Can stress cause hair loss? Hair thinning and hair loss can be caused by a number of factors, from dry scalp and harmful self care practices, even hormones, genetics and medications can play a part. It can often be difficult to pinpoint what exactly is the cause of hair loss - every case is unique.

Although we usually blame hair loss on things we can't control, there are a lot of hair loss causes that we can - for the most part - control.

One of these factors is stress.

Yes, significant stress has been scientifically linked to hair loss. More specifically, stress has been linked to three types of hair loss; telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania.

WHAT TYPES OF HAIR LOSS ARE CAUSED BY STRESS?

Let's take a closer look at these three types of hair loss:

TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM

We have over 100,000 hair follicles on our heads.

Each of these hair follicles is in its own stage of the hair growth cycle; most of them are in the 'growth' phase, while others are 'resting'.

During a period of telogen effluvium, hair follicles go from the 'growing' (active) phase to the 'resting' phase.

When this happens, these hairs die - you might notice them fall out when washing or styling your hair.

Telogen effluvium can start from a number of triggers, yet a common trigger is emotional stress.

ALOPECIA AREATA

This is when the immune system combats hair follicles and causes hair loss.

With alopecia areata, the hair will fall out within weeks of the attack. The hair fall will usually occur in circular bald patches but can actually affect the whole scalp... and even certain body hair areas.

Just like with telogen effluvium, alopecia areata can be brought on by a number of triggers. And - like telogen effluvium - one of these triggers is major stress.

TRICHOTILLOMANIA

This condition is a tad different from the other two.

'Trichotillomania' is a medical term for what is also called 'hair-pulling disorder'. Those afflicted with this urge will pull hair from all over the body, losing hair from the scalp hair, eyebrows, etc.

This is an uncontrollable disorder that often requires medical help. Usually, this condition is at its worst when the victim is stressed. 

HOW-TO AVOID STRESS

When hair shedding and thinning occurs (whether it's Telogen effluvium Alopecia, etc.) it can very well be from stress.

And, stress is a tricky thing to manage.

It can come when we least expect it, for what seems like no good reason at all. Often times, we don't even realize we are stressed out until it's far too late.

There are activities to manage and reduce your stress level both in the short- and long-term.

Short-Term Stress Relief

Examples of fast-acting, short-term stress relievers include:

• exercise
• meditation
• aromatherapy
• breathing exercises

Long-Term Stress Relief

Examples of long-term habits to avoid stress and chronic stress include:

• maintaining a healthy & balanced diet
• daily meditation
• receiving emotional/social support
• daily exercise
• seeking help from a professional
• removing stressors from your life

WHEN TO SEE A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

As mentioned, it can be difficult to determine what is causing hair loss.

Although it may certainly be stress related hair loss , it can be caused by a number of other factors, too. Conditions like Telogen effluvium can be caused by many reasons.

Consult a doctor or healthcare provider if hair loss is severe and you believe it may be something other than stress or if your stress is showing signs of an anxiety disorder and impacting your life negatively.