How to Regain Hair Loss from Stress: 5 Effective Ways

Your mental health affects your overall health, including your physical appearance. Just when you are stressed, people can see it through your looks.

According to Al Aboud and Zito, the prevalence rate of alopecia or hair loss globally is 0.2% and this condition can affect everyone of all ages.

Moreover, there are factors that can increase the risk of acquiring this hair problem and one of these is stress. Gladly, there are effective ways that you can try in order to regain hair loss due to stress.

In this article, we will discuss how stress can cause hair loss, signs of hair loss due to stress, types of hair loss due to stress, the best ways to regain hair loss from stress, and the timeframe for hair to grow.

Table of Contents:

Hair Loss-Stress Relationship: Can Stress Cause Hair Loss?

Hair thinning occurs due to many factors such as excessive use of chemicals to your hair, frequent hairstyling using too much heat, and even an unhealthy lifestyle.

But, did you know that even stress can cause alopecia? According to Dermatologists from Germany, stress inhibits the occurrence of the catagen phase. This phase is so short and it is also known as the stage where new hair cells are produced. 

By this time, you would notice that when you have a relationship or financial problems, your hair growth is compromised too.

Apart from these emotional tensions, stress due to major health issues, surgeries, and accidents can also cause alopecia. Take note that when you are in a stressful situation, your cortisol levels are high. Based on the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, cortisol damages the hair scalp and the substances vital for promoting hair growth.

How Do I Know if My Hair is Thinning From Stress

For mothers, when they give birth to their children, they become a more joyful person. However, they may still experience hair loss but this does not mean that this is due to stress as there are hormonal changes that can also cause hair loss. 

For those who are not pregnant, you would usually wonder, what are the signs of hair loss due to stress? To answer this question, take a look at the information from PLoS One below:

• Stress-related hair loss affects the entire scalp
• Clogged hairs tend to fall when you shower
• After brushing your hair, you would notice more hair fall
• Bald patches start to appear on your scalp

If you observe any of these, one of the best things you can do is seek medical help from a dermatologist to accurately find the root cause of your hair loss and how you can address these triggers to prevent further complications.

Types of Stress-Related Hair Loss

When you experience hair loss due to stress, you have to understand that this condition comes in different types. In this section, we will elaborate on these types and how severe they can be.

1.) Telogen effluvium

Also known as female pattern baldness, this type of stress hair loss condition is temporary and may resolve on its own, especially when you address your stressors. 

Furthermore, there is acute telogen effluvium and chronic telogen effluvium. According to The Cureus Journal of Medical Science, the former lasts for less than 6 months and the latter lasts for more than 6 months.

2.) Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is less common than telogen effluvium and those with this hair loss condition can observe bald spots on one side of their hair scalp. According to Chattopadhyay, trichotillomania is genetic. 

Mental health conditions that can trigger it include stress, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, and depression.

3.) Alopecia areata

The last type of stress-related hair loss is alopecia areata. In this condition, even the face and body are affected. Those who have may observe bald patches that can eventually lead to complete hair loss. 

According to the International Journal of Trichology, this condition is complex and difficult to treat. It is considered an autoimmune disorder and is characterized by round bald spots.

5 Best Ways to Regain Hair Loss from Stress

When you are stressed, thinning of hair may add up to the strain you are feeling. Fortunately, there are many ways to regain hair loss from stress.

1.) Consider a healthy g–lifestyle

One of the best things you can do if you want to have healthier hair, even if you are not experiencing hair loss due to stress, is by considering a healthy lifestyle.

This means changing your diet and allowing your body to rest. According to Trueb, the food you take is the medicine for your hair. When you prepare your food, you might want to add some onion juice and curry leaves to your menu.

2.) Try some organic oils

You can also consider using organic oils for your hair. These include castor oil, pumpkin seed oil, or rosemary oil. According to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, these natural remedies for hair loss are helpful even for alopecia areata.

3.) Massage your scalp regularly

Here, you can consider a scalp massager. According to ePlasty, massaging your scalp can stimulate growth. In this study, it was reported that massaging your scalp every day for 4 minutes can also increase hair thickness.

4.) Take some hair supplements

If you want to know how to regain hair loss stress using supplements, Biotin supplements are the best ones you can consider. In another study of Trueb, it was reported that biotin for hair loss is most suitable for individuals with biotin deficiency.

Apart from Biotin, you can also consider Hair supplement with ingredients such as the following:

• Zinc - Aside from hair growth, this also facilitates hair repair.
• Amla Fruit - Can ward off dandruff and graying of hair.
• Bhringraj Leaf - This plant supports hair growth and reduces hair thinning.
• Curcumin - This works by revitalizing the scalp and blocking the hormone that stimulates hair loss.
• Ginkgo Biloba Extract - This extract works by improving blood and oxygen circulation in the scalp and moisturizing it.
• Grape Seed - This seed extract makes your hair shiny and less greasy.
• Iodine - This element helps reduce the risk of hypothyroidism. As we all know, this condition can cause hair loss.

It is also better if you find hair supplement with probiotics. If you want to get all of these in just one hair product.

5.) Hair transplant and other medical procedures

For immediate hair growth recovery, the best ways are cosmetic and medical surgeries. Some of these include micro-needling and hair transplants. Generally, these procedures are safe, especially when done by a licensed professional.

How Long Does it Take for Hairs to Grow Back?

It is common to question, how long does it take for hairs to grow back? Well, the answer is it depends. Again, there are many factors affecting the growth of your hair and these include the following:

• The length of your hair
• The thickness of your hair
• The stress you handle
• Your lifestyle
• The hair products you use

Generally, it takes about 6 months for your hair to grow back but this can be shortened when you take care of your hair and do your best to promote its growth.

Final Thoughts

Indeed, your hair is truly one of your assets in life. But, when stress attacks, the glow of your hair is compromised or worse, can cause you baldness.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can consider if you want to regain hair loss due to stress. Although it may take time, doing them consistently will surely bring back not just the beauty of your hair but your confidence as well.