How Do I Know if My Hair Loss Is Stress-Related?

Hair loss can be caused by many different factors, from genetics and medical conditions to lifestyle and stress. Stress-related hair loss is common, but it can be worrying if you do not know what is happening or how long it might last. This article will explain how stress affects hair growth, the main types of stress-related hair loss, signs that your hair loss may be linked to stress, how long it usually lasts and what you can do to support your hair and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about stress-related hair loss:

• Stress can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding or thinning.

• The main stress-related hair loss conditions include telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania.

• Common signs include sudden shedding, thinning across the scalp, or patchy bald spots that appear after stressful events.

• Stress-related hair loss often improves within months once the underlying stress is managed.

• Supporting your hair health involves lifestyle changes, stress management and in some cases, professional treatment.

How stress affects hair growth

Stress has a direct impact on the body, and hair growth is no exception. When you experience ongoing or sudden stress, it can interfere with the natural cycle of hair growth. Normally, hair follicles move through phases of growth, rest and shedding. 

Stress can push a higher number of hairs into the resting (telogen) phase, which means more shedding and thinner-looking hair after a few months. In other cases, stress can trigger immune system reactions or behaviours that directly affect hair follicles [1].

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common types of stress-related hair loss. It happens when a significant number of hair follicles are pushed into the telogen phase at the same time. After a few months, these hairs shed, leading to noticeable thinning. The condition is not usually permanent, and hair growth often returns once the underlying stress has been managed. However, during the active phase, people may notice large amounts of hair coming out when brushing or washing [2].

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles. While the exact cause is not fully understood, stress is thought to play a role in triggering or worsening the condition. People with alopecia areata may notice patchy bald spots that develop quickly. These patches can sometimes join together, leading to larger areas of hair loss. Although hair often grows back, the condition can be unpredictable and vary from person to person [3] [4].

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a psychological condition where a person feels a strong urge to pull out their own hair, often during times of stress, anxiety, or boredom. This repeated behaviour can lead to noticeable bald patches or broken hairs. It is classed as an impulse control disorder, and managing it usually requires psychological support, behavioural strategies, or sometimes medication [5].

Signs that my hair loss is stress-related

Not all hair loss is caused by stress, so it helps to recognise some of the common signs:

• Sudden hair shedding that appears weeks or months after a stressful event

• Thinning across the scalp rather than in a specific pattern, which differs from genetic hair loss

• Patchy bald spots that appear quickly, often linked to alopecia areata

• Hair pulling or breaking when stressed or anxious is a sign of trichotillomania

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be linked to stress, although it is always worth seeking advice from a healthcare professional to rule out other causes.

How long does stress-related hair loss last?

The duration of stress-related hair loss depends on the type and severity of the condition. Telogen effluvium, the most common form, usually lasts no longer than six months. In some cases, it may last longer, particularly if the stress continues. Once the underlying cause is managed, hair often starts to regrow within a few months. Conditions such as alopecia areata or trichotillomania may vary more widely in how long they last, as they can be more complex and require medical or psychological treatment.

How to address it?

Managing stress-related hair loss typically involves two key steps: addressing the stress and supporting hair growth recovery. 

Reducing stress is key, which may mean making lifestyle changes, practising relaxation techniques, or seeking professional support. For many people, hair regrowth occurs naturally once stress levels are under control; however, patience is required, as noticeable improvement can take several months. 

In some cases, treatments such as topical solutions, prescription medicines, or therapy may be needed to support recovery.

Ways to support hair health when you're stressed

Even while managing stress, you can take steps to keep your hair and scalp healthy:

• Focus on a balanced diet with enough protein, iron and essential vitamins to nourish the hair follicles.

• Try stress management techniques such as regular exercise, mindfulness, or talking therapy.

• Look after your scalp and avoid excessive heat, harsh styling, or tight hairstyles that may put extra strain on the hair.

• Speak to a healthcare professional if hair loss continues, as they can advise on possible treatments or investigate other causes.

Final Thoughts

Stress-related hair loss can be upsetting, but it is often temporary and manageable. Understanding the different types of stress-related hair loss and their symptoms can help you recognise what is happening and take steps to address it. By managing stress, looking after their general health and seeking support when needed, most people find their hair returns to its normal growth cycle over time.

Sources

[1] Can Stress Cause Hair Loss? | UK Meds

[2] Telogen Effluvium - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

[3] What causes Alopecia Areata? - Alopecia UK

[4] Alopecia Areata - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

[5] Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) - PMC