If you find your hair is not able to grow as long as it used to, is thinning out around your crown or temples, or you’re shedding more than usual, a new study has shown your lifestyle could be taking its toll on your tresses. According to the latest study in female hair loss, a fifth of women are losing their hair due to crash dieting, processed foods, increased stress levels and the Pill. The research, conducted by the Mail Online, found that of the 2,000 women who responded to their survey with hair thinning or loss issues, one in eight were under the age of 35. As well as the physical loss of hair, participants said that losing their locks had resulted in anxiety, feeling withdrawn and nervousness at the prospect of social events and meeting new people. Responding to the study, hair and scalp expert Philip Kingsley said that almost 80 per cent of female clients attending his London and New York clinics are currently experiencing hair loss issues due to stress: “The percentage of women with hair thinning (reduced volume) is much larger than is commonly thought as many suffer in silence. “Sadly, a third of those suffering said that they haven't done anything to address the problem, perhaps as they feel too embarrassed to seek help.” Want to improve your hair health? A protein rich diet will help strengthen and improve the quality of your hair. Proteins to consider incorporating into your diet include lean meats such as chicken and turkey, fish, eggs, soy products, beans, and nuts. Kingsley also suggests leaving your hair ties, bobbins and pins out of your locks and cutting back on the heat styling tools. Last but not least, plan on regular hair cuts to help stimulate fresh growth and prevent split ends from causing further breakage. H/T Mail Online