If you find more hair strands than usual on the floor, in the shower drain, or on your pillow, you are most likely experiencing hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by several different factors, such as genetics, age, hormonal imbalance, certain drugs and treatments, illness, and unhealthy hair habits. However, in some cases, people believe that stress is the culprit to blame.
You have probably already heard about the possible connection between stress and hair loss, but is there any truth to this claim? Whenever you feel exhausted by work or overwhelmed by traumatic events, it is natural to feel concerned about how the stress can impact your body. So, here is everything you need to know about stress and hair loss and how they may be related.
Can emotional stress lead to hair loss?
The simple and scientific answer to this question is yes. If you have been experiencing emotional or physical stress in the last few months and you have noticed that your hair is becoming thinner, there is a chance that you might be experiencing stress-induced hair loss. According to several scientific studies, significant emotional stress can cause hair loss or contribute to it because stress usually manifests in severe physical symptoms, including excessive hair shedding or hair loss.
Types of Hair Loss That Can Be Induced by Stress
If your hair loss is related to stress, it is very much likely that you are experiencing either alopecia areata, trichotillomania, or telogen effluvium. These three conditions are the major hair problems that can trigger you to lose hair. Here is what you need to know about each of them:
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a condition wherein your hair follicles are attacked by your body’s immune system, causing your hair to fall out. In some instances, alopecia areata may cause your hair to thin, but in other cases, it may result in bald spots. Several factors are thought to cause alopecia areata. One of them is severe stress.
- Trichotillomania
Have you ever found yourself pulling out your hair while you are tensed or stressed out? It could be a sign that you have trichotillomania. It is a psychological condition in which a person feels an irresistible urge to pull out hair from their scalp or eyebrows to deal with negative emotions, such as tension, stress, loneliness, frustration, or boredom.
- Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of stress-induced temporary hair loss. It occurs because stress can push hair follicles into a “resting” phase, thereby hindering them from producing new hair strands. Over time, your hair can fall out more quickly and easily, even if you are touching, washing, or combing your hair. Sometimes, telogen effluvium can also be caused by hormonal changes and poor nutrition.
How to cope with stress and hair loss?
Stressful situations, such as injury, chronic illness, financial problems, relationship issues, pregnancy, surgery, and even a mere jet lag, can generally trigger hair loss. To counteract high levels of stress and protect your hair from thinning, here are some of the most effective things you can do:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet and take multivitamins
- Have adequate hours of sleep every day
- Learn and practice relaxation methods like meditation and yoga
- Spend time with positive people
- Develop good hair care habits
- Seek professional help from a therapist and a hair specialist
If you are already experiencing significant hair loss, you should consider a hair replacement in Singapore.
Conclusion
Hair falling out due to high stress levels is not just an exaggeration. There is scientific truth to this popular notion. Indeed, stress can affect your body in many ways and manifest in various physical symptoms, including hair loss. By knowing how stress impacts your hair and what hair problems are likely to occur, you can better protect your natural hair from the risk of stress-induced hair thinning.
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