Proven Guide to Hair Loss from Stress & How to Prevent It

Most of us are really stressed out, especially during this time of global pandemic but is there any truth to claims that there is a feasible link between stress and hair loss?

Here is a step by step guide to preventing hair loss from stress:

What Is Stress-Induced Hair Loss?

Less hair on your head could mean your stress levels are high. Follicles in our hair are cycling constantly between growth and rest. At any given time, the majority of these follicles are in the growth phase. The hair is shed when hair follicles change to the resting phase and a sudden abnormal shift of hairs into the telogen can trigger an episode of telogen effluvium.

How does Stress Cause Hair Loss?

One can point out the possible causes of hair loss by knowing what your hair loss looks like. Natural or biological causes such as pregnancy, reactions to medication, hormonal imbalance, genes, and STRESS are some of the reasons you are losing full strands of hair with rounded ends. Studies say that hair loss is caused by the termination of anagen, or the growth phase of the hair cycle. It confirmed that stress stops the normal cycle of the hair follicle and can lead to hair loss.

Cortisol Levels and Their Effect on the Hair Follicle Cycle

Cortisol and other stress hormones are affected if you are stressed. It has been proven to reduce the regeneration of hair follicles and eliminate important skin elements when cortisol is at high levels.

There are three types of hair loss which can all be associated with high-stress levels:

Telogen effluvium

The resting stage of the hair growth cycle is Telogen. Telogen effluvium is when stress causes hair roots to grow abnormally into the resting state and can be acute or chronic.

Trichotillomania

Also known as Trich, is the urge to pull out hair from the scalp or from other areas such as eyebrows, eyelashes, genital area, and beard or mustache. A person affected by Trich may try to keep their condition to themselves and may cause feelings of shame and low self-esteem.

Alopecia areata

When the body attacks its own hair follicles, this disease develops. Over the course of just a few days, Alopecia areata often develops suddenly. It has no cure and is mainly caused by stress. Stress can cause outbursts of an autoimmune disease that you already have.

Will hair loss from stress grow back?

When your body experiences high-stress levels, your hair falls out faster than it would. It will likely stop falling out when the stress stops. Without any treatment, it will regrow to its normal fullness in 6-9 months.

3 Ways to Reverse Hair Loss From Stress

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

It is very important to concentrate on whole foods and a balanced diet when it comes to the best foods to prevent hair loss caused by stress. These foods are proven to prevent hair loss:

•     Fruits and vegetables
•     Whole grains
•     Lean protein

2. Take a Supplement

Lack of certain nutrients like Ferritin, Vitamin D, Zinc, and Vitamin B12 are proven to be the cause of stress-induced hair loss.

3. Manage Your Stress

You could have stress-induced hair loss if you don’t seek help whenever you go through a stressful life event. These techniques can help you handle stress and have an impact on your hair loss.

•     Journaling
•     Meditating
•     Exercising
•     Talking to others
•     Engaging in a hobby

Conclusion: How To Avoid The Negative Effects Of Stress On Your Body And Appearance

There are a lot of daily techniques that can help you avoid the effects of stress:

•     Meditation and relaxation. There are applications and programs online, especially in smartphones and gyms or community centers.
•     Get enough sleep and eat right. Taking good care of your body each day doesn’t hurt that much.
•     Always be grateful and stay positive. Appreciate all the good things in your life.
•     Look for ways to let go of your worries in situations you cannot change and control.
•     Seek emotional support from your friends, family members, or neighbors. They can listen and share responsibilities so stress can become less overwhelming.

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