How Stress-Induced Hair Loss Happens — and How to Stop It

IN THIS ARTICLE

1. How Stress Affects Your Hair Growth Cycle
2. Signs You’re Experiencing Stress-Related Hair Loss
3. Common Causes of Stress-Induced Hair Loss
4. How Dermatologists Diagnose Stress-Related Hair Loss
5. How to Treat & Regrow Hair After Stress
6. When to See a Dermatologist
7. Get Expert Help for Stress-Related Hair Loss in Northern Colorado
8. Stress-Induced Hair Loss FAQs

Your hair doesn’t grow all at once — it progresses through distinct stages. Each hair goes through three main stages.

• Anagen (Growth phase): Hair cells divide rapidly, pushing out new healthy strands. This growth stage typically lasts two to eight years, and approximately 90% of your strands are in this phase. 
• Catagen (Transition phase): The follicle begins to shrink and detach from its blood supply, known as the dermal papilla. The hair prepares to "retire" as some cells in the base of the follicle naturally die. This stage lasts around two weeks. 
• Telogen (Resting phase): Hair stops growing and eventually sheds, making room for new growth. Around 9% of your scalp strands are in this phase, which lasts around two to three months. You can lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair every day. 

Stress affects the timeline of hair regrowth by disrupting your body’s natural rhythms, including the hair growth cycle. High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, push growing hair to prematurely enter the resting phase, leading to stress-induced hair loss. One study found that women who are under extreme pressure are 11 times more likely to experience hair shedding (Natarelli, et al., 2023). Uncontrolled stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a condition wherein more growing hair than normal shifts too early into the resting phase.

Here are some signs that hair thinning may be caused by stress. 

1. Noticeable shedding after illness or burnout

You may notice increased hair fallout a few weeks or months following surgery, childbirth, or an emotionally stressful event.

2. Thinning along the scalp or temples

Strands in the scalp and temples appear thinner or sparser overall. This can sometimes be accompanied by scalp inflammation, a usual physical response to chronic stress. 

3. Delayed regrowth phase

Follicles need time to recover, delaying hair growth. It can take six to eight months before you notice new hair growth again. 

Some people link hair thinning with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes excessive hair fall. If you see circular bald patches on the scalp, it’s likely alopecia. Otherwise, hair loss may be stress related. 

Why does your hair shed from stress? Here are some reasons. 

Physical Stress

Physical stress, such as childbirth, major surgery, or fever, can induce a shock to your system, raising your cortisol levels. When your body is in this state, it prioritizes essential functions, such as maintaining heart and brain function, over less important ones, like hair growth.

Emotional Stress

Grief, chronic anxiety, or burnout can affect the balance of hormones in your body. Anxiety-induced hair loss is often linked to fluctuations in the stress hormone that disrupt follicle recovery.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Stress can affect hair health by lowering the levels of nutrients in the body, including zinc, magnesium, iron, niacin, and calcium. Some of these vitamins and minerals support hair growth (Lopresti, 2019). Over time, this nutritional gap can slow regrowth or worsen thinning.

Learning how to regrow hair after stress starts with reducing cortisol levels, proper nutrition, and gentle scalp care.  

Apart from stress, hair loss can be caused by hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, and alopecia. Your dermatologist will check your scalp to determine the underlying trigger. A typical diagnosis includes: 

• A detailed medical history: Your doctor will ask about pre-existing conditions, lifestyle habits, and current medications to determine whether stress may be contributing to your hair loss.
•  Scalp exam: They’ll look for symptoms of other hair disorders, such as scaling, patchy loss, or scalp inflammation. 
• Laboratory exams: They may order lab tests to rule out thyroid problems, hormonal issues, and alopecia. 

After identifying the exact cause of hair loss, they’ll personalized a treatment plan that addresses the problem. 

There’s no quick fix for hair loss, but your hair’s natural growth cycle usually resets once the source of stress is managed. Most people can expect to see hair regrowth within a few months to a year. Here are some practical tips to help restore your scalp health safely. 

1. Stress Management Techniques

Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are natural ways to lower cortisol levels and restore balance to your body. 

2. Gentle Scalp Care

Skip harsh chemical treatments as your scalp recovers. Use gentle hair products and avoid tight hairstyles that tug on fragile strands.

3. Oral and Topical Treatments

Your dermatologist may recommend minoxidil to stimulate hair follicles and supplements, such as vitamin D and biotin, to support new hair growth and strengthen brittle strands. 

4. Professional Dermatology Treatments

Treatments often include prescription medications and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which uses the growth factors in your blood to stimulate dormant hair follicles. If stress triggers an autoimmune reaction that causes baldness, your dermatologist may recommend corticosteroid injections to treat alopecia. 

Visit a scalp expert if you experience: 

• Persistent shedding for over three months
• Widening bald spots  
• Scalp inflammation, irritation, or severe dandruff
• Emotional distress about hair loss

A scalp expert will tailor the treatment to your specific needs and severity of hair loss.

Get Expert Help for Stress-Related Hair Loss in Northern Colorado

Hair loss doesn’t just affect your appearance — it can also take a toll on how you feel about yourself. Since stress can affect people of all ages, even younger people may experience hair loss as a result, which can be embarrassing. At Altitude Dermatology, we offer personalized hair restoration solutions designed to bring back your scalp’s health — and your confidence. We serve patients from Johnstown, Longmont and Fort Collins. Schedule an appointment today to explore the most effective treatment options for your hair loss.