Introduction
Noticing more hair fall than usual in the shower or on your pillow? Stress could be the culprit! Whether it’s work pressure, daily life challenges, or a traumatic event, stress can significantly impact hair growth. In this article, we’ll explore the hair growth cycle, how stress leads to hair loss, and the best treatments available.
1. Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle consists of four distinct phases:
A] Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)
This is the longest phase, lasting anywhere between 3 to 7 years, where hair actively grows. The duration varies for different types of hair; for instance, scalp hair has a longer anagen phase than eyebrows or eyelashes.
B] Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)
Lasting around 10 days, this phase marks the end of active hair growth. The hair follicle shrinks, and the hair detaches from the follicle base but remains in place.
C] Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
In this 3-month phase, the hair neither grows nor sheds. Meanwhile, new hair starts forming within the follicle.
D] Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase)
Often considered a continuation of the telogen phase, this phase lasts between 3 to 5 months. Losing around 50 to 100 hairs daily is normal, often aided by brushing or washing.
Related Read: Types of Hair Transplant
2. How Does Stress Cause Hair Fall?
Stress-induced hair loss is linked to the following conditions:
A] Telogen Effluvium
Stress forces more hair follicles into the telogen phase, leading to noticeable thinning. This condition is often temporary and reversible once the stressor is addressed.
B] Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. It can be triggered by severe stress. While it has no permanent cure, medications may help manage the condition.
C] Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder)
Compulsive hair-pulling often begins in childhood or adolescence and can persist for life. It is linked to emotional stress, anxiety, and impulse control disorders.
D] Hormonal Imbalances
Chronic stress increases corticosterone levels, which inhibits hair growth by affecting stem cell activity in hair follicles. This results in slower regrowth and hair thinning.
3. Best Hair Loss Treatments
Various hair loss treatments are available, depending on the cause and severity. Some effective options include:
🔹 Hair Transplant
A permanent solution involving the transfer of healthy hair follicles from a donor site to bald or thinning areas.
🔹 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP injections stimulate hair follicles and promote natural hair regrowth using platelets extracted from your blood.
🔹 Mesotherapy
A non-invasive treatment that delivers essential vitamins, nutrients, and growth factors directly into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
🔹 Non-Surgical Hair Replacement
Includes wigs, hairpieces, and hair systems that provide instant results for individuals experiencing extensive hair loss.
🔹 Hormonal Therapy (For Telogen Effluvium)
Regulating hormones through medication can help combat stress-induced hair loss, particularly in cases linked to hormonal imbalances.
5. Conclusion
Stress can significantly impact hair health, leading to various forms of hair loss. The good news is that most cases are reversible with proper care and treatment. Identifying the cause early and seeking expert guidance is key to effective management.
Dr. Milan Doshi, a renowned hair restoration expert, has helped thousands of patients restore their hair and confidence.
Want to explore your options? Call us at 8291863159 for a consultation.
