Breaking Down the Science: Can Stress Really Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss can stem from various sources — some might find it’s simply written into their genetic code, while others can trace it back to more controllable factors. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we focus on addressing the diverse causes of hair loss with an approach that emphasizes natural-looking results. Among these causes, stress is a significant factor that might be impacting your hair’s health and quantity.

We are a woman-owned business that prioritizes methods that are non-invasive yet effective at managing and treating hair loss. By exploring our gentle hair loss treatments and resolving the root causes, we hope to put you on a path to fuller, healthier hair. 

A Closer Look at Hair Loss

How Much Hair Loss Is Normal?

Shedding hair is a natural part of daily life. On average, losing between 50 and 100 hairs daily is considered normal as old hair falls out to make way for new growth. If the amount of hair falling out appears greater than this or the scalp becomes visible in areas, it might be time to seek a hair loss treatment.

The Prevalence of Hair Loss in Men and Women

Hair loss in women and male pattern hair loss are prevalent conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. While men typically experience hair thinning at the temple and crown, leading to a receding hairline or bald patches, women often notice a gradual thinning over the entire scalp, particularly at the part line. Both can experience significant hair loss, but the patterns and severity can differ dramatically.

Types of Hair Loss

Various factors can influence different types of hair loss. Common types of hair loss include androgenetic alopecia, which is genetic and affects both men and women, and telogen effluvium, which is typically triggered by stress or illness causing diffuse hair thinning. Another common type of hair loss is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that leads to patchy hair loss.

The Hair Growth Cycle

The hair growth cycle consists of three distinct phases: anagen, the growth phase where hair follicles are actively producing hair; catagen, a transitional stage that lasts a few weeks during which hair growth slows and the follicle shrinks; and telogen, the resting phase where old hairs are released and shed as new hairs push through the follicle. Disruptions in this cycle can lead to noticeable hair thinning and are a common reason for seeking hair loss treatments.

What Causes Hair Loss?

• Genetics: Genetic predisposition is a primary factor in many hair loss cases. If your family has a history of thinning hair or balding, you may be more likely to experience similar changes. Exploring a hair loss treatment that addresses genetic factors could be beneficial.
• Disease: Various health conditions can lead to hair loss, including autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata or scalp conditions such as psoriasis. These health issues can interrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
• Environmental Factors: External elements such as excessive sun exposure, harsh chemical treatments, and poor nutrition can all impact hair health. Protecting hair from environmental stressors is crucial to maintaining its strength and vitality.
• Pregnancy and Postpartum: Hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy can cause significant hair shedding, a condition known as postpartum hair loss. This is usually temporary, and hair growth often returns to normal some months after childbirth.
• Stress: Stress can temporarily disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning hair. We will focus on how stress-related hair loss causes can be managed.

Stress and Its Impact on Hair Health

Stress can influence the hair growth cycle by pushing hair follicles prematurely into the telogen phase, where hair begins to shed. This often happens because of unbalanced hormones. This phenomenon, often termed telogen effluvium, results in a noticeable increase in hair loss, as stress disrupts the natural balance and functioning of hair follicles.
Chronic stress can also impair the immune system, potentially triggering autoimmune responses such as alopecia areata, where the body attacks its own hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Follicles can also become inflamed due to chronic stress, which can disrupt the growth cycle. 

For many women, stress is a potent trigger for hair thinning and loss, manifesting as sparse patches or overall volume reduction. In men, stress may exacerbate genetic predispositions to hair loss, such as male pattern baldness, accelerating the process. Managing this type of hair loss effectively often involves hair loss treatments that foster hair growth and mitigate the underlying stressors contributing to the condition.

Hair Loss Treatment Options

PRP Hair Treatments

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is gaining traction as an effective intervention for various types of hair loss. This treatment involves extracting a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to enrich platelets, and then reinjecting it into the scalp. The high concentration of growth factors in PRP can stimulate dormant hair follicles to enhance hair density and promote growth in areas affected by hair thinning. PRP for hair loss can be performed regularly if desired to increase the health of follicles and the scalp.

PRF Hair Treatments

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation treatment that builds on the principles of PRP. Like PRP, PRF involves the use of the patient’s own blood, but it retains more growth factors and healing proteins. This can potentially extend the release and benefits of these growth factors in the scalp, supporting follicular health and extending the life cycle of the hair.

Preventing Stress-Induced Hair Loss

Preventing stress-induced hair loss begins with identifying and addressing the underlying stressors. Incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and prioritizing adequate sleep can mitigate the effects of stress on the body and, by extension, on hair health. Exploring stress management techniques can help maintain not only mental well-being but also healthier hair growth patterns. These proactive steps can support the body’s natural resilience against the impact of stress, potentially reducing the incidence of hair loss related to stress.

Find Out if PRP or PRF Treatments Can Help With Your Hair Loss

Exploring effective hair loss treatment options can improve hair health and growth. At San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa in La Mesa, CA, we offer a range of treatments for hair loss, whether the cause is genetic, stress-related, or environmental. To learn more about how these treatments can benefit you, please contact us through our online form or call us at (619) 303-0988.