By Chris Brown
That post-pandemic long hair look may be affecting your health more than you know. Getting a haircut means more than looking put together. It can reduce your risk of getting sick, maintain your hair health, and keep you mentally sane all at the same time. Below are three health reasons to schedule a session with your hairstylist today and trim those long locks.
Trims Promote Hair Health
By removing damaged hairs, haircuts promote healthy hair growth and stops the spread of split ends through the strands. This allows long-term hair health with less need for expensive products or conditioners. It is recommended to trim hair once every four months to maintain perfect hair health.
Long Hair Can Make You Sick
Your long hair may be causing you to become sick more often than your short-haired friends. This is because each individual hair strand contains a much greater surface area than a hair-size patch of skin. In fact, 30 centimeters of hair growth can equal up to five times more surface area relative to the rest of the body. More surface area means more places for viruses, pollution, and bacteria to settle. And when you consider that hair often sits near mouth level of others, it is no surprise that it can act like a home-grown mop for attracting disease carrying droplets.
One study found that 90 percent of the bacteria for food poisoning remained in hair an hour after exposure. Any hair touching can transfer pathogens to the body.Some bacteria and pollutants (such as cigarette smoke) can also smell, especially if long hair isn't washed frequently. This means that skipping regular cuts could transform you into a sneezing, coughing, smelly mess in no time.
A Cut Can Help With Mental Health
Our hair can have an intense connection to our emotional well-being. Studies have shown that cutting one's hair (especially when going through a traumatic life change, such as a breakup) can provide a sense of control and emotional release. Changing one's hairstyle can also be a powerful tool in helping redefine or solidify one's identity. Even a simple trim has mental health benefits. Leaving a salon with a fresh cut always gives an oxytocin mood boost since, similar to a massage or chiropractic session, it is a practice in self-care.
Want to help your mental health without a drastic new hair style? Visit The Joint Chiropractic today to experience the mood-boosting benefits of chiropractic manipulation. Sessions are affordable without insurance and are by hassle-free walk-in only. So feel free to stop by The Joint after your next hair trim to boost the effects of your hair self-love.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness,see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Harahan, La.
