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Is stress contributing to your hair loss?

By Favour Agbai

09 November 2024   |   6:14 am

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Hair loss can be unsettling, but did you know stress might be a major culprit? Favour Agbai explores the link between stress and hair loss, breaks down different types of alopecia, and offers practical steps for reducing stress and promoting healthier hair. Men and women encounter hair loss at some point in their lives. Experiencing…

Hair loss can be unsettling, but did you know stress might be a major culprit? Favour Agbai explores the link between stress and hair loss, breaks down different types of alopecia, and offers practical steps for reducing stress and promoting healthier hair.

Men and women encounter hair loss at some point in their lives. Experiencing hair loss can be deeply distressing, and it’s natural to feel concerned about why your hair might be thinning or shedding. Medically referred to as alopecia, hair loss can be localised to the scalp or affect the entire body and may be temporary or permanent.

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While causes of hair loss range from hormonal changes, heredity, and medication to radiation therapy, certain hairstyles, and harsh treatments, it is essential to recognise that stress can also play a significant role.

“If there is some shock to the system, as many as 70% of the scalp hairs can be shed in large numbers about two months after the shock,” according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. This sudden increase in hair loss, where hair may fall out in handfuls, is known as acute telogen effluvium.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss could be as a result of androgenetic alopecia. This is a hereditary condition that can begin any time after puberty, with the most pronounced cases appearing after menopause. Hormonal fluctuations over time cause hair to become thinner, shorter, and less dense.

Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, creates an irresistible urge to pull hair from the scalp or other body parts. This condition is classified as an impulse-control disorder, and noticeable hair pulling can lead to additional stress, perpetuating the cycle.

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Telogen effluvium is the most prevalent form of stress-induced hair loss, occurring when many hairs prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase, resulting in noticeable shedding. The effects often become visible several months after a stressful event or prolonged periods of stress.

How stress can cause hair loss

To understand how stress affects hair loss, we first need to grasp the natural hair growth cycle, which consists of four essential phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.

The anagen phase, known as the growth phase, allows hair to grow for two to six years, depending on the hair follicle. The catagen phase is a brief transitional phase that lasts about 10 days. The telogen phase, a resting phase, lasts a few months, during which time the strands remain in the follicle but cease to grow actively. Finally, the exogen phase occurs when strands are released from the follicle and fall out, restarting the growth cycle.

A disruption in this natural cycle can lead to significant hair shedding or patchy hair loss.

Elevated cortisol levels (the stress hormone) can negatively affect hair follicles, pushing them prematurely into the resting phase and resulting in substantial hair shedding.
Hormonal stressors, like postpartum changes or menopause, as well as emotional stress, can contribute to this problem. Chronic stress may also cause inflammation, further harming hair follicles. “After a period of acute or chronic stress many individuals will experience an increased amount of hair loss,” said Erling Thom, in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. “chronic stress was significantly associated with hair growth inhibition, increased granulation of mast cells and perifollicular inflammation.”

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It is important to note that stress-related hair shedding usually occurs several weeks to months after the stressful event, as hair follicles respond slowly to hormonal changes.

Managing hair loss

The good news is that, for most people, stress-related hair loss is usually temporary and can improve once the stressor is eliminated or reduced.

Managing stress can help reduce the risk of further hair loss, although this is often easier said than done. You might need to explore various stress-management techniques to find what works best for you. Consider methods like exercise, journaling, engaging in creative outlets, and mindfulness techniques like breathing and meditation to significantly alleviate stress. In addition, making healthier lifestyle choices—such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and prioritising sufficient sleep—can further mitigate the impact of stress on your health.

Addressing chronic stress benefits not only your hair but is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Healthy habits create a positive ripple effect, leading to improved hair health and a more balanced life. If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic stress, seeking professional help is highly advisable.