Many people wonder, can stress make hair loss worse? The answer is yes. Stress is a common trigger for several types of hair loss, and understanding the link between stress and hair health can help you take steps to manage both.
How Does Stress Lead to Hair Loss?
Stress can interrupt your natural hair growth cycle, leading to a form of hair loss called telogen effluvium.
During stressful times, your body may shift more hair follicles into a “resting” phase. Instead of growing, these hairs will eventually fall out over time. This can result in noticeable thinning and shedding a few months after a particularly stressful event.
Stress can also worsen other types of hair loss. For example, people with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss, may experience flare-ups in response to stress.
Additionally, trichotillomania – a hair-pulling disorder – often worsens during high-stress periods, further impacting hair health.
Signs That Stress May Be Affecting Your Hair
If you notice increased hair shedding or thinning, it may be due to stress. Common signs include:
- Losing larger amounts of hair during brushing or showering
- Finding more hair on your pillow or in your comb
- Thinning at the temples or throughout the scalp
These signs may not be immediately visible, as stress-induced hair loss often takes a few months to appear after the stressor.
What Can You Do to Reduce Stress-Related Hair Loss?
The good news is that stress-related hair loss is often temporary, and managing stress can help slow or even reverse it.
Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help lower stress levels, which may reduce hair loss over time.
You can also maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These habits will support both stress management and hair health.
Talk to a therapist or join a support group for valuable tools that will help you cope with stress more effectively.
Schedule a Hair Loss Consultation in Dallas, TX
If stress-related hair loss is affecting you, contact Farris Plastic Surgery in Dallas at 214-363-1073 to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help guide you through your options and provide the support you need for healthier, fuller hair.
