How to Prevent Hair Loss Caused by Stress

Believe it or not, stress can pay a toll on more than your mind. When a person is constantly stressed--over both large and small things--the body begins to react. The immune system weakens and fatigue can be overwhelming. And if that were not scary enough, it is possible for hair to thin and fall out across the entire scalp. Follicle.com says that sudden hair loss onset by stress is medically referred to as Telogen Effluvium and is characterized by hair follicles that prematurely stop growing or enter a "resting phase" that can last up to three months. It may take six to 12 months to reverse hair loss caused by stress, but it is possible to correct the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Water
• Exercise
• Medicine

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Instructions

• 1

  Remain calm. According to Dr. Michelle Pelle at CoolNurse.com, who works in the Division of Dermatology at the University of California, one of the worse things you can do when losing hair is to stress about it. That will only exacerbate the problem. So if you notice excess hair on your brush or a large clump in the shower drain, stay calm and know that there are ways to treat stress-related hair loss.

• 2

  Take care of your body. Make sure that you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals you need, drink plenty of water, and exercise often. These things are the foundation of a good, healthy body. When your body has all the nutrients it needs it will be more likely to function properly, thus relieving the problems with hair loss. Exercise also releases endorphins which can improve your mood.

• 3

  Figure out what is causing you stress and work to minimize that stress. If you recently had surgery or became a mother, it is likely that those are the causes. If your job or family life is taking a toll on your well-being, determine ways to lessen that stress. Many things can cause stress, from severe trauma to a declining relationship.

• 4

  Take medicine prescribed by your dermatologist. If you do not have a dermatologist, search for one that has experience in hair loss. Your doctor will perform a series of tests to determine what could be causing the hair loss, including low levels of iron, abnormal hormone levels, or thyroid function. Once the dermatologist knows what is happening inside your body, they will prescribe medicine according to your situation.