Hair loss stress: How to combat hair loss after stress

Can stress lead to hair loss?

Yes. Significant physical or mental stress can, in some people, be linked to increased hair loss.

Stress can arise in many different situations, for example:

• heavy work pressure
• major life changes
• illness
• grief
• sleep problems
• financial worries
• prolonged mental strain

Everyone reacts differently to stress, and this does not mean that everyone who experiences stress will also experience hair loss.

In telogen effluvium, more hairs than usual enter the resting phase at roughly the same time. Therefore, it may take some time from the stressful period until the increased shedding becomes noticeable.

What is telogen effluvium?

Hair naturally goes through different phases during its life cycle.

During the growth phase, the hair shaft grows actively. This is followed by a transitional phase and a resting phase, before the hair shaft is eventually shed.

In telogen effluvium, more hairs than usual enter the resting phase at the same time.

This may mean that, after a while, you start to notice:

• more hair in your hairbrush
• more hair in the drain after washing your hair
• a less voluminous ponytail
• a more visible scalp
• generally increased hair shedding

The hair loss is typically diffuse and spread across the scalp.

If, on the other hand, you notice clearly defined areas completely devoid of hair, you should contact your doctor.

When does hair loss following stress occur?

Hair loss following a stressful period may be delayed.

This means that the increased shedding may only become apparent some time after the situation that may have triggered the change in the hair cycle.

It can therefore be difficult to see the link yourself between a previous period of stress and the hair loss you are experiencing now.

Is alopecia areata the same as stress-related hair loss?

No.

Alopecia areata, also known as patchy baldness, is an autoimmune condition and is distinct from telogen effluvium.

Alopecia areata typically presents as clearly defined areas of hair loss.

Stress is sometimes mentioned in connection with alopecia areata, but one should not assume that stress is necessarily the direct cause of the condition.

If you are experiencing patchy hair loss, you should contact your doctor.

You can read more in our guide on alopecia areata and patchy hair loss.

Can hair lost due to stress grow back?

In the case of telogen effluvium, the hair’s natural cycle will gradually return to normal for many people.

However, this does not mean that the hair will look the same as before straight away.

New hairs need time to grow out, so it may take a while before the hair feels as long or as full as it did previously.

If the hair loss continues, becomes more pronounced or does not seem to be slowing down, you should contact your doctor.

How do you deal with hair loss caused by stress?

If the hair loss is linked to a stressful period, the first priority is to manage the underlying stress wherever possible.

There is no standard shampoo, hairbrush or dietary supplement that should be regarded as a treatment for stress-related hair loss.

Instead, you can focus on both your general well-being and a gentle hair care routine.

Prioritise recovery

Everyone copes with stress differently.

Some people find it helpful to prioritise:

• regular sleep
• breaks in the day-to-day routine
• physical activity
• time spent outdoors
• relaxation
• social relationships
• meditation or mindfulness

If stress is significantly affecting your daily life or is persistent, you should speak to your doctor or another relevant healthcare professional.

Exercise and stress

Regular physical activity can be part of a healthy lifestyle and, for many people, a good way to manage stress.

This could include, for example:

• walks
• running
• strength training
• cycling
• yoga
• team sports

However, exercise should not be regarded as a treatment that directly causes hair lost due to stress to grow back.

Eat a varied and balanced diet

A varied and balanced diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Your diet can include various sources of:

• vegetables
• fruit
• wholemeal products
• protein
• fish
• nuts and seeds
• dairy products or relevant alternatives

When vitamins and minerals are specifically mentioned in relation to hair, it is important to adhere to the approved health claims.

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

Zinc helps to maintain normal hair.

Selenium helps to maintain normal hair.

This does not mean that these nutrients treat stress-related hair loss.

What about Hair Vitamins?

Yuaia Hair Vitamins is a dietary supplement containing, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin and zinc help maintain normal hair.

Hair Vitamins should not be regarded as a treatment for stress-related hair loss or telogen effluvium.

Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Treat your hair gently

If your hair is falling out more than usual, it may be a good idea to treat your existing hair gently.

You can, for example:

• avoid very tight hairstyles
• gently detangle your hair
• limit exposure to very high temperatures
• use conditioner to reduce friction
• apply heat protection when heat-styling
• handle wet hair gently

These measures will not stop telogen effluvium, but can help to minimise unnecessary hair breakage.

