Stress is a normal psychological and physiological response to the demands of life. A small amount of stress can be good and motivate you to perform well. But there are so many challenges every day, such as traffic jams, meeting deadlines and paying bills, that can overwhelm you.
Unfortunately, the endless complexity of modern life and its demands and expectations means that some people’s alarm systems are rarely turned off, and studies show that the idea that stress disrupts the normal circulation of hair follicles and leads to hair loss. In this article, we’ll be discussing why we get hair loss because of stress.
Types of hair loss that are associated to stress
Telogen effluvium
In telogen effluvium, tremendous pressure pushes a large number of hair follicles into telogen. Within a few months, the affected hair may suddenly fall out when simply brushing or shampooing. Hair falls out more easily over time, even if you’re just washing, brushing, or touching it. Telogen effluvium can also be caused by malnutrition and changes in hormone levels.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is an irresistible urge to pluck hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other parts of the body. Pulling your hair can be a way to deal with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, tension, loneliness, boredom, or depression. In this psychological condition, people deal with negative emotions, such as stress and anxiety, by pulling their hair out of the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. It is most common in teenage girls.
Alopecia areata
A variety of factors are thought to cause alopecia areata, which can include severe stress. With alopecia areata, the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out. In some cases, alopecia areata just results in thinning hair, while in other cases, people may develop some bald patches. Over time, the hair will grow back and then fall out again. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes alopecia areata, although genetics may play a role. Although it’s not caused by stress, alopecia areata can be very stressful for anyone dealing with the condition.
Hair loss can be triggered by any stressful situation, including pregnancy, chronic illness, injury, relationship problems, financial problems, malnutrition, surgery, medications like antidepressants. Stress and hair loss are not necessarily permanent. If your stress is under control, your hair may grow back. To counteract the stress and protect your hair from thinning or falling off, try these tips:
Dealing with hair loss and stress
- Regularly learn and practice relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga).
- Exercise regularly, which can help manage stress and its effects.
- Spend time with positive people, isolating yourself can make stress worse.
- Seek professional help from a therapist. Leaning toward emotional well-being and practicing coping strategies, such as meditation, may also help reduce the effects of stressors.
- Eat a healthy diet and take a multivitamin if recommended by your doctor.
- Take care of your hair when shampooing, drying and styling.
