

“By filling your body with the essential nutrients, you can encourage strong regrowth and prevent future hair loss or weakness.

Regular exercise

“Committing to a regular exercise routine isn’t just about improving your fitness, but it can help your hairline too.

“When exercising, your heart beats faster, causing your blood flow and circulation to increase. In turn, this results in more nutrients and oxygen reaching your scalp, which hair needs to grow.

“Plus, with the increased levels of cortisol in your system, the serotonin your body releases when you exercise is the best medicine you need to combat stress.

“A simple run, or a session of relaxing yoga, will both do the trick and get your blood flowing.

And relax…

“As mentioned above, stress can be problematic for maintaining healthy locks. But like hair thinning, it’s temporary, and with the correct calming methods, both can be overcome.

“You can reduce stress by practising controlled breathwork, ensuring you get plenty of good quality sleep, indulging in a scalp massage, and putting self-care at the top of your list of priorities.

“By relaxing, you’ll help prevent cortisol levels from rising and promote positive endorphins that aid hair growth and a happier mood.

Too many products?

“While many people will think they have perfected their haircare routine, the overuse of certain products, home dye kits and over-washing can result in further damage.

“Harsh chemicals involved in many dyes and bleaching kits can kill off melanin and destroy the hair follicles, leading them to thin or fall out. Plus, over-washing can cause strands to become brittle and break during combing. It can also damage the follicles if the natural oils are constantly washed away.

“Revise what you’re putting on your hair by checking the label for harsh chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, propylene glycol, imidazolidinyl urea and sodium chloride – that could result in further hair loss. Instead, look for products containing essential oils like rosemary or tea tree that help boost hair growth.

Invest in hair extensions

“A quick way to add length and volume to thinning locks is investing in a set of hair extensions.

“Before committing to a set, consider what type of extension you are going for. For example, clip-in hair extensions are the best option for a quick fix, as they are easy to maintain, clean and take-off, while tape extensions are a more permanent yet natural-looking low-maintenance option.

“Quality is crucial, too, if you want them to last a bit longer. Synthetic hair might be cheaper and look shinier, but will most-likely get tangled easily and not hold styles or textures. Remy – human hair with the cuticle still intact – which is slightly more expensive, will last a lot longer, blend better and be easier to style.

“And it’s important to opt for the right length and colour to suit you. Lengths generally range from 12″ to 24″ inches – with 12″ or 16″ the recommended for anyone with short-mid length hair. Meanwhile, most suppliers provide a shade matching service, where you send in a picture of your hair in natural light to allow the experts to provide the best match possible.

Talk to a professional

“If none of the above improves your hair growth, it may be worth speaking to a professional.

“Trichologists are specialists in the function, structure, and diseases of human hair and scalp. Upon appointment, they will be able to work with your GP to evaluate which treatment is best for you, with options such as laser therapy, hair systems, scalp micro-pigmentation, and alopecia treatments or specialised creams and shampoos.

“Alternatively, if you are suffering from high levels of stress or anxiety, speak to your doctor for additional support with your mental health.”