Author: Dr. Murat

Dr. Murat, a skilled hair transplant surgeon with over 8 years of experience, is dedicated to enhancing your beauty and confidence. With deep knowledge in hair restoration and therapies, he combines expertise and passion to deliver exceptional results. Dr. Murat also shares insights as a trusted hair transplant blog writer.

Many women and men face alopecia or hair loss during different phases in life. But, there are many factors that can lead to alopecia. Among these factors, stress can also cause the hair to fall out. 

In this article, we shall cover more about how stress is associated with hair loss. As you continue reading the article, you also gather some tips to curb hair loss. 

Understanding hair loss

There are about 100,000 hair follicles in different stages. Three growth phases are involved in hair development. Firstly, it starts growing steadily through the Anagen phase. Moreover, the hair grows in Catagen, a short phase of three months. Ultimately, the telogen phase is a cycle that spans across three months. 

Hair loss results from hair development cycle disturbance. Such a condition is commonly observed for 50 to 100 follicles every day. But, the extent of hair loss is noticeable. But, if a clump of hair settles in the shower drain, then it indicates that hair loss is more. In those instances, hormonal changes, genetics, and poor nutrition can be the causes. 

What indicates hair loss?

Hair loss is distinct due to many indicators. If you notice a receding hairline, then hair loss is prevalent. But, hair loss and scalp thinning is common in women. In case the bold spots are significantly becoming bigger, then it’s due to hair loss. When hair strands are broken around the forehead, then you also have to act immediately. 

Stress, anxiety, and hair loss

When you cope with stress or anxiety, then it can lead to many symptoms. Under such a condition, a hormone known as cortisol is released. This affects the hair growth cycle. Moreover, as the cortisol level increases, the hair may enter the telogen phase. This, in turn, leads to hair loss. But, research has not revealed why the hormone disrupts the hair growth cycle. It undoubtedly influences hair loss severity. 

Different types of stress-related hair loss

Mental stress can cause hair loss after some time. The stress is associated with three hair loss conditions. 

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is widely seen in diverse individuals. Hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase under stress. This leads to excessive shredding and the condition lasts for around 3 months. People will also observe patches of hair thinning within three months. But, this condition can be resolved once the individual manages stress. 

 Alopecia Areata

Stress brings in alopecia areata. In this disorder, the immune system attacks hair follicles.

This causes hair to fall out in patches. Stress can bring in alopecia areata, albeit its exact cause is unknown. With time, the hair may regrow. But, it’s better to seek medical aid as the condition can be recurrent. 

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a psychological condition, in which individuals tend to pull hair on their own. People tend to pull their hair when they’re worried or anxious. While such a kind of behaviour is noticeable, it usually occurs in patches. But, certain treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help control compulsive behaviour. 

If you are experiencing hair loss for a long time, then you must consider a hair transplant right away. 

What can you do when stress causes hair loss?

There are many things you can consider for managing stress. Let’s check some tips to manage stress to mitigate the risk of hair loss. 

Manage your stress levels

To reduce the risk of hair loss, it’s essential to manage stress. As you try to stay fit, you can consider performing exercises to eliminate stress. Apart from practicing yoga, you can step out for walking or running. Pursuing a hobby can also reduce stress levels. Regular meditation can further help you stay calm and dwell in the present. 

Embrace a healthy diet

A balanced diet also plays an important role in supporting hair growth. Hence, when you continue to maintain your health, ensure that you consume nutrient-rich foods. Once you start eating fruits, lean proteins, and vegetables, you will provide essential vitamins. Minerals like zinc, iron and biotin also help to promote hair growth. Additionally, when you drink water several times during the day, it can prevent additional hair loss. 

 
Topical treatments for healthy hair

Considering topical treatments can also keep hair loss under control. In case you take the medicine, minoxidil, it can stimulate hair growth. Mostly, such medicines are effective to get rid of stress-related hair loss. Besides, using castor oil can help treat hair loss. Even when researchers don’t confirm the results, castor oil can lead to hair growth. Way ahead, you can use gentle hair care products. By applying certain conditioners and shampoos, you can surely maintain scalp health.

 

Can stress cause hair loss?

Stress always affects hair loss to a great extent. In case you stress over things frequently, then it can increase the cortisol levels. This can affect your health along with the natural hair cycle. But, hair loss can be controlled if you follow the tips stated above. In case you’re not sure about the root cause of hair loss, then you must speak with a doctor. This can later determine the reason for hair loss. It can either be due to stress or something else. 

Finally, if you ‘re still worried about hair loss, then why not visit Grace Touch clinic? While we will offer the most suitable treatment, you can rely on us for a hair transplant. Advanced hair restoration techniques will further help to transform your look. Our experienced surgeons will also develop a new hairline. This will ensure symmetry and natural hair density. 

 

FAQs

How can hair shredding be prevented?

If you want to prevent hair loss due to stress, then there are various ways. Besides yoga and meditation, you can start exercising. Considering a new hobby can also help stop hair from falling. 

How long will stress-induced hair loss last?

The duration of hair loss can depend on the person’s overall condition. The severity of the stressor can also impact hair loss. But, once the stressor subsides, the individual will observe hair regrowth.

How do I know if my hair loss is due to stress?

Hair loss has numerous causes. These include hormonal imbalance, autoimmune diseases and genetic disorders. But, if hair loss is persistent, you must visit the doctor. A brief conversation at the clinic can make you aware of the cause.

Why does stress cause hair loss?

Stress increases the release of the hormone, cortisol in the body. Increased hormone levels may interfere with hair growth. As a result, you will observe excessive shedding. Stress may also lead to a tendency of pulling out hair. This is known as trichotillomania in medical terms.


Can hair loss be caused by overthinking?

Overthinking is not the sole cause of hair loss. But, stress can lead to significant hair loss. This occurs when the hair growth cycle is disturbed.

 

Book A Free Consultation
bottom-form

    Open chat
    1
    Scan the code
    Hello
    Can we help you?