I’m 31-years-old and my hair is really starting to thin in the front part of my head. I think this may be due to stress since hair loss is not present in my 67-year-old mother and dad. I wonder if I should try Rogaine for women?

-Worried about my hair

Dear Worried about my hair,

Stress that we inevitably experience in our day-to-day lives will affect our bodies in different ways that are unique to each individual. It has been proven by much research that every ‘negative’ ailment that our body has is a response to some sort of imbalance within us. When we jeopardize the harmony of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual balance we will likely create an unwanted bodily response.

Genetics show us a pattern of the past. It is possible to awaken the power deep within ourselves to change this pattern or in some cases create one. So, when we are presented with a challenge of hair loss that can be identified to stress it is our responsibility to ourselves to change our situation. Anything else would imply that you are choosing to live a way that is causing strain on your physical body.

Topical solutions, such as shampoo and other in-salon scalp cleansing treatments are simply a tool to promote a healthy environment for hair to grow. These tools cleanse away oil, dirt and hair products to allow blood to flow evenly to all areas of your scalp. This is only one piece of an intricate formula of balance.

Personally, I have been exposed to ongoing stress that is in continual momentum because of my passion to evolve and enhance my life as quickly as possible. This imbalance made my hair begin to thin, until I visited a naturopathic doctor who was able to recommend whole food supplements that would nourish my cellular make-up with nutrients and allow me to have a more restful sleep. In the morning I take natural supplements of Gabba and L-Theanine, both to calm the mind and increase focus. All of these are key to reducing stress in your life and heal your body.

Create time in your schedule for activities that will remove yourself from the mental or emotional stresses you feel every day. The only unacceptable solution is doing nothing. Physical activity such as running, walking, yoga or the gym will get your endorphins going and make you feel amazing. Meditation is also a technique widely used to create space in a busy mind - I recommend seeking a coach for this.

Please remember that life is a process to enjoy the lessons you will continue to learn. If you would like to adapt to a new way of living, create three specific goals monthly that are specific, achievable, relevant to the cause and timed. This will allow you to celebrate your successes and create a clear vision of a new focus.

The first step is acknowledging that stress is creating imbalance in your life. You then have the choice to either: accept it (and your hair will continue to thin), remove yourself from it (hard to do if it is your life) or change it - the power is yours for the taking.