There is a link between stress, trauma, and hair loss. Studies in the past have shown that people who have dealt with traumatic experiences and high levels of stress are more likely to deal with hair loss issues. Why is this? How can I fix this?

Stress & Hair Loss

Chronic stress has been linked to hair thinning and loss in both men and women. When under psychological pressure, our bodies go into a “fight-or-flight” state, increasing the production of hormones like cortisol which can disrupt growth cycles and the balance of hair follicles. This can lead to baldness, alopecia, or accelerating conditions like male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. The Link Between Stress, Trauma & Hair Loss

Trauma & Hair Loss 

Trauma may manifest itself in different ways, but one common physical symptom is the shedding of large amounts of hair. This condition is known as telogen effluvium, and it often occurs after the body has gone through a major change or shock such as childbirth, surgery, or even extreme dieting. Other types of hair loss related to trauma include alopecia areata (immune cells attacking healthy hair follicles) and trichotillomania (impulse control disorder resulting from stress and trauma). Learn more about the causes of hair loss here. 

Managing it 

It’s important to be aware that trauma and stress can lead to physical symptoms like hair loss. If you’ve been going through something difficult lately then it’s worth considering whether this might be causing your problems. Learning how to manage your stress levels through lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in regular relaxation techniques is essential for keeping those cortisol levels in check! If you are around the Cincinnati area, reach out to one of our hair loss experts to learn more about the link between stress, trauma, and hair loss.