Does Stress Make Your Hair Fall Out?

Do you ever find yourself discovering more strands of hair than expected on your bed or in the shower drain? We’ve all been there. If your hair is falling out at a faster rate than normal, there are steps you can take to reduce this.

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You’ve most likely caught wind of a conceivable connection among stress and hair loss,¹Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D,https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress-and-hair-loss/faq-20057820, Mayo Clinic yet is there any fact to that guarantee? Regardless of whether you’re feeling fatigued by work, or you are overpowered by emotionally upsetting situations; for example, the breakdown of a relationship, or the loss of a loved one, it’s normal to feel worried.

But how about how stress can influence your body?

Stress doesn’t directly yank the hair off your head, but it can trigger bodily functions or activities that can induce hair loss.²Micah Abraham, BSc, https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/hair-loss, Calm Clinic Remember it is normal to shed between 50-200 strands a day; depending on hair density, thickness, and how many follicles you have producing hair.  If you are noticing large clumps of hair coming out in the shower or on your pillow, it would be wise to speak to a Trichologist or your GP.

The following conditions can drive stress-induced hair loss.

1. Telogen effluvium

This condition is where the hair suddenly becomes thin over the entire scalp. Pressure can drive hair follicles into the “resting” stage, known as telogen, so they don’t create new hair strands. After some time, all these hairs will fall into the shedding stage at the same time, so it appears more hair is shed. Regardless of whether you’re merely washing or brushing it. Telogen effluvium likewise can occur after illness, medications, sudden trauma, and anaemia. The good news is regrowth will start to come through after 6 months, so recovery is high.

2. Trichotillomania

This condition is often known as excessive hair touching and pulling. If you find yourself pulling out your hair when you’re under intense pressure or stressed, it could be an indication of trichotillomania. In this mental condition, individuals manage negative feelings, similar to stress and tension, by pulling hair from the scalp, face, and different parts of the body. Read more about this here.

3. Alopecia areata

In this condition, your body’ immune system attacks your hair follicles as though they are a foreign body, making your hair fall out. At times, alopecia areata can cause hair to be thin, while in different cases individuals may create bald spots. Hair can regrow after some time, at that point drop out once more. Specialists aren’t sure precisely what causes alopecia areata. However, it is assumed to be as a result of an immune disorder. Furthermore, although it’s not brought about by pressure, alopecia areata can be unpleasant for any individual managing this condition.

Stress and Hair Loss: How to reduce the impact

Any number of upsetting circumstances can trigger hair loss, including pregnancy, constant ailment, damage, relationship issues, money-related concerns, poor nutrition, medical procedures, antidepressants, and other medications.³Erin Bryant, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-hair-loss, National Institutes of Health Whilst we would always advise speaking to a professional if you are concerned about hair loss, remember that stress can impact this and there are ways you can reduce this trigger.⁴Raina Cordell, RN, https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/ways-to-reverse-hair-loss-from-stress, WebMD

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1. Learn and practice unwinding activities (for example, meditation, reflection, or yoga) consistently
2. Get regular exercise, which helps you manage stress and its effects.
3. Invest your time and energy with constructive individuals — don’t stay in isolation and don’t get yourself around the wrong people either.
4. Look for expert assistance from your doctor.
5. Maintain a healthy diet and consider dietary supplements and multivitamins especially if your doctor prescribes it.
6. Treat your hair with care and gently when washing, drying and styling it.

Alternatively you can seek the support of a qualified counsellor to discuss the underlying causes of the stress you are experiencing.

Counselling can take different forms depending on your needs and what type of therapy may be suitable.

Most counselling takes place in planned, regular sessions which last for around 50 minutes. How often you see your counsellor and how many appointments you have will depend on your individual circumstances, and will be agreed between you and your therapist.
You might see a counsellor on your own, as a couple or family, or in a group with people who have similar issues. You might meet them face to face in their home, offices or clinic, or talk to them online or over the telephone.

Hair loss from stress is usually reversible. On the off chance that it escalates, speak with your doctor, a there may be drugs or over-the-counter solutions to help you restore your hair.

Footnote Links:

1. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D,https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress-and-hair-loss/faq-20057820, Mayo Clinic
2. Micah Abraham, BSc, https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/hair-loss, Calm Clinic
3. Erin Bryant, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-hair-loss, National Institutes of Health
4. Raina Cordell, RN, https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/ways-to-reverse-hair-loss-from-stress, WebMD