Monday

"I can find strength in slowing down."

Happy Monday! We’re kicking this week off with:

• Is your scalp telling you something?

• The reasons behind thinning hair

• What does red light therapy do for your hair?

• How to protect your hair while you sleep

Signs Your Scalp Might Be Stressed

Ever noticed more flakes, itching, or shedding after a tough month? Your scalp might be feeling the pressure too. Stress doesn’t just affect your sleep or skin. It can mess with your scalp, leading to everything from dandruff to hair loss.

When stress hormones like cortisol spike, oil production goes up, barrier function weakens, and irritation sets in. According to experts, this can leave your scalp sensitive, flaky, or inflamed. In some cases, it even triggers telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss that appears a few months after a stressful event.

Stress can also lead to picking or tugging habits, like scratching your scalp or pulling your hair without realizing it. These repetitive behaviors can damage the scalp and hair over time.

Experts suggest focusing on consistent hair care and finding small, effective ways to manage stress, whether it’s mindful movement, breathing exercises, or just a quiet moment to reset.

The Real Reasons Behind Hair Thinning

If your ponytail feels smaller or you’re finding more hair on your pillow, you’re not alone. While daily shedding is normal, consistent thinning often points to something deeper, and understanding the cause is step one.

Hair naturally cycles through growth, rest, and shedding phases. But things like stress, illness, hormonal shifts, or stopping birth control can shift more strands into that “falling out” phase earlier than usual. Over time, age and genetics can also shrink follicles, causing them to slow down or stop producing new hairs.

Tight hairstyles, nutritional deficiencies, and scalp conditions can also lead to increased shedding or breakage. If you’re seeing sudden changes, it might be worth noting your routines or recent health changes.

Some ways to support fuller hair include gentle shampoos, scalp massages, leave-in conditioners, light styling, red light therapy, and avoiding tight styles. If you’re not sure what’s causing the change, a dermatologist can help you get to the root of it.

The 10-Minute Hair Ritual That Works

Healthy, vibrant hair starts at the root — and red light therapy gives your scalp exactly what it needs to thrive. The HigherDOSE Red Light Hat uses clinically proven red light wavelengths to nourish hair follicles, boost circulation, and create the ideal environment for thicker, fuller-looking hair.

It’s light, portable, and effortless to use — just 10 minutes a day while you read, answer emails, or sip your coffee. No heat, no discomfort — just gentle, science-backed care for your hair built into a routine you’ll actually keep. Whether you’re supporting growth, improving scalp health, or simply elevating your self-care routine, it’s hair wellness made simple.

Plus, Note To Self readers can take 20% off any HigherDOSE product (excluding bundles and full saunas) with NOTETOSELF — valid from 8/18 to 8/27.

See how you can achieve healthier hair here.

Thank you to HigherDOSE for sponsoring Note To Self. 

How to Protect Your Hair While You Sleep

If your hair wakes up looking like it survived a wind tunnel, it might be time to rethink your nighttime routine. Tossing and turning can cause tangles, dryness, and even breakage, especially for fine or curly hair.

Stylists recommend going to bed with dry hair (never damp) and choosing gentle styles like loose braids or twists to minimize friction. A low ponytail or bun also helps if you have extensions. Just hydrate first and secure loosely.

You don’t need to stop there. Wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf, or switching to a silk pillowcase, can reduce frizz and keep your strands smooth. For curls, the “pineapple method” (gathering hair into a loose top knot) helps maintain shape overnight.

A little prep before bed can lead to stronger, shinier, and much easier-to-style hair in the morning.

A Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Your hair is made mostly of a protein called keratin.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Your scalp holds more than tension. It holds stories, seasons, and stress. A little care can help release more than just buildup.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!