As a Certified Trichologist, one question I ask all of my clients who are experiencing hair loss is, “Have you experienced a high level of stress recently?” I’m starting to think I don’t need to ask that question anymore because the answer is almost always yes. Life is stressful!

I don’t like it when people blame everything on stress. Weight gain. Poor sleep. Headaches. Hair loss. You name it. Whatever you have, people always blame it on stress. It seems lame to blame stress for everything. But the truth is, emotional stress and anxiety are contributing factors to many conditions including hair loss.

How does stress affect hair loss and what can be done?

Stress can be acute or chronic. It can lead to excessive shedding called telogen effluvium or patches of hair loss called alopecia areata. It’s normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs a day. But, if you’re feeling stressed out and you’re seeing more hair in your brush, on the shower floor, or on your clothes, stress could be the culprit!

What is it about stress that makes hair fall out? 

Hormone imbalance plays a big role in hair loss. When we’re stressed out, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol, aka “the stress hormone.” Cortisol is made by our adrenal glands and it helps the body convert fat to sugar and then to energy. In bygone eras, it also helped control stress by creating the “fight or flight” response that was needed to fend off saber tooth tigers! It’s a survival mechanism. Today we use it when we’re stressed out about work, finances, relationships, etc. In times of stress our body increases cortisol production, which can lead to lowered production of other hormones that are needed for hair growth, creating a disruption of the hair growth cycle. In the case of telogen effluvium, the growing (anagen) phase is interrupted, and follicles prematurely transition to the resting (telogen) phase. Shedding begins two to three months after the stress begins. The good news is, shedding is usually temporary and hair typically grows back in six to nine months … that is, if the stress is brought under control and there are no other underlying factors. Good scalp hygiene, nutritional supplements such as Viviscal Pro and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can help support healthy hair regrowth. But, if the stress continues, so can the shedding.

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Alopecia areata is different. The cause of patchy hair loss is autoimmune related. Alopecia areata occurs when white blood cells attack hair follicles and inflammation is often present. What causes this to happen isn’t always known, but high levels of cortisol can lead to a decrease in cell regeneration and a weakened immune system. If stress is the cause, alopecia areata can go away if stress is reduced. However, if the patches grow in size or quantity, you may want to visit a dermatologist to determine if there are any other underlying conditions. Cortisone injections and steroid creams are often prescribed.

What can you do to combat stress?

In today’s world I won’t pretend it’s easy! Try relaxing your mind with yoga or meditation. Relieve tension through exercise. Try to get sufficient sleep. Nourish your body with healthy foods and hydrate well. Make time for small moments of enjoyment. Understanding the cause of your stress can help you react to it differently. Speaking to a therapist can be helpful. Natural remedies and prescription medications can be used to relieve some symptoms associated with stress-related anxiety, but they don’t change the underlying cause. And, some medications can contribute to hair loss.

The good news is, hair loss from stress doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’re experiencing hair loss, a Certified Trichologist can help determine if it’s due to stress or something else, and recommend an effective treatment plan. To schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Karen Gordon, Certified Trichologist, call (773) 871-0770 or contact me at karengordonhair.com/contact.

—Karen Gordon, Certified Trichologist, WTS