At some point in your life, you may have heard someone say to an upset or distressed person: “Keep your hair on!” Severe or chronic stress can indeed play a key role in hair loss — but by the same token, taking control of your stress levels and triggers can help you reverse that unfortunate trend.

Why Your Hair Hates Stress

Sometimes stress actually compels people to pull chunks of hair out, a reaction known as trichotillomania. In other cases, severe physical or psychological stress can cause the hair follicles to go into a dormant state. The hairs fall out normally to make way for new hairs — but since the follicles are “resting” instead of making those new hairs, the result is a form of temporary baldness known as telogen effluvium. Alopecia areata, a condition in which hair falls out in rounded patches, occurs when the auto-immune system mistakenly launches an attack against the hair follicles. This condition seems to be genetic in nature, but extreme stress might be a triggering factor.

Common Stressors That Can Affect Your Hair

Extreme emotional stressors such as a death in the family, major financial reversal, overwhelming personal problems or a professional crisis can all set the stage for hair loss, which may not be evident until three months later. Depression or anxiety can create a state of chronic stress that affects, not just your hair, but all aspects of your health. Physical issues such as a major illness, thyroid disorder, major surgery, crash diet, high fever or serious infection can also produce hair loss.

Putting Chronic Stress in Its Place

How do you overcome the stress that causes hair loss? Physical stresses may respond to medication or dietary changes. Some people may benefit from medication and/or behavioral therapy to cope with stress disorders. Self-care strategies include handling your hair gently, eating a balanced diet, exercising, meditating, and maintaining a supportive social network. Don’t forget to ask New-U how we can help! For a free consultation contact New-U Hair Replacement Specialists today!