Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

 

Americans are among the most stressed people in the world. Recent studies have shown that Americans report feeling stress, worry, and anger at the highest levels in the last decade. This can have a major impact on your physical health, mental health, and even your appearance. If you have been stressed and also noticed that your hair is thinner than normal you may wonder, can stress cause hair loss? Hair loss can be caused by a number of issues. Below you will find out how stress can impact your hair and what you can do about hair loss.

Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

Stress can impact your body in a variety of ways, including hair loss. There are various types of conditions associated with stress and hair loss. Below you will find the three most common types of hair loss associated with stress.

• Alopecia Areata: This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress. This is often caused by severe stress. Alopecia areata causes the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles, which results in hair loss. Hair loss is often sudden and begins with one or more bald patches that end up overlapping. 
• Telogen Effluvium: Stress can cause telogen effluvium which results in your hair follicles going into a resting phase. This is caused by major stress such as childbirth, surgery, or a serious illness. If left untreated it can result in hair loss from the resting follicles.
• Trichotillomania: Unlike the other two conditions, trichotillomania involves the urge to pull out your own hair. This is often caused by stress and results in hair pulling as a way to cope with uncomfortable or negative feelings. Those impacted by the condition often pull out their hair from their scalp and eyebrows. 

Managing Stress and Hair Loss

Feeling stressed is normal and everyone experiences stress at some point in their life. However, prolonged stress is unhealthy for your mind and body. If you are concerned that your hair loss is related to stress it’s important to contact a cosmetic dermatologist for support related to your hair loss. If you notice things like your hair falling out more than usual, especially when brushing or washing your hair, the issue is likely more serious than regular everyday hair loss. Treating the hair loss issue, in addition to the underlying stress, can be beneficial for your overall health. In addition, it can also help save your hair as a number of conditions that cause hair loss can be treated and your hair can be restored.

Hair Restoration Treatment

Hair restoration in Beverly Hills can help restore your self-esteem as hair loss can be damaging to your overall confidence. Addressing hair loss early on can be beneficial for your long-term hair restoration treatment outcomes. Depending on the severity of your hair loss, the state of your scalp, and the length of your hair, a hair transplant or hair replacement treatment are the two most effective options. 

A hair transplant involves transplanting healthy and productive hair follicles from one part of your scalp to another. The hair is evenly distributed to provide you with a natural look. Hair transplants are best for men with traditional male pattern baldness. On the other hand, hair replacement treatment is another great option to treat hair loss. Botox hair replacement treatments are used to increase blood flow in your scalp to stimulate hair growth. The Botox is injected directly into the bald (or balding) areas of your scalp. 

To determine which option is right for you, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Dr. Simon Ourian is skilled in cosmetic dermatology in Beverly Hills and has helped countless patients restore their hair.