Scientists have been investigating the negative effects of stress on physical and emotional health for years. In the life cycle of hair, roughly 90% of your hair is in the growth cycle (anagen) at any given point in time. During this phase, new hair is created and grows from the hair follicle at a rate of one half an inch per month. The other 10% of your hair is either in the resting phase (catagen) or shedding phase (telogen). If your hair is shed naturally during this phase, it will have a hard white bulb at the root which strongly indicates a normal life cycle.
It is believed that during chronic stress a larger percentage of hair is forced into these last 2 stages creating a high volume of hair loss weeks/months later. Doctors hypothesize that the body does this to conserve energy to address the larger problems/stressors. The good news is that once stress is eliminated, hair will usually return to its normal rhythm and go back to a normal growth process. This may take about 9 months for most people. At older ages, our hair growth rates typically slow down, which means that periods of stress later on in life will be much harder to recover from when it comes to growing back your hair.
Some physiological stressors, such as rapid weight changes, hormone changes during or after childbirth, caloric deficiency, significant surgeries or infections create a higher possibility for hair loss compared to others. Emotional stress can add to the effects of these physiological stressors potentially leading to even greater shedding.
Hair shedding can be caused by a variety of reasons excluding stress. For example, hair shedding can also be caused by certain medications that you are taking or even thyroid disease. Nutritional deficiencies can also be the cause, including a lack of vitamin D. Too much vitamin A can be harmful as well.
Stop stress related hair loss now! Hair loss is devastating for most people, especially when you do not know the reason behind it. While chronic stress can be a reason behind excessive hair loss, temporary stress is usually not the main cause. It is important to pinpoint the exact reason behind your hair loss. If you cannot seem to find the reason on your own, consider asking your physician for his/her opinion as well. If hair loss is caused by your chronic stress, make sure that you deal with your stressors promptly. There are ways that we (your hairstylist) can help to encourage growth and regain hair loss. Ask me!
It is believed that during chronic stress a larger percentage of hair is forced into these last 2 stages creating a high volume of hair loss weeks/months later. Doctors hypothesize that the body does this to conserve energy to address the larger problems/stressors. The good news is that once stress is eliminated, hair will usually return to its normal rhythm and go back to a normal growth process. This may take about 9 months for most people. At older ages, our hair growth rates typically slow down, which means that periods of stress later on in life will be much harder to recover from when it comes to growing back your hair.
Some physiological stressors, such as rapid weight changes, hormone changes during or after childbirth, caloric deficiency, significant surgeries or infections create a higher possibility for hair loss compared to others. Emotional stress can add to the effects of these physiological stressors potentially leading to even greater shedding.
Hair shedding can be caused by a variety of reasons excluding stress. For example, hair shedding can also be caused by certain medications that you are taking or even thyroid disease. Nutritional deficiencies can also be the cause, including a lack of vitamin D. Too much vitamin A can be harmful as well.
Stop stress related hair loss now! Hair loss is devastating for most people, especially when you do not know the reason behind it. While chronic stress can be a reason behind excessive hair loss, temporary stress is usually not the main cause. It is important to pinpoint the exact reason behind your hair loss. If you cannot seem to find the reason on your own, consider asking your physician for his/her opinion as well. If hair loss is caused by your chronic stress, make sure that you deal with your stressors promptly. There are ways that we (your hairstylist) can help to encourage growth and regain hair loss. Ask me!