Numerous scientific studies highlight the positive correlation between anxiety and hair loss. But how exactly does stress trigger hair loss?
In this article, we will explore the relationship between stress and hair loss as an abnormal condition of our bodies. By the end of the article, you will find answers to these questions:
- How does stress affect the skin?
- Why may stress cause hair loss?
- Do anatomical differences according to biological sex modify the relationship between stress and hair loss?
- What are the symptoms of stress-induced hair loss?
- What are the hair thickening solutions in Turkey?
Why may stress cause hair loss?
Medical experts have found several explanations why stress may lead to hair loss. There are three types of stress-related hair loss. They are:
. Telogen effluvium: The high level of stress causes hair loss. It occurs as a result of slowing down the hair growth cycle [2].
. Alopecia areata: It is an autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles and as a result causes hair loss. The underlying reasons for alopecia areata can vary, but medical professionals emphasise the effect of severe stress [3].
. Trichotillomania: It is a psychiatric disorder under the category of impulse control disorders. It is caused by emotions such as frustration, anxiety and tension and stress. It is an irresistible urge to pluck hair [4].
The link between stress and hair fall is based on increased levels of the stress hormone, ‘cortisol’, in the body. When cortisol levels are elevated, blood flow to the hair follicles can be reduced, resulting in weakened hair follicles and slow hair growth. Cortisol can also affect the immune system, triggering inflammatory processes that cause the loss. Stress can also lead to the loss by reducing the absorption of nutrients that are important for hair health.
Stress hair loss in Female
Stress-related hair loss in women may display some peculiar characteristics when compared to men:
– Pattern of Hair Loss: The main distinctions of female-pattern baldness lie in its root causes and the pattern of hair loss. Aging, hormones, and genetic factors are the main causes, while the form is overall thinning rather than partial baldness.
– Hormonal Factors: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause, can exacerbate stress-related hair loss in females. These hormonal changes can influence the hair growth cycle and lead to increased shedding during anxiety.
– Hair Texture: The hair texture may exhibit stress-related brittleness or dryness.
– Underlying Health Conditions: Thyroid disorders and/or autoimmune diseases can trigger hair loss [5].
Stress hair loss in Male
In men, stress-related hair loss exhibits some similarities with women’s hair loss, but also has different characteristics:
– Pattern of Hair Loss: During anxiety, men may experience hair loss in the following forms:
- Recession of the hairline,
- Thinning of the crown,
- Bald patches,
- Hair loss in more than one area of the scalp.
– Genetic Factors: Males may be more predisposed to genetic factors contributing to hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia. Stress can exacerbate existing genetic predispositions.
Treatment Plan: In hair fall associated with stress, treatment responses may vary between men and women. Men may respond better to treatments targeting androgenetic alopecia, such as minoxidil or finasteride.
Symptoms of hair loss due to stress
Here are ways to find out if stress is the cause of your hair loss:
- Hair loss that increases during busy times and decreases during calm periods.
- Increased hair and eyebrow loss during periods of increased negative emotions like sadness, grief, anxiety.
- Slowing down hair growth.
- Full-body hair loss.
- Circular or patchy bald spots.
- Hair easily breaks while washing, brushing, or styling.
- Thinning in the crown and frontal areas of the hair.
- Sudden hair loss.
Thickening hair Solutions in Turkey
In Turkey, various solutions are available to address thinning hair caused by stress. From specialized hair care products to advanced treatments like PRP therapy and hair transplants, individuals have options to restore thickness and vitality to their hair.
Consulting with our dermatologists and hair specialists can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your needs. Choose our clinic to learn about hair transplants, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, dietary changes, and more. Learn about the best solutions for optimal results in combating stress-related hair thinning!
Let’s get in touch now, and start your hair replacement process without wasting more time.
FAQs about Stress Hair Loss
Do emotions trigger hair loss?
Yes, emotions, especially stress, anxiety, sadness can lead to fast hair loss.
Will hair loss from stress grow back?
Since the effect of stress on metabolism is not permanent, your hair may grow back when you remove stressors or learn to manage stress.
How do I stop my hair falling out due to stress?
You can cope with this situation in several ways:
- Eliminate stressors.
- Learn to cope with stress.
- Adopt a healthier lifestyle.
- Seek medical treatments.
- Consult a hair treatment clinic to evaluate hair transplantation methods like FUE or DHI.
Can lack of sleep cause hair loss?
Yes. Some scientific studies have shown that there is a link between poor sleep quality and hair loss [6].
How to thicken hair?
There are many recipes to naturally thicken hair. Proper nutrition, eggs, avocado, aloe gel or oil… However, for strengthening hair through medical means, it’s possible to achieve very successful results by transferring thick hair grafts from a strong donor area to a weak recipient area.
Sources
- Novak M, Hamel A, Ryan A, Menard M, Meyer J. Handbook of Primate Behavioral Management. 1st ed.
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- Liyanage D, Sinclair R. Telogen Effluvium. Cosmetics. 2016;3(2):13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics3020013
- Pratt CH, King LE, Messenger AG, Christiano AM, Sundberg JP. Alopecia areata. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2017;3(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2017.11
- Grant JE, Chamberlain SR. Trichotillomania. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2016;173(9):868-874. doi:https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15111432
- Hair loss and thyroid disorders. British Thyroid Foundation. https://www.btf-thyroid.org/hair-loss-and-thyroid-disorders#:~:text=Severe%20and%20prolonged%20hypothyroidism%20and
- Yi Y, Qiu J, Jia J, et al. Severity of androgenetic alopecia associated with poor sleeping habits and carnivorous eating and junk food consumption-A web-based investigation of male pattern hair loss in China. Dermatol Ther. 2020;33(2):e13273. doi:10.1111/dth.13273
Reviewed By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
