"I've been losing my hair since I went through a difficult time": this is one of the most common observations heard in consultations. The link between stress and hair loss is real and well documented, but it works with a delay that often comes as a surprise.
Telogen Effluvium: The Main Mechanism
An intense physical or emotional shock (bereavement, surgery, infection, a prolonged period of overwork) can push an abnormally high number of follicles from the growth phase into the resting phase. This is called telogen effluvium. The key point: visible shedding usually only appears 2 to 3 months after the triggering event, which makes the cause hard to identify at the time.
Alopecia Areata: A Different Mechanism
Stress can also trigger or worsen alopecia areata, a patchy, localised form of hair loss with an autoimmune origin. Unlike telogen effluvium, which is diffuse, alopecia areata shows up as clearly defined patches and requires a dermatologist's opinion.
Why Stress Affects the Follicle
Chronic stress increases cortisol production, disrupts sleep, and can indirectly affect nutritional balance (changes in appetite, digestive upset). The hair follicle, a tissue highly sensitive to changes in the body, bears the consequences with this characteristic delay of a few months.
What to Do
- Try to identify the triggering event from the past two to three months.
- Work on sleep and stress-management techniques (breathing exercises, regular physical activity).
- Support your body with an adequate diet and, if needed, targeted intake of nutrients involved in hair growth.
- Be patient: a simple telogen effluvium usually resolves on its own within a few months, once the underlying cause is addressed.
If the shedding persists beyond six months or comes with other symptoms, a medical opinion can rule out other causes and help tailor your care.
Alongside good stress management, regularly massaging the scalp with Activ Hair Oil helps stimulate microcirculation. Our hair diagnostic can also help you take stock.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If in doubt, consult a doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist.