Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

It is normal and expected to experience hair loss as a part of the continuous hair growth cycle, but if you notice more loss than usual, it could be that stress is the underlying cause. Many studies have taken place to understand the possible relationship between hair health and our stress levels and we now know that females who experience significant stress are 11 times more likely to see increased hair loss.

However, there’s no need to panic, hair loss caused by stress isn’t necessarily permanent - at UKLASH we want to support you on your hair growth journey and do so by spreading awareness around the subject and through our award-winning products. Our Hair Vitamins are there to ensure you are taking in the essential nutrients, such as Vitamins C, A and Biotin, to stimulate hair growth from within, whilst our Hair Growth Serum provides a topical solution to treat hair loss, providing active ingredients directly to the scalp.

Why does stress cause hair loss?
Our hair cycle goes through three stages; the Anagen Phase, also known as the Growth Phase, the Catagen Phase, also known as the Transitional Phase, and the Telogen Phase, also known as the Resting Phase. On average, our scalp is home to around 100,000 hair follicles, with each one being at various stages of this cycle at any given time. In a healthy hair cycle, we expect around 10% of hairs to be in the resting phase; where hairs detach from the blood supply and eventually fall out, but when we experience significant stress, this can interrupt the cycle and increase the number of hair follicles in the resting phase at one time, leading to noticeable hair loss.

What types of stress-related hair loss exist?
There are three main types of hair loss that are known to be caused by stress:

Telogen Effluvium
This type of hair loss generally occurs around three to four months after a significantly stressful event and will prematurely push a large group of hairs into the Telogen Phase, which is the final phase of the hair cycle where the strands disconnect from the blood supply and the hair falls out. In a healthy hair cycle, we expect a fallout of around 100 hairs a day, but those suffering from Telogen Effluvium will lose around 300.
Trichotillomania
This impulse control disorder, which is also referred to as hair-pulling disorder, describes the irresistible urge to pull out hair from the root which can often be triggered by trauma or stress. Around 1 in 50 people experience it in their lifetime. 
Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation in the scalp, leading to early detachment of the hair and in turn, hair loss. It is often triggered by stress or anxiety and shows itself through the loss of round patches of hair, or the loss of all hair across the scalp. 

How can I encourage hair regrowth?
If you are experiencing a notable amount of stress, and sadly hair loss alongside it, we’re here to let you know that it’s not necessarily permanent. It’s possible to regain hair after experiencing stress and we’re here to provide some ways to try and kickstart your regrowth journey today:

1. Eat a balanced diet
One of the best ways to encourage hair growth is to ensure your body is getting all the vitamins and nutrients it needs through a balanced diet.
Protein-rich foods, such as eggs, lean meats, legumes and dairy products, play a vital role in stimulating growth as our hair follicles are mostly made of protein; more specifically a protein called Keratin which makes up around 80-85% of our hair follicles. Consuming biotin and protein can stimulate Keratin production, and in-turn stimulate hair growth. Alongside these nutritious foods, why not incorporate our Hair Vitamins into your daily routine? Their naturally-flavoured strawberry recipe is packed with Biotin, Vitamin C+E, and Folic Acid to help increase circulation to the scalp, strengthen the hair follicles and stimulate growth.

2. Manage your stress levels
Getting your levels of stress under control can be easier said than done, but can also be the key to reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth. The first step to managing stress is to acknowledge it. Next is to identify the source, and work on eradicating it or reducing the effect it is having on your life, which can be done through a variety of stress management techniques. Popular methods for reducing stress may include picking up a hobby, going for a walk, journaling or meditation. 

3. Minimise hair damage
Nourishing and caring for the hair you do have is key to stimulating all-over growth and building back a full head of hair. Avoiding the use of excessive heat, such as using a hair dryer, curling tongs or straighteners, can help to preserve your hair’s health. Also building in a regular hair care routine using a proactive shampoo and conditioner can help to strengthen and support your hair and scalp health. Both our Shampoo and Conditioner are made of 97% natural ingredients that help to nourish your hair and stimulate growth. Our Shampoo offers a clinically proven formula that’s built with amino acids and Pineapple Extract to stimulate the scalp and pave the way for optimum growth. Our Conditioner is built with Coconut Extract and amino acids which help to deeply nourish and hydrate strands, whilst Lactic Acid and Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) provide the perfect environment for healthy hair growth.

4. Use a Hair Serum
Using a hair serum daily can be a great way to stimulate the scalp and encourage hair growth. Our Hair Growth Serum is packed with active ingredients that increase circulation in the scalp, creating the perfect environment for growth, whilst strengthening and nourishing your hair. 
These are just a few ways in which you can start to build back a healthy head of hair. For more information on this topic head to our blog post, How to regain hair loss from stress: 3 simple steps here.

When should I seek professional advice?
If hair loss is impacting your daily life and you have tried multiple methods to treat your symptoms with no improvement, it may be time to speak to a professional. Book an appointment with your local GP or dermatologist as they may have a specific treatment or more direct advice that might help to diagnose and treat your type of hair loss.

Ultimately, if your hair loss is caused by stress, it’s good to know that the follicles haven’t been permanently damaged and there is hope that you can regain a full head of hair. Taking a step back from your everyday life and reviewing your overall mental health may be the key to regrowing your hair and improving your overall quality of life. Incorporating pro-active hair care products into your daily routine, such as our Hair Growth Serum or Hair Vitamins, can also help to nourish and stimulate hair growth, resulting in a healthier, bolder and stronger you - a mission we’re proud to support here at UKLASH.