The Connection Between Stress And Hair Loss

Stay Young Bureau | Sep 22, 2023, 11:00 IST

Everyone experiences stress as well as hair loss in their lifetime. But did you know they’re both intricately intertwined? Here’s why stress causes hair loss

Stress isn’t unique to certain individuals. Everyone experiences stressful events from time to time. However excessive stress over a long period of time can harm your body and mind in various ways. One of the most common side effects of excessive stress is hair loss. Dr. Rinky Kapoor, consultant dermatologist, states that hair loss can either be stress-induced or due to stress aggravation. But not all hair loss is caused by stress.

If you are struggling with hair loss and there’s constant stress, it’s important that you understand how stress affects hair loss, and what treatments are available to you.

Stress-Related Hair Loss

Not all hair loss is stress-induced but there are certain forms of hair loss that occur when a person is under high stress:

Telogen Effluvium
In this condition, there’s temporary damage to the hair follicles, which causes thinning and shedding of hair. The affected area is usually around the centre of the scalp, and hair loss happens in patches. Telogen effluvium is temporary, and the hair grows back after a few months or more.
Alopecia Areata
In this condition, the immune system attacks your hair follicles, causing hair loss. Stress can be a trigger for this autoimmune disease, and depending on the severity of the condition, hair loss can be limited to round patches, complete scalp, or entire body.
Trichotillomania
In this condition, the patient has a strong urge to pull out hair from the scalp or other body parts. Trichotillomania is an impulse control disorder where hair pulling becomes a means to relieve stress or other negative emotions. However, the compulsion in turn creates added stress, fueling the endless cycle.

Treatments For Stress Related Hair Loss
If you are experiencing hair loss and see no signs of regrowth, QR678 hair fall therapy or a hair transplant are good treatment options to consider, states Dr. Kapoor. Other remedies that can help reduce hair loss and boost regrowth are:

Diet and Nutrition
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet rich in essential vitamins such as vitamins C, B, and E. Vitamin C helps build collagen, vitamin B promotes metabolism, and vitamin E contains antioxidants. Whole foods including citrus fruits, dark leafy greens and sea foods are some examples of a vitamin-rich diet for a healthy scalp.
Hydration
Ideally, men should have 15-16 cups of water daily, while women need 11-12 cups to achieve the right amount of hydration. The water source doesn’t necessarily need to be water or other beverages, it can also be through fruits and vegetables rich in water content. However, if you are unable to meet that requirement, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Stress Management
Although it’s easier said than done, there are several tried and tested methods that you can choose from, to navigate daily stress. These are:
- Exercise daily
- Engage in hobbies you enjoy
- Journal your feelings
- Explore yoga, breathing techniques and meditation

Stress management is essentially about building mental strength to handle stressors and finding positive sources of release for pent-up stress. Engaging in physical activity or building some form of consistency offers you an emotionally safe house amidst all the stress. Having said that, in the case of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, sometimes lifestyle management isn’t enough and you may need to take anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants to manage extreme stress.

Key Takeaway
Excessive stress such as undergoing surgery, pregnancy, illness from diseases such as malaria, typhoid etc., the recent loss of someone you loved, a change in job or a move to a new city are just some of the reasons that cause stress-related hair fall.

At other times, the person may be genetically predisposed to baldness or suffer through hormonal imbalance, which makes them more vulnerable to hair loss if they are under stressful situations. Similarly, sudden hair loss can also signal an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. Either way, stress is both a trigger and an aggravator for hair loss. Hence, it’s best to create certain checks and balances using habits that help you combat stress. Additionally, having a balanced, nutritious diet and proper hydration also help reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair.

Disclaimer: The above content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician or doctor. The Company does not vouch for or endorse any of the above content, and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the same.