Hair Loss and Stress: How They're Related

We all know that stress can cause a number of problems in our lives, such as making us feel overwhelmed or anxious. But did you know that stress can also cause hair loss? Hair loss is a common problem that many people face. While there are many possible causes of hair loss, one of the most common is stress.

In this post, we will explore how hair loss and stress are related and how you can reduce the negative effects of stress on your hair. We hope that this information will be helpful for those who are experiencing hair loss due to stress.

What is stress hair loss?

Stress hair loss is a type of hair loss that is caused by stress. This type of hair loss can occur when the body is under stress, such as during a traumatic event or when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It can cause hair to fall out in clumps, and it can also lead to thinning hair.

The relation between stress and the hair loss

The relation between stress and hair loss is very clear. When you are stressed, the hair loss becomes more visible. This is because stress forces the hair follicle to go into a resting phase and stop growing new hair. As a result, hair thinning and loss of hair can occur.

The hair follicles are responsible for the growth of hair. They produce new hair cells, which then grow into the hair shaft. But when stress affects the hair follicle stem cells, it stops producing new hair and enters a resting phase instead of a growth phase as usual. This means that there is no longer any new hair to replace what has been lost due to hair shedding.

This is why the loss of hair becomes more visible when you are stressed. You may start to lose hair that you would not normally lose and the hair thinning can become more noticeable.

Common symptoms of stress-related hair loss

Here are some common symptoms of stress-related hair loss:

• Hair loss in clumps
• Hair thinning
• Sudden hair loss
• Hair that falls out easily
• A receding hairline

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for professional medical advice and determine if stress is the root cause of your hair loss. If stress is the culprit, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the amount of hair loss and increase hair growth.

If stress-induced hair loss is not treated in time, the hair follicles will be permanently damaged and hair loss can not be reversed.

Stress hair loss vs male pattern baldness

Stress hair loss and male pattern baldness are two different hair loss conditions. Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition in which hair follicles become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the by-product of testosterone that causes the hair follicles to shrink. The hair thinning will eventually progress into permanent loss if left untreated.

On the other hand, hair loss due to stress is temporary. The hair follicle is not affected by stress and can regrow hair once a trigger has been removed or treated.

If you are experiencing excess hair shedding, it is important to see a doctor to determine the root cause of your hair loss. If chronic stress is the culprit, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the amount of loss and promote hair growth.

However, if male pattern baldness is the root cause of your loss, there are treatments available that can help in hair regrowth and all of this work is done and supported by the New York Stem Cell Foundation and Harvard stem cell institute.

Types of stress-related hair loss

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors. You might be experiencing Telogen effluvium, Trichotillomania, or Alopecia Areata if you see your hair falling out following a traumatic experience, surgery, or a change in medicine.

1. Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is hair loss that occurs when hair follicles are forced into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely. This can happen in response to a stressful event (such as childbirth, surgery, or negative emotional stress).

Telogen effluvium can also be caused by severe illness, malnutrition, or nutritional deficiencies. Hair will begin falling out within two to four months of the event, and it will usually take six to twelve months for hair growth to return to normal.

Telogen effluvium is the most common type of stress-induced hair loss.

2. Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is further hair loss that is caused by hair pulling. This can be a compulsive behavior or it might occur as a result of chronic stress or anxiety.

People with trichotillomania often pull out hair from the entire scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas of the body. This type of loss can be reversed if the hair-pulling behavior is stopped.

However, some hair follicles may become permanently damaged as a result of this condition, and hair growth might not return to normal in those areas.

3. Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is hair loss that is caused by an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.

Alopecia areata can cause patchy hair loss or complete loss of scalp hair, facial hair, and hairs on other areas of the body. This type can be caused by emotional stress.

Alopecia areata takes place in a chronic stress condition that can sometimes go into remission. However, there is no cure for this disorder.

Ways to reverse hair loss from stress

There are a few ways that you can reverse hair loss from stress such as:

1. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important for overall hair health and hair growth. Make sure that you are eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. This also helps in hair follicle regeneration.

Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. These items can do more harm than good, especially if you are trying to restore hair growth.

2. Take a supplement

Taking a hair growth supplement can help to promote growth and reverse hair loss.

There are a variety of nutritional supplements on the market that claim to be effective in reversing hair loss. However, it is important to do your research before choosing a supplement. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about which supplement might be best for you.

3. Manage your stress

Managing stress is important for hair growth and hair loss prevention. Try to avoid things that cause you stress and find ways to cope with stressful situations.

This might be yoga or meditation, exercise, talking to a friend, or listening to music. Whatever it takes! You should also try not to overwork yourself and make sure that you are getting enough sleep and take good take of your stress management. It can also help you regenerate hair follicles

4. Habits and lifestyle changes

Habits and lifestyle changes can help hair grow back. Avoid hair dyes, hair dryers or hair straightening products because they damage the hair follicle.

Also avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, buns, etc. because these can cause hair loss as well! Try switching to a natural shampoo instead of using harsh chemicals on your hair.

Avoiding hair dyes, hairdryers and hair straightening products is another way to help hair growth. These products can damage the hair follicle and make it difficult for hair to grow back.

If you can make these small changes, it will help hair growth and reverse hair loss.

How long does it take for hair growth?

It can take up to six to twelve months for hair growth to return to normal after the loss of hair caused by stress. However, if the hair follicles are permanently damaged, hair growth might not return to normal.

If stress-induced hair loss is not treated in time, hair follicles will be permanently damaged and hair loss can not be reversed. However, if you make these small changes, it will help hair growth and reverse hair loss.

Avoiding hair dyes, hairdryers and hair straightening products is another way to help hair growth. These products can damage the hair follicle and make it difficult for hair to grow back. Try using a natural shampoo and conditioner without harsh chemicals.

How to relieve stress?

There are various ways to relieve stress such as:

Exercise

Exercise daily or at least three times a week for 20 minutes. Go outside and get some fresh air while doing so! This will help you relax your mind.

Exercise also releases endorphins which make us feel happy in turn helping hair growth as well as relieving stress.

Try yoga or even just walking around your neighborhood will do wonders for hair growth and stress relief! You don't have to run marathons but getting in some form of daily activity will help hair growth back on track.

Meditation

Try meditating at least once a day for 15 minutes (or more if you'd like). This will help hair growth as well as reduce stress.

It's important to clear your head and focus on something other than hair loss during these times of meditation because it can cause more stress if you're constantly thinking about hair falling out!

Eat Healthy diet

Eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts seeds, etc., which will give new hair follicles all the nutrients they need to grow hair back strong and healthy.

Make sure that you're getting sufficient protein too because follicles are made up of amino acids (which come from proteins).

The takeaway

Making small changes to your habits and lifestyle can help hair growth and reverse hair loss. Avoiding hair dyes, hairdryers and hair straightening products is one way to help hair growth.

These products can damage the hair follicle and make it difficult for hair to grow back. Try using a natural shampoo and conditioner without harsh chemicals.

Managing stress is important for hair growth and hair loss prevention.

Try to avoid things that cause you stress and find ways to cope with stressful situations.

This might be yoga or meditation, exercise, talking to a friend, or listening to music. Whatever it takes!

You should also try not to overwork yourself and make sure that you are getting enough sleep.

Stay positive! If you aren't happy with the results right away, just give it time.