Stress & Hair Loss: Cycle, Causes, and Effective Treatments
Noticing extra hair in the shower or on your pillow? Stress could be the reason. Here’s how the hair cycle works, why stress triggers shedding, and what you can do about it.
Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Hair Growth Cycle
- 2. How Stress Causes Hair Fall
- 3. Best Hair Loss Treatments
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Stress—whether from work, life changes, or a traumatic event—can significantly affect the hair cycle. Understanding the cycle helps explain why shedding happens and how recovery works.
1. Hair Growth Cycle
The hair cycle has four phases. It’s normal to shed 50–100 hairs daily, especially in the shedding phase.
| Phase | Typical Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Anagen (Growth) | ~3–7 years (longest on scalp) | Active growth as the follicle produces new hair. |
| Catagen (Transition) | ~10 days | Growth stops; follicle shrinks and detaches from blood supply. |
| Telogen (Rest) | ~3 months | Follicle rests while a new hair forms beneath the old one. |
| Exogen (Shedding) | ~3–5 months | Old hair is released (often during washing/brushing); new hair continues to emerge. |
Related read: Types of Hair Transplant
2. How Does Stress Cause Hair Fall?
A] Telogen Effluvium
Stress pushes more follicles into the resting (telogen) phase, causing diffuse shedding 2–3 months later. Usually reversible once the trigger resolves.
B] Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune condition that can be triggered by severe stress, leading to patchy hair loss. Medical therapies may help manage flare-ups.
C] Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
A compulsive urge to pull hair, often linked to anxiety or stress. Behavioral therapy and psychological support are key.
D] Hormonal Imbalances
Chronic stress elevates stress hormones, disrupting follicle stem-cell activity and slowing regrowth, which can worsen thinning.
3. Best Hair Loss Treatments
Your plan depends on the cause and severity. Common, evidence-based options include:
- Hair Transplant: Moves healthy follicles from a donor area to thinning regions for permanent redistribution.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Concentrated platelets from your blood are injected to stimulate follicles and support regrowth.
- Mesotherapy: Targeted micro-injections of vitamins, peptides, and growth factors to nourish the scalp.
- Non-Surgical Hair Replacement: Medical-grade hair systems for immediate cosmetic improvement in extensive loss.
- Hormonal Support (for Telogen Effluvium): Correcting underlying endocrine factors that contribute to shedding.
Conclusion
Stress-related hair loss is common—and often reversible. Early evaluation, stress management, and a tailored treatment plan make a big difference.
Expert care: Dr. Milan Doshi has helped thousands of patients restore hair and confidence.
Call 8291863159 Book an Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can hair loss due to stress be reversed?
Ans. Often yes. Once stress is controlled, regrowth typically appears within 6–9 months.
Q2. How can I prevent stress-related hair loss?
Ans. Practice stress reduction (sleep, exercise, yoga, mindfulness) and address triggers early.
Q3. Does diet play a role in hair loss?
Ans. Yes. Protein, iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A/D/B-complex support healthy growth.
Q4. When should I see a doctor?
Ans. If shedding persists beyond 6 months, is patchy, or follows illness/medication changes—get a professional evaluation.
Q5. Can stress-related hair loss become permanent?
Ans. It’s usually temporary. Conditions like alopecia areata may need medical treatment to limit progression.