Shampoo for increased hair shedding

A standard shampoo does not treat stress-related hair loss.

Instead, choose a shampoo based on your hair type and scalp.

If your scalp feels sensitive, you may prefer a mild formula.

The most important thing is that the shampoo cleanses your hair and scalp in a way that works for you.

Scalp massage

A scalp massage can be a pleasant part of your hair care routine.

You can gently massage your scalp with your fingertips or use a Deep Scalp Brush.

Among other things, the brush can be used whilst washing your hair to massage the scalp and distribute the shampoo.

However, scalp massage should not be regarded as a proven treatment for stress-related hair loss or as a method to make your hair grow faster.

Should you get a haircut?

A haircut does not affect hair growth from the hair follicle and does not stop hair loss.

On the other hand, a haircut can remove worn or split ends and give your hair a more well-groomed appearance.

If your hair feels less full after a period of shedding, a hairdresser can also help you find a cut that visually adds volume.

Vitamins and stress-related hair loss

It is important to distinguish between approved nutritional claims and the treatment of hair loss.

For example, biotin and zinc have approved claims in relation to normal hair:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

This does not mean that biotin or zinc:

• stop stress-related hair loss
• treat telogen effluvium
• make lost hair grow back
• accelerate hair growth

If you suspect a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you should speak to your doctor rather than trying to diagnose a deficiency based on the condition of your hair.

When should you contact your doctor?

There are many different causes of hair loss, and stress is just one possible explanation.

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• very severe hair loss
• hair loss that persists over a long period
• a marked worsening of hair loss
• patches of baldness
• itching, sores or other changes to the scalp
• other unexplained symptoms at the same time

Your doctor can help assess whether you are experiencing telogen effluvium or another type of hair loss.

Read our guide to the causes of hair loss.

Frequently asked questions about hair loss following stress

Can stress cause hair loss?

Significant mental or physical stress can, in some people, be linked to telogen effluvium and increased diffuse hair shedding.

How soon does hair loss occur after stress?

Hair loss may be delayed and only become apparent some time after the stressful period.

Is stress-related hair loss permanent?

In the case of telogen effluvium, the hair’s natural cycle will gradually return to normal in many people.

If hair loss continues or gets worse, you should contact your doctor.

Can Hair Vitamins stop hair loss following stress?

Hair Vitamins should not be regarded as a treatment for stress-related hair loss.

Biotin and zinc help to maintain normal hair.

Can biotin make hair grow back after stress?

The authorised health claim is:

Biotin helps to maintain normal hair.

This is not the same as proven regrowth following stress-related hair loss.

Can scalp massage help with stress-related hair loss?

A scalp massage can be a pleasant part of your hair care routine, but should not be regarded as a treatment for telogen effluvium.

Can shampoo stop stress-related hair loss?

A standard cosmetic shampoo should not be regarded as a treatment for stress-related hair loss.

Shampoo is primarily used for cleansing and general care of the hair and scalp.

Products for a gentle hair care routine

If you’re experiencing increased hair shedding, you can still put together a routine focused on gentle care.

However, these products should not be regarded as a treatment for stress-related hair loss.

Hair Vitamins

Yuaia Hair Vitamins contain, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin and zinc help to maintain normal hair.

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+

Grow & Glow Serum Formula+ is a cosmetic serum developed for application directly to the scalp.

The serum can be used as part of your regular scalp care routine, following the product’s instructions for use.

Grow & Glow Shampoo and Conditioner

Grow & Glow Shampoo and Conditioner can be used for the regular cleansing and care of the hair and scalp.

The products can form part of a gentle hair care routine.

Brief summary

Significant physical or mental stress may, in some people, be followed by increased hair shedding in the form of telogen effluvium.

The hair loss may occur with a delay and, in many people, will gradually subside again.

If you experience significant or persistent hair loss, you should contact your doctor.

At the same time, you can focus on looking after your hair gently and prioritising your general well-being.

Hair Vitamins, shampoo, serum and scalp massage should not be regarded as a treatment for stress-related hair loss.

When Hair Vitamins are mentioned in relation to hair, the relevant authorised claims are:

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.