How to Reduce Stress That Causes Hair Loss and Bad Hair

Severe or prolonged stress can cause hair loss. Physical stress--for example, surgery or illness--or emotional stress, such as death in the family, can cause hair to fall out in clumps and leave patchy bald spots. As a coping mechanism, the body redirects energy from hair growth to repairing other body processes and the hair enters a dormant phase. Hair loss will usually begin about 2 months after the stressful incident and will begin to regrow in 6 to 12 months. Treatment is usually unnecessary, but stress management is recommended.

Instructions

Manage Stressors

• 1

  Recognize the cause of stress in your life. Keep a journal and note when you feel stressed. Try to avoid situations and people who cause you stress, if possible.

• 2

  Learn to say "no." Recognize you cannot do everything yourself and ask for help.

• 3

  Adjust your expectations. Everything you do does not have to be perfect.

• 4

  Take time for yourself. Find a balance between work and leisure time. Take time away from caretaking duties to take care of yourself.

Eliminate Unhealthy Coping Behaviors

• 5

  Smoking, drinking, drugs, over- and under-eating, emotional withdrawal and aggressiveness are destructive behaviors often used to manage stress but they only contribute to the problem.

• 6

  Reduce caffeine intake. Excessive caffeine can cause a stress response in the body.

• 7

  Cut back on overtime. Working longer hours may be necessary on occasion, but chronic overwork only contributes to your stress level.

Adopt Healthy Techniques

• 8

  Exercise regularly. Physical exertion is an effective way to relieve stress.

• 9

  Be sure to get plenty of sleep. Sleep rejuvenates your body and improves its ability to cope.

• 10

  Laugh more. Humor naturally releases pressure.

• 11

  Meditate. Setting aside time to clear your mind will relax and refresh you.

• 12

  Lean on friends and family. A strong support system will boost you emotionally.