Overview
Hair loss is becoming a nationwide issue be it elder, adult, or youngster, everyone is facing hair problems. Various factors can lead to hair loss like genetics, poor diet, and much more. Many people often wonder, ‘Can hair loss occur due to stress?’ Depending on the current situation, especially due to COVID-19 the stress factors have increased and made our life more hectic than it was before. No doubt, the time is uncertain but can stress trigger hair loss. Let’s find out in detail.
How are stress and hair loss related?
Yes! These are related to each other. Studies that have been done till now have shown that stress affects the hair follicles to a great extent and which leads to hair fall. Be it emotional or physical stress, anxiety, or injury can lead to hair fall. Sometimes, when a person is hospitalized for a long time, has lost someone close to the family, has faced financial crises, debt, work-related stress, or any other thing that can lead to hair loss.
Is stress-related hair loss permanent?
No! Stress-related hair loss is temporary which lasts for 3 to 6 months. Once the stress factor goes away or a person feels normal the hair growth cycle will come back to normal.
What are the main types of hair loss due to stress?
- Alopecia Areata
Due to chronic stress, it is normal for the person to experience alopecia areata. In this type of hair loss, the person loses hair in bald patches. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that means the body starts attacking the healthy hair follicles instead of protecting them.
- Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is the situation where trauma or stress makes the hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair cycle. Whether you are washing or combing the hair, it will fall out. This situation lasts for several months but it is not that severe. If you have this type, then you will notice hair growth after a few months.
- Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is also known as a hair-pulling disorder. It is linked to our psychology as it urges us to pull out our hair not just from the scalp but also the eyebrows, & other body parts. Primarily, the condition is triggered when a person has extreme stress or anxiety. Apart from that the feeling of depression, boredom, frustration, negative thoughts, and loneliness, can lead to this condition.
What is the sign that my hair is falling due to stress?
Normally, we lose 50 to 100 strands every day. But, more than that means it is linked to stress. If you notice any of the above-mentioned types of hair loss, then it is due to stress.
What can I do to control stress-related hair loss?
- There are FDA-approved topical solutions available in the market like Finasteride and Minoxidil, which helps in hair growth. But, make sure that you take the doctor’s advice and then only start using them.
- Make sure that you massage your scalp with oil before you wash your hair. Keep it overnight or for 2 to 3 hours.
- Make sure that you manage the stress level. For that you should relax, meditate, keep your thinking positive, exercise, and use shampoo/condition without any chemicals in it.
- You need to follow a healthy and balanced diet. Make sure your diet has zinc, protein, vitamin, and other essential nutrients which promote healthy locks.
Keep in mind, due to stress DHT levels are increased in the body, so it is better that you control the stress levels. The increased stress is not beneficial for hair health and overall well-being.
