You might wonder why you started losing hair out of nowhere, you might even think it’s probably your hair products or maybe you style your hair too tight (which might actually cause hair breakage), but science may have a different answer.
All these factors do play a role in your hair shedding, but when it’s not any of them you might want to consider how high your stress levels are. It might happen that you are experiencing a certain type of stress-related hair loss illness.
The medical information hub, Healthline states that the following hair loss conditions are associated with high levels of stress
Telogen effluvium: The publication states that telogen effluvium (TE) happens when stress causes a shift in the proportion of hair follicles that are producing hair and that shedding can occur if this alteration takes place when hair is growing in its telogen, or resting, phase. “This thinning may not occur all over the head. It’s often seen in patches, especially toward the centre of the scalp. People affected by TE usually don’t lose all of their scalp hair.” According to Healthline, in more severe situations, you might see hair loss in other body areas, including the genital region and the eyebrows. It is also stated that hair loss from telogen effluvium is reversible and one can grow their hair again.
Alopecia areata: One type of autoimmune illness is alopecia areata (AA), states the above-mentioned medical hub. This condition is said to develop when your hair follicles are attacked by your immune system. Stress is said to be the cause of this, and it can result in hair loss. Healthline also claims that hair loss on the scalp can occur in circular spots or all over the place. “Alopecia universalis, a more severe version of AA, results in whole-body hair loss. Over time, the hair may continually fall out and grow back. While there is currently no proven treatment for AA, some prescription drugs may be helpful for people who have lost more than 50% of their hair.”
Trichotillomania: Another name for trichotillomania is a hair-pulling condition. “It involves the urge to pull hair out of your head or other body parts. It is defined as an impulse control issue. Hair pulling may occur spontaneously, perhaps as a result of boredom or distraction.” Additionally, the publication in question claims that it’s also possible that the hair-pulling is done on purpose to release tension or other unpleasant feelings. It’s common to see hair tugging from the lashes, eyebrows, and scalp and this might lead to more stress, which would keep the disorder’s cycle going, states Healthline. “Trichotillomania can last a lifetime and typically manifests in preteens. Research indicates that trichotillomania may be genetic, even though its exact source is unknown.”
To treat stress-related hair loss, the Cleveland Clinic recommended a few remedies.
Medication- According to the above clinic, over-the-counter hair growth medications, which are applied directly to the scalp might be able to treat hair loss caused by stress.
Supplements or multivitamins- Iron-containing multivitamins or supplements help in hair growth. Supplements containing biotin also support strong, healthy hair.
Styling tips- With certain hairstyles, wigs, or hair weaves, you may be able to conceal or cover your hair loss.
Also see: Woman shares her R25 hair growth product
