Stress and trauma can effect us in many different ways. Unfortunately, stress and trauma can take a major toll on someone’s physical and mental health. Your body can react poorly, and in the absolute worst cade scenario, your mental health can suffer to the extent where some people end their lives. Recently, we had a potential client come to us for a consultation and discuss the following – I really don’t know why I’m losing my hair. My genes, from both my parents, are strong and there’s no one who has suffered with hair loss. The only thing…I’m under a lot of stress. “Can Stress And Trauma Cause Hair Loss?”
Stress and trauma are bad in many different ways. They weaken your body and cause many different types of illness. They can also cause your head to start shedding hair. The technical term for this is Telogen Effluvium. It is not unusual to have lasting damage from the condition, leaving many with a need for urgent action. Telogen Effluvium can turn into a chronic condition when excessive hair loss or shedding can last for many years. The condition is characterised by the abrupt onset of hair loss. An interesting fact – the hair loss usually does not begin until approximately three months after the inciting event. Why is this? Once hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase, it takes approximately three months for the cycle to complete and for the hair to begin shedding. Stress is one of several triggers of telogen effluvium. Some other causes could be medications or severe illness. Believe it or not, giving birth can also trigger hair loss.
The pattern of hair loss associated with telogen effluvium is diffuse. Patchy hair loss or widening of the part line is generally an example. Individuals dealing with telogen effluvium may notice a sudden increase of shed hairs in the shower, on the pillowcase, or around the house.
There are approximately 100,000 hair follicles on the adult scalp. Each hair follicle is constantly cycling between growth and rest. The majority of these hair follicles are in the growth phase at any time. When the hair follicle changes to telogen, the hair will shed. During an episode of telogen effluvium, a trigger causes a sudden, shift of hairs into the telogen phase all in one go. What can cause this sudden change? Significant emotional stress. What qualifies as significant emotional stress? A negative life event, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce or losing a custody battle. While a bad day at work should not qualify for this to occur, severe and prolonged stress could qualify.
As certain stress and trauma may only be temporary, there is a good chance your hair will grow back. The hair usually grows back within 6 months. Before you consider a hair loss solution such as Scalp Micropigmentation, we suggest giving it some time to see if your situation improves. I personally have had several family members and friends over the years who have experienced large amounts of hair loss due to stress or a traumatic event / incident. Most situations were only temporary but there was a few that became permanent. If your hair loss becomes permanent, you know where you can come!
