There are many causes for hair loss, but the most ignored cause is stress. When hair starts to fall we consider all other reasons besides stress. Excess stress can lead to severe hair fall; this condition can be rectified however has to be diagnosed properly. Let’s delve into the hair growth cycle before knowing the effects of stress.
You can find three phases in hair growth cycle; the first one is Anagen also called as growth phase which last up to 2 to 6 years. This phase is usually considered the healthy phase where the hair grows till 10 cm in a year. Catagen also known as transitional phase last up to 1 to 2 weeks; in this phase the healthy hair starts to shrink and slowly destroys. Then comes the telogen or resting phase where the hair get detached from the roots, these hairs fall down when your brush or wash your hair. Usually 10 to 15% of hair will be in telogen phase, so 50 to 100 hairs falling daily are quite normal. The hair again begins to regrow after telogen phase; new hair starts to form once the detached hair falls or brushed away.
When a person experiences stress, the body produces excess amount of adrenaline. This makes the hair follicles to enter into the telogen phase where hair is detached. Also, during this phase there is no hair growth. Thinning of hair also begins which eventually result in severe hair loss.
Usually the hair fall stops after the stress period goes away but if it prolongs it becomes essential to identify and treat the condition. Sometimes prolonged stress leads to depression and other medical conditions. If your hair fall is due to stress, the medication for other hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia may not work. This condition has to be treated separately and also one should learn to deal with stress.
Ways to prevent hair loss due to stress
- Watch what goes inside your mouth, a well balanced diet rich in vitamins, A,B,C E, Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, iron and selenium is highly recommended. Don’t grab the unhealthy stuff due to stress; manage to go for a healthy diet.
- Sleep is very essential for healthy scalp and hair and also helpful to save you from stress. Inadequate sleep is the primary reason for most of the stress and depression problems. No matter what don’t forget to hit the hay on time.
- One should give the body ample time to recover from any surgery or childbirth as these act as vital physical stressors. Physical stress is caused when you push too hard by indulging into activities immediately after surgery. This in turn will result in severe hair loss. Relax, take rest till you recuperate.
- Counseling is best while you are in stress. It’s ideal as it finds out the real cause of your stress and educates you how to deal with the stressors.
Last but not least consult a doctor or a hair clinic to save your tresses. Doctors and experts at hair clinic will help you to find a solution.