Stress Could Be Causing Your Hair Loss: 3 Mindful Tips

If you’ve ever dealt with anxiety or any form of stress, you know that it can be taxing on both the mind and the body. But did you know that the stress caused by anxiety or a difficult life situation could trigger hair loss? 

Stress-related hair loss is called telogen effluvium and is triggered by significant levels of stress. 

This type of stress-induced hair loss is not the typical “male pattern baldness” you’re used to seeing. 

In this article, we are going to talk a bit about telogen effluvium and how to avoid this level of stress. 

What is stress-related hair loss?

Stress-induced hair loss is called telogen effluvium. 

This occurs when a significant amount of stress causes hair follicles to go into a period of rest. Soon thereafter those resting hair follicles naturally begin their shedding period. 

So with telogen effluvium, seemingly out of nowhere, you’re experiencing excessive shedding — which can cause even more physiological stress. 

What’s the difference between hereditary hair loss and stress-induced hair loss?

There is a difference between the male pattern baldness and stress-induced hair loss. 

Male pattern baldness is hereditary, occurs around the crown and temples, and is triggered by androgenic hormones.  

This type of hair loss often requires anti-androgen (DHT blocking) treatment, either topically or via oral medication. It’s a persistent issue that can worsen with time. This type of hair loss can cause damage to hair follicles so it’s best to get this treated by a professional. 

On the other hand, telogen effluvium hair loss occurs across the hair follicles, and the hair loss is temporary. With telogen effluvium there likely is no damage done to the hair follicles, besides a hiccup in the hair cycle. 

After the shedding cycle, your hair follicles should go back into a state of growth barring that your stress levels allow this. 

It’s important to realize if your hair loss is triggered by stress so that you can learn to manage your stress. 

Do you experience high levels of stress?

Stress is the feeling of emotional tension caused by a situation, challenge, or demand. This tension can cause both physiological and psychological pain. 

Stress can either be acute or chronic. Acute stress would come in the form of a traumatic injury, for instance. Chronic stress (the real issue here) is caused by a pattern of stress experienced over time. 

Chronic stress can come from work demands, relationship problems, a chronic illness, financial challenges, job loss, or a loss of family or friends. 

Signs that you are under a lot of stress:

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Fatigue  
• Stiff jaw or neck
• Poor judgment 
• Gastrointestinal problems 
• Weight fluctuations 
• Headaches 
• Lack of motivation or focus 
• Sexual problems
• Emotional outbursts
• This stress might escalate to feelings of panic, dizziness, and general fearfulness 
• Watch out for overeating or undereating 
• Watch out for substance misuse 

Long term health effects of chronic stress 

Managing chronic stress not only proves to be important for your hairline, but also for your overall health. 

It’s important to note that a little stress is to be expected and shouldn’t affect your health. But ongoing, long-term stress can be damaging to your health. 

In the long-term, chronic stress may cause or exacerbate:

• Hair loss
• Skin issues like acne, psoriasis, or eczema
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Eating disorders
• Obesity 
• Sexual dysfunction
• Anxiety disorders and depression 
• GERD, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable colon

3 stress management tips  

The best long-term treatment for stress-induced conditions is stress management. 

Let’s talk about a few ways you can manage your stress. 

1. Deep breathing & meditation 

You’ve heard this one before, but it’s for good reason. Deep, mindful breathing and regular meditation have been proven to reduce stress. 

In a recent 2018 study, researchers said “breath-control can change your life.” 

Try downloading a mindful breathing app or a guided meditation app. Incorporating these into your daily life could be a game-changer for your stress levels. 

2. Make time for leisure and fun 

You might be incredibly busy, but a great way to incorporate stress management into your life is through leisure activities. 

Spending time doing something that you enjoy for the simple reason that you enjoy doing it — is a stress reliever. 

Building a leisure habit into your week can help keep you more balanced. 

All work and no play makes Jack a stressed boy.

3. Commit to regular exercise

Exercise is a great way to release tension and stress. People swear that their morning run is what keeps them sane, level-headed, and happier. 

There is a solid body of evidence supporting that aerobic exercise for 20 to 30 minutes can leave people feeling calmer, and the calming effects can last long after your sweat session. 

Try hiking, kayaking, running, biking, spinning, and strength training. 

Key Takeaways TL;DR

Stress can be a trigger for telogen effluvium hair loss. This is likely temporary but stress management would be needed to restore a normal hair growth cycle.  

Chronic stress can cause serious health ailments so it’s important to keep your stress levels under control for your general well-being.