High-stress levels have become a common feature of everyday life for many of us, affecting both our physical and mental health.
One possible side-effect of stressful events or periods is hair loss.
While losing hair can add to your stress, it’s important to note that this type of hair loss is usually temporary. It can be treated or reversed by certain regrowth hair practices, as well as by reducing the source of stress. Find out how to regain hair loss from stress.
Stress-related hair loss is called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition characterised by abnormal hair shedding. It normally occurs two/three months after the period of intense stress. This timescale is due to the way stress affects the hair follicles and the hair growth cycle of individual hairs:
Up to 90% of healthy hair is in the anagen (growing) phase at any one time. The remaining hair is either in transition or in a resting or shedding phase.
When you’re stressed, 70% of your anagen hairs can prematurely enter the telogen (shedding) phase [1]. That means you can see widespread hair loss over the entire scalp, rather than in localised areas (which is more typical of male androgenetic alopecia — AKA male pattern baldness).
Stress can cause hair loss in women and men, and is usually identified by increased hair fall in the shower or when brushing your hair. Stress may also be linked with hair greying in some cases.
How stress impacts other hair loss conditions
It should be noted that in addition to telogen effluvium causing hair fall due to stress or trauma, stress and anxiety can also exacerbate other hair loss conditions such as trichotillomania, a condition characterised by compulsive hair pulling, and alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where the white blood cells attack healthy hair follicles causing bald patches of hair loss to appear.
How to regain hair loss from stress
The first step in treating stress-related hair loss is addressing the cause of the stress and anxiety. Once that issue has been addressed, there are some things you can try to help promote hair growth.
General exercise
Keeping physically fit and well is beneficial for the overall health that supports hair health. So finding a form of exercise you enjoy and do regularly will help with stimulating hair growth as well as boost the strength and condition of your hair in the future.
Specific exercises
Certain exercises are particularly helpful in encouraging hair growth. For example, some yoga poses are known to be beneficial for increasing blood circulation to the scalp which can stimulate hair growth [2]. Inversion exercises (where you tip your head upside down) are popular, though there’s little evidence that they can improve hair health.
Shampoo & haircare products
Specialist shampoos, conditioners, treatments and products can thicken hair or encourage faster, stronger hair regrowth. These often have active ingredients ranging from caffeine for hair loss, to chemically-produced formulas like Minoxidil. You may also want to consider hair-thickening shampoo or hair-thickening spray.
Scalp massage
Massaging the scalp stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles which in turn help to stimulate hair growth [2-3]. Scalp massage can be done regularly by yourself, by gently massaging your scalp in small, circular movements, or you can visit a specialist provider such as Indian Head Massage therapists. Hairdressers are also increasingly offering this service. Learn more about scalp massage for hair growth and the benefits of head massage.
Vitamins & supplements
The condition of your hair and the rate of hair regrowth is greatly influenced by your overall health, so improving your general nutrition by maintaining a healthy diet will positively affect your hair. If you have a vitamin deficiency, vitamins for hair growth can improve the health of your hair.
However, if your nutrient levels are normal, it’s unlikely that supplements will help. Instead, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and avoiding fads like low-carb diets which can increase hair loss.
Find out if it’s possible to regrow hair naturally within three weeks
How to reduce stress to promote hair growth
As well as taking the best possible care of your hair, reducing your general stress levels can boost the condition and growth of your hair. It can also help to prevent stress-related hair loss in the future.
Some popular and effective ways to reduce general stress are:
- Spend time in nature
- Discuss your emotions with a trusted person
- Take up a hobby you enjoy
- Explore meditative practices such as yoga, mindfulness or Tai Chi
- Relaxing self-care habits such as scented baths
- Reducing screen time and the number of electronic devices in your home, especially your bedroom
- Playing a musical instrument or pursuing a creative outlet such as painting or writing
- Joining a club or sports team.
Learning how to manage stress is a powerful wellness strategy for all aspects of your health and well-being. It can be particularly effective in supporting healthy hair growth.
With careful attention, the effects of stress-related hair loss can be minimised or even reversed. By reducing the levels of stress in your life, you’ll support your body in its natural processes of repair and regeneration, helping your hair to recover from stress damage, as well as preventing it from happening again.
What if your hair loss is caused by something else?
The potential causes of hair loss are extensive. Genetics, hormones, autoimmune diseases, trauma, surgery, menopause, and eating unhealthy foods can all contribute to hair loss. If you’re not sure what’s causing your hair to shed, it’s important to get a diagnosis. Hair loss can mask underlying conditions, so it’s essential to speak to a professional.
Speak to your doctor or a hair loss specialist at a UK hair transplant clinic to get a diagnosis and find out how to treat your hair loss quickly for the best results.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
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