- When does hair loss fit with stress?
- When does it seem like stress, but is it likely something else?
- The relationship between an itchy scalp, stress and hair loss
- Does hair grow back after stress-related hair loss?
- What can you do if stress has played a role in your hair loss?
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- References
Are you going through a stressful period and noticing that you are losing more hair than usual? If so, it is natural to see stress as a possible cause. Stress can indeed trigger hair loss, and this type of hair loss is often temporary. In many cases, the hair loss only becomes visible sometime after the stressful period.
However, hair loss does not always come from stress, even if you are feeling a lot of pressure. Other causes can also play a role, sometimes with a very different course and a different approach.
In this article, we help you recognise the difference. You will learn when hair loss fits with stress, which signs point to another cause, and when it may be wise to look further. This will help you better understand what is likely behind your hair loss.
When does hair loss fit with stress?
Hair loss triggered by stress often has a number of recognisable features. In many cases, it is a form of telogen effluvium. This means that, due to physical or mental stress, more hairs than usual move into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle at the same time. As a result, the hair loss often becomes visible only a few months after the stressful period.
You can usually recognise stress-related hair loss by the following signs:
• Hair becomes thinner all over
The hair loss is diffuse and spread across the entire scalp, not limited to one specific area.
• No fixed pattern of hair loss
There are usually no clear receding hairlines or thinning at the crown, as seen with hereditary hair loss.
• No clearly defined bald patches
Large, round bald spots are less typical of stress-related hair loss.
• Hair loss is mainly noticeable in daily life
You may see more hair while showering, in the shower drain, on your pillow, or in bed.
• Often temporary in nature
This type of hair loss fits with a temporary disruption of the hair growth cycle.
These features make stress a likely cause, but they do not provide absolute certainty.
When does it seem like stress, but is it likely something else?
Not every type of hair loss that appears during a stressful period is actually caused by stress. Hair loss due to stress usually falls under telogen effluvium, but this type of hair loss can also be triggered by other physical factors. Examples include temporary hormonal changes, such as after childbirth or after stopping hormonal contraception, as well as illness or recovery after physical strain.
In addition, there are clear patterns of hair loss that fit less well with stress. When hair loss follows a clear pattern or appears as sharply defined bald patches, stress is usually not the main cause. In these cases, it is more often hereditary hair loss or alopecia areata. These types of hair loss are clearly different from stress-related hair loss.
Features of hereditary hair loss:
• Receding hairline or thinning at the temples
Hair loss that starts at the temples or becomes visible at the crown is more typical of hereditary hair loss. This type of hair loss usually follows a gradual and recognisable pattern. The pattern differs by sex. In women, this is often described using the Ludwig scale, and in men using the Norwood scale.
• Slowly increasing hair loss over time
The hair becomes thinner over a longer period, without sudden heavy shedding. For some people this can start at a young age, while for others it appears later in life.
• Stress may influence the course, but is rarely the cause
Stress can sometimes speed up hereditary hair loss, but it does not cause this type of hair loss.
Features of alopecia areata
• A clear bald patch on the scalp
Sharply defined, round bald patches point more towards alopecia areata than stress-related hair loss.
• Sudden, localised hair loss
The hair loss often starts quickly and is limited to one or several specific areas.
• No fixed link with stress as the cause
Stress can sometimes act as a triggering factor, but alopecia areata is an autoimmune reaction and not a direct result of stress. In many cases, hair starts to grow back on its own over time, although the course differs from person to person. At present, there is no proven treatment that can permanently cure alopecia areata. Products such as creams, dermarollers or shampoos cannot stop the condition. However, supportive hair and scalp products can help improve scalp condition once hair growth starts again.
Why stress is often overestimated as a cause
Stress is a commonly mentioned cause of hair loss, which makes it easy to link your hair loss to stress. However, telogen effluvium can also be triggered by other factors, such as:
• childbirth
• illness or fever
• surgery
• medication
• sudden weight loss
In these situations, stress may be present, but it is not always the main cause. Reducing stress alone does not always stop the hair loss.
