Almost everyone experiences stress sometimes. Whether it’s due to a heavy workload at your job or problems at home, stress can cause a lot of physical changes in your body, like stomach pain, fatigue, irritability and trouble concentrating. When you’re overwhelmed with stress, you may also notice that you’re shedding more hair every day than normal. Here’s how stress can lead to hair loss and what you can do about it.
How Stress and Hair Loss Are Correlated
If you’re under a lot of stress, it can cause your hair follicles to shed faster than normal, resulting in temporary hair loss through a process called telogen effluvium. Telogen refers to resting phase of hair. When you’re highly stressed, more of your hairs will be in the resting phase, increasing shedding.
Your body may produce higher levels of the hormone cortisol while your stressed, which can put a stop to the growing phase in your hair cycle.
Any type of physical stressor can wreak havoc on the hormone levels in the body that trigger telogen effluvium hair loss. Some types of stresses, like pregnancy or a surgical procedure, are self-limiting and you can expect your hair to grow back within just a few months. However, if you have constant stress due to family problems or financial woes, hair loss can affect you for a while.
How to Reduce Stress
The first step to getting your hair healthy and strong again is to get your stress levels under control. Here are some ways to do that:
- Exercise Regularly: Working out on a regular basis can help your body release more endorphins, which can ultimately reduce your stress levels. Aim to work out for at least 30 minutes most days out of the week. Vary your workouts from day to day so that you don’t get bored. For example, if you jogged today, try riding your bike or taking a group fitness class the next day.
- Learn Relaxation Techniques: There are plenty of relaxation techniques that can help calm your nerves and make you more relaxed. Whenever you’re feeling stressed, take a few minutes to try meditation, yoga or deep breathing.
- Get More Sleep: The more well-rested you are, the more relaxed and happy you will feel during the day. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening and do something relaxing before bedtime.
- Talk to a Professional: If you’re having trouble getting your stress under control, it may be worth it to talk to a mental health professional. He or she can help you get down to the root of all your stress and suggest ways to cope.
If you’re still experiencing stress, you may want consider getting a hair transplant. This surgical procedure takes hair from other parts of your body and implants it into your scalp. Schedule a consultation with a hair transplant doctor today.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Hair Treatment
Dr. Robin Unger, MD, Hair Loss Treatment New York
