Stress and Hair Loss

Adrenaline on the other hand is usually released when the body is undergoing temporary stressful situation especially when we are in danger or perceived danger and have to either flee or face it head on. 

A notable example is walking on the street and you suddenly hear the sound of gun shots. Your quick response at that time will be to temporarily run away from the direction of the gunshot or take cover at the nearest haven.

This kind of stress response is called the flight-or fight response and its short term. This is not the type of stress that can result in hair loss; it is the long term stress that is linked to hair loss. Meeting deadlines at a short notice or short preparation time can also induce the short term stress thus helping us perform certain tasks; constant stress could increase the risk of different health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. 

Stress, according to Kimyai-Asadi and colleagues, doesn’t just have an effect on our hair, it can also cause a variety of skin issues like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pruritus, and urticaria.

Telogen effluvium 

Telogen effluvium is considered the second most common type of hair loss and it’s not particular to either gender. Hair loss due to telogen effluvium can grow back and its effect is not long-term on the hair follicles.

However, the cause of telogen effluvium will determine if your hair grows back in a few months or takes longer.

Alopecia areata:

Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disease that has an immune related response affecting both genders and all age groups. It happens when your immune system attacks your hair follicles.

This can be caused by stress and can lead to full body hair loss. The effects here are loss of hair in circular patches on the scalp or across the entire scalp. In extreme cases, hair is lost from the entire body. Regrowth may occur, however it can be disturbed if you are stressed again.

According to Stress and Hair Loss Research In the Unites States, it is estimated that over six million people are affected. Some prescription medication exist that may be helpful to people with over 50 percent hair loss however, there is no documented cure for Alopecia Areata.

Trichotillomania:

This is a habit where a person develops a feeling to pull out hair from their scalp, eyelashes or other parts of the body. It is also known as hair pulling disorder, and is an impulse disorder so the hair pulling happens without much thought. Other times, hair pulling could be deliberate as a way to get rid of stress. Trichotillomania is common in preteens, and once developed can last throughout adulthood.

Stress and Hair Loss How to Stop It So let’s talk about the things you can do to slow down hair loss

• Managing stress levels
• Supplements
• Avoid harsh hair treatments
• Home remedies
• Acupuncture