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 as 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, 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, a separation or the demise of a loved one, it’s normal to feel worried.

But how about how stress can influence your body?

Stress doesn’t directly yank hair off your head, but it can trigger bodily functions or activities that can induce hair loss. 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 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 tense, 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 pieces 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 bare 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. 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.

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.

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.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress-and-hair-loss/faq-20057820

https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/hair-loss