Does stress cause hair loss or is that a myth?

Question

Hello, Hairloss Experts. Does stress really cause hairloss? I mean there are many types of hair loss from telegon efflovium, alopecia areat, genetic hair loss, scarring hairloss etc. does stress really impact hairloss? If let's say if a person is emotionally stressed but their diet and nutrients are on point can the stress still cause Hairloss? If the stress is short term for like a week and then under Control, can it still impact hair? Thank you

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Stress can indeed cause hair loss, and it's not a myth. Stress-related hair loss is most commonly associated with a condition called telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium, significant stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to noticeable hair shedding a few months later. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and reversible once the stress is managed.

Even if your diet and nutrients are optimal, emotional stress can still impact your hair health. However, short-term stress, such as stress lasting only a week, is less likely to cause significant hair loss unless it is particularly severe or part of a recurring pattern.

Other types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata, can also be influenced by stress, as stress may affect the immune system, which plays a role in this autoimmune condition. However, genetic or scarring hair loss is less likely to be directly caused by stress, although stress can exacerbate these conditions.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling can help mitigate its effects on hair health. If you experience persistent hair loss, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to explore the underlying causes and appropriate treatments.

Does stress cause hair loss or is that a myth?

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Does stress cause hair loss or is that a myth?

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