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Stress and Hair Loss
by April Maguire
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about hair loss and how to treat it, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
Lots of hair in your brushes or in your shower is probably stressing you out, but stress may prove the culprit causing hair loss in the first place. When the body is stressed, hair goes into a resting period known as telogen effluvium. During this cycle, the hair follicles stop growing and shedding may become excessive, to the point where hair loss is noticeable. Don’t panic – if stress is causing your hair loss, it will grow back, but patience is a virtue as the process may take a few months.
Normal vs. Excessive Hair Loss
The average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day. However, if you seem to shed a lot more hair than usual, it’s wise to consult a doctor to get to the root of your problem, so to speak. Stress is a major factor, but there are other issues that can cause hair loss, and it is best to get a doctor’s recommendation for treatment.
The Time Factor
If you’ve suffered a major stressful event in your life, including illness, your hair isn’t going to fall out immediately. During stress, your body goes into survival mode, and hair is collateral damage as it’s not essential. The hair loss usually starts about three to six months after the stressful event. It will take another three to six months for the hair growth cycle, which consists of growth, transition, a rest phase and shedding, to right itself. Stress shifts the numbers of hairs in the growing phase into the resting and shedding phase.
For example, women often experience hair loss after childbirth. Not only was childbirth a stress on the body, but estrogen levels fall once pregnancy ends, affecting hair growth. New mothers should regain their hair about three to four months after noticing the thinning.
Ways to Help Your Hair Loss
If your hair loss is due to stress, there’s not a lot you can do rather than wait for the new growth cycle to kick in, but there are ways to minimize the shedding. First, make sure you receive adequate sleep, a good eight hours nightly. Consume a healthy diet, avoiding junk, processed and sugary foods. Do things that help you avoid stress, such as exercising, talking long walks, spending time with friends and family and listening to music. You may want to try mediating, yoga or other stress relieving therapies.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about hair loss and how to treat it, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
Call 866-471-8869 for FREE Consultation
