Hair loss and Stress

Yes! You read right...  Stress and hair loss is connected. But good news... it's not permanent. When you get hair loss through stress, there are different types of hair loss which could be connected because of high stress levels.

There are three types of hair loss which are related to stress. These are Telogen Effluvium, Trichotillomania and Alopecia Areata.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium is where a significant amount of stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles in to a resting phase. After a few months, you will notice that these affected hair will fall out all of a sudden when washing or combing your hair. There are about 100,000 hair follicles on the adult scalp.

These hair follicles are continuously going through a cycle. This is a constant and steady cycle unless something happens to abrupt the cycle through rest and growth. Hair follicles are mostly in growth phase which is called Anagen, and when hair follicles are in resting phase, it is called Telogen.

When in Telogen phase, the hair starts shedding. As this happens, it triggers an irregular transference into the resting phase all at once. The possible trigger for this is significant emotional stress. When you have a major negative event in your life, i.e loss of a loved one, or a severe and lengthy stress period like the Covid-19 pandemic.

The signs of Telogen Effluvium

Hair loss because of Telogen Effluvium is abrupt and diffuse hair thinning but it is temporary.

The hair loss doesn't happen straight away but most likely after 3-4 months after the stress period. This is because once the hair follicles enter the Telogen phase abruptly, it takes 3 months for the cycle to be completed and for the hair to start shedding.

Diffuse is meant by the pattern of the hair loss due to Telogen Effluvium. You get patchy hair loss or widening of the parting line, which generally happens because of Alopecia Areata or Female pattern hair loss.

Hair loss is temporary and shedding should usually stop after 5-6 months until the cycle shifts back to Anagen phase, but unfortunately, it could take years to grow your hair back. For most people, hair does not return to its former self.

Can You Prevent Telogen Effluvium?

There is no proven way to prevent hair loss due to Telogen Effluvium. Although there are ways to help your hair health, which are:

• Ensure to eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Consume a sufficient amount of protein
• Avoid tight hair styles and excessive heat styling and chemical-based treatment

Trichotillomania (Trich)

This is also known as Trich. It is when a person has an urge to pull out their hair from the scalp, eyebrows or other parts of their body. This can be a way of dealing with negative and uncomfortable feelings, which could be stress, loneliness and frustration. This is more common in teenagers or young adults.

Trich causes feelings of shame and low self- esteem. Those affected may not tell someone about it and keep the condition to themselves. It is not clear as to why this causes Trich. It can be because of stress, anxiety, a change in hormones or a chemical-imbalance which is comparable to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Trich can also become addictive or become a habit. It is best to consult your doctor if you are pulling your hair or notice if your child is.

Is There A Treatment?

This is commonly treated by habit reversal training. This can aim to help replace a bad habit. These are:

• Keeping a diary and noting down how often it occurs,
• Working out the triggers for your hair pulling and learning how to avoid it,
• Replacing these habits with another like 'squeezing a stress ball',
• Loved ones providing emotional support and encouragement.

Anti-depressants are not usually prescribed to treat 'Trich'.

Alopecia Areata

This is where your body's immune system attacks the hair follicles which then cause hair loss.

The main symptom of Alopecia is hair loss.

You may be able to notice small bald patches on your scalp, these patches may get bigger and grow into a bald spot

• Hair grows into a bald spot and falls out in other places
• You lose a lot of hair over a short time
• Hair falls out more in winter
• Fingernails and toenails may become red and brittle.

Is There A Treatment?

Sadly, it can't be cured. Getting it treated might help your hair grow back.

Alopecia Areata is not usually a critical medical condition but it can cause stress, anxiety and depression. There are many support groups to help you deal with your condition. Always check with your doctor as hair loss could also mean that you might have an underlying condition which needs to be checked. Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or starting a treatment.

Annie - Editor/ Owner of Hairgrowthproducts4you.com