Is there a solid relationship between stress and hair loss? Sadly, the answer is yes. And according to experts, three types of hair loss can be linked with extreme stress, such as:
- Alopecia areata. While there are various possible causes for alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), one of the significant reasons is severe stress. With this type of hair loss, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
- Trichotillomania. Trichotillomania is a type of hair loss where the individual cannot fight the urge to pull out his own hair from the scalp, eyebrows, and other body parts. A person with trichotillomania may pull their hair as a way to deal with adverse emotions and uncomfortable feelings, including tension, boredom, stress, sadness, and frustration.
- Telogen effluvium. High levels of stress can be the leading cause of telogen effluvium. In this hair loss condition, stress forces numerous hair follicles to go into a resting phase. The effects will start to show in a few months. You might experience sudden hair fall, especially when you’re combing or brushing your hair.
The good news is hair loss and stress don’t need to be permanent. All you need to do is learn to manage stress efficiently.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss may occur due to various reasons, and even though stress may be one of them, it’s crucial to understand other reasons for hair loss. The common causes of hair loss may include:
Hereditary Hair Loss
Men and women alike may develop hereditary hair loss. This is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. Hereditary hair loss is simple. If you have this, it means that you have inherited genes that shrink your hair follicles, which causes the hair to stop growing. The signs may start to manifest as early as the teen years, but it commonly occurs later in life.
Regrowth is possible if you start the treatment early. Otherwise, you will continue to lose more hair. However, there’s another option, called scalp pigmentation or SMP. Just make sure to find a professional with education about scalp micropigmentation. This very sensitive process requires utmost professionalism, so be sure to work with a certified specialist.
Age
Our hair follicles will naturally stop growing hair, resulting in baldness as we age. The color of our hair also changes as we grow old. Treatment is possible, but it’s much better to embrace the change since this is a natural occurrence.
Hair Products
Some hair products contain harmful elements that cause damage to the hair. In some cases, people’s hair may react adversely, causing hair loss.
Chemotherapy
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy or radiation treatment. You will lose some or all of your hair during your treatment in about a few weeks.
Hormonal Imbalance
The most common cause of hair loss for some women is PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition results in cysts found on the ovary, along with other symptoms, including hair loss.
How To Manage Hair Loss Caused By Stress
You can effectively manage hair loss if you know its root cause. That said, it’s crucial to consult a doctor about the possible reason for your thinning hair. If the diagnosis showed that it’s due to severe stress, here are some stress-management tips for implementing to reduce the risk of hair loss:
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is the first thing to consider to resolve your thinning hair. According to the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, malnutrition and crash dieting are the two leading causes of telogen effluvium. In the meantime, focus on eating foods that are good for hair loss prevention, such as whole foods. Make sure to always eat:
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean protein
Take a Supplement
Deficiency may also cause hair loss. Ask your doctor about the best supplement to take to prevent further hair loss. Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend supplements for:
- Vitamin D
- Ferritin
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
Practice Stress Management Activities
The best way to manage hair loss caused by stress is by eliminating stress once and for all. Here are some stress management techniques you can do in the comfort of your home:
- Yoga
- Deep breathing
- Online counseling or therapy
- Meditation
- Making a journal
Even though your hair loss caused by stress is not permanent, addressing the symptoms as early as possible can make a huge difference. While this could be a temporary situation, some effects could be permanent, leaving you with irreversible damages. Speak with a doctor today, so you can begin managing stress before you lose all of your hair.
