Hair Loss Awareness Month brought to you by Stitch Virgin Hair Boutique — where we honor, educate, and empower individuals navigating hair loss. Today, we're exploring a key but often overlooked cause of hair loss: stress.
How Stress Affects Your Hair
It's not just in your head — chronic stress really can cause hair to fall out. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), stress is linked to three major types of hair loss:
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Telogen Effluvium: The most common stress-related hair loss condition. Significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase, causing strands to fall out suddenly when combing or washing.
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Alopecia Areata: Severe stress can trigger the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss.
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Trichotillomania: This condition is a mental health disorder where individuals deal with stress or anxiety by pulling out their own hair.
These conditions can be temporary or long-term, depending on how quickly the source of stress is managed and how early treatment begins.
Real Stats: Hair Loss in the U.S.
Hair loss is more common than many people realize:
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An estimated 80 million Americans (50 million men and 30 million women) experience hereditary hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
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In a 2022 study by the Cleveland Clinic, more than 60% of Americans reported feeling more stressed than ever — and nearly 40% of women said they had experienced hair loss, often linked to stress.
- A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that pandemic-related stress led to a noticeable uptick in telogen effluvium cases in both men and women in the U.S.
These statistics underscore the growing need for awareness and support for those experiencing hair loss, especially when mental health and emotional well-being are involved.
Signs That Stress May Be Causing Your Hair Loss
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Sudden, diffuse shedding across the scalp (instead of thinning in just one area)
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Noticeable hair in your brush, shower drain, or on your pillow
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Increased scalp sensitivity or inflammation
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Patchy hair loss or bare spots (in the case of alopecia areata)
If you've noticed increased shedding in the weeks or months following a major life change — such as illness, loss, childbirth, or burnout — stress could be the root cause.
What You Can Do
Here’s how you can start taking back control:
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Manage stress: Incorporate self-care practices like mindfulness, exercise, therapy, and journaling.
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Support your scalp: Use gentle hair products and avoid tight hairstyles or harsh treatments.
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See a professional: A dermatologist or hair loss specialist can help determine if stress is the culprit and recommend treatments.
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Consider protective alternatives: Custom wigs, clip-ins, and bundles from Stitch Virgin Hair Boutique can support your confidence while your hair recovers.
You Are Not Alone
Hair loss caused by stress is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. At Stitch Virgin Hair Boutique, we’re here to help you understand the why — and discover the how when it comes to rebuilding your crown, your confidence, and your peace.
Stay tuned for our next blog in this series, where we’ll be breaking down hormonal causes of hair loss — including postpartum changes and thyroid imbalances.