Important: Telogen effluvium often occurs due to a temporary strain on the body.
The relationship between an itchy scalp, stress and hair loss
An itchy scalp is quite common during stressful periods. Stress can affect the body and the skin, including the scalp. However, the link between stress, itching and hair loss is not always direct. To understand this properly, it is important to separate a few things.
What is important to know?
• Stress can worsen existing scalp problems
During stressful periods, the skin barrier can become unbalanced more easily. This can make the scalp more sensitive and cause increased itching.
• Itching is usually not the direct cause of hair loss
Stress-related hair loss mainly occurs due to a disruption of the hair growth cycle, not because of itching itself.
• Scratching can indirectly contribute to hair loss
Frequent or intense scratching can irritate the scalp and put extra stress on the hair follicles. This may temporarily worsen hair loss, especially if the scalp is already sensitive.
• Itching and hair loss can occur at the same time, without a direct link
It is possible to experience both hair loss and scalp discomfort during stress, without the itching being the cause of the hair loss.
Does hair grow back after stress-related hair loss?
In most cases, hair loss caused by stress is temporary. Once the body starts to recover and the stress factor decreases, hair growth can gradually return. However, this does not mean that the hair grows back immediately. Hair recovery takes time and differs from person to person.
How long does stress-related hair loss last?
With stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium), the hair loss often starts a few months after the stressful period. Recovery also takes time and does not happen straight away.
On average:
• Hair shedding starts to reduce once stress levels decrease
• New hair growth may become visible after 3 to 6 months
• It can take 6 to 12 months before the hair looks fuller again
The exact timeline depends on factors such as how long and how intense the stress was, your overall health, and how well your body recovers.
Do hair growth products help with stress-related hair loss?
Products that support hair growth can only have an effect once stress levels are under control and the hair growth cycle starts to recover. As long as the body remains in a stressed state, hair growth products usually have little to no effect. This is why the first step is to reduce stress or learn to cope with it better. Only after that can supportive products help the hair feel stronger, thicker and fuller.
What can you do if stress has played a role in your hair loss?
Once stress symptoms have reduced, the hair growth cycle can slowly start to recover. During this recovery phase, it can be useful to support hair growth in a targeted way, without expecting products to remove the underlying cause. With stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium), the focus is on supporting the scalp and hair follicles while the body returns to balance. A hair care routine designed for recovery after telogen effluvium can help the hair feel stronger and support new hair growth. This can lead to visible improvement, while working alongside the body’s natural recovery process.
FAQ
Is stress-related hair loss different in men and women?
Not in the way the hair loss appears. In both men and women, it is usually diffuse hair loss, where the hair becomes thinner all over without clear bald patches. The main difference lies in the context. In men who already have hereditary hair loss, stress-related hair loss can be more noticeable, as temporarily thinner hair can make existing receding hairlines or a thinning crown more visible.
Can stress-related hair loss return?
Yes, stress-related hair loss can return if there is another period of long-lasting or intense stress. Recognising the signs early and addressing stress in time can help reduce the chance of it happening again.
Conclusion
Hair loss can be linked to stress, but stress is not the only possible cause. Stress-related hair loss is often temporary and usually appears as diffuse thinning, without a fixed pattern. At the same time, other types of hair loss can become noticeable during stressful periods, without stress being the main cause. By paying attention to the pattern, progression and duration of the hair loss, you can better understand what is likely happening. In many cases, the hair recovers on its own. After recovery, a hair growth routine can help support healthy hair.
References
Harrison, S., & Sinclair, R. (2002). Telogen effluvium. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.
Al Aboud, A. M., & Zito, P. M. (2023). Telogen effluvium.
This information does not replace professional medical advice. If in doubt, always consult a doctor or specialist.
