Does hair turn white or fall out when someone is stressed?

While stress is often considered a contributing factor to hair turning white or falling out, scientific evidence does not support a direct causal relationship. Graying of hair is primarily determined by genetics and the natural aging process. Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can have several causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Stress can temporarily affect hair growth and even lead to temporary hair thinning or shedding. However, chronic or severe stress alone does not typically result in permanent hair loss or immediate graying.