Why Does Hair Fall Due To Stress? An Expert Weighs In

If you are experiencing unusual amounts of hair fall in the shower drains and on your clothes, the reason for it could be stress.

Whether you have experienced a physical ailment or are frazzled because of a busy work week, it can possibly induce stress-induced hair loss called telogen effluvium. Here is what an expert has to say about it:

Two Types Of Stress

Dr Anupama Bisaria, a dermatologist, said that both physical and emotional stress can trigger hair fall.

“Physical ailments such as a disease or a deficiency perceived by the body can cause increased amounts of hair fall. After people got COVID-19, a lot of them faced hair loss because of the physical effects of the virus. Patients with severe malaria can also see their hair strands falling after a few months,” she said.

Meanwhile, stress induced by emotional reasons such as mental health issues, grieving a dead family member or friend, and a job loss can lead to hair fall. “The amount of hair fall is dependent on the duration of the psychological duress. The longer the emotional stress lasts, the longer hair fall occurs,” added Dr Bisaria.

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Acute And Chronic Stress

Under acute stress situations such as COVID-19, hair loss starts happening after three months of the triggering event or disease. “However, this type of hair loss need not be worried about much as one will experience recovery of lost hair within a few months,” said Dr. Bisaria. “One can merely work on their diet, sleeping patterns, lifestyle, and exercise regimen to promote hair growth. Sleeping early is most important because the hair gets the benefit of melatonin (sleep hormone) surge which happens at night,” she added.

She further said that continuous or chronic stressors can make hair fall go on for a longer time and it might not stop. “In such a situation, the person must reach out to their doctor who can help identify the cause and treat the ailment. Undiagnosed thyroid and iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate hair loss. Moreover, clinical depression and general anxiety disorder can worsen hair fall.”

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Importance Of A Protein-Rich Diet

When a lot of hair loss occurs, subsequently it leads to a lot of hair forming at a high speed. “But if your diet is poor in protein, the hair’s quality is affected as each strand is made out of protein. The hair regained can be thin, patchy and even frizzy,” said Dr. Bisaria.

She also highlighted that the consumption of protein should be directly proportional to the body weight of the person. “60 grams of protein is sufficient for a person weighing 60 kg.”

In India, people usually have a carbohydrate heavy diet. Adding eggs, cottage cheese, skim milk, yoghurt, corn, broccoli, spinach, beans, and lean meats to your meals can help in improving hair quality.

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