How Stress Causes Hair Loss: What Every Woman Should Know

Josie Larsson
May 20
4 min read

May 20, 2025

JL Wig Consulting

Stress doesn’t just take a toll on your mental and emotional health, it can also show up on your scalp. At JL Wig Consulting, we regularly work with women across Utah who are experiencing sudden or unexplained hair loss, only to discover that stress is the root cause.

If you’re noticing increased shedding, bald patches, or a compulsive urge to pull your hair out, it could be linked to one of several stress-related hair loss conditions: Telogen Effluvium, Alopecia Areata, or Trichotillomania.

Let’s break down each one and what you can do if you're experiencing it.

1. Telogen Effluvium: When Stress Pushes Hair Into the Shedding Phase

What It Is:

Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition where stress prematurely forces hair follicles into the "telogen" (resting) phase. After a few months, those hairs fall out all at once, leading to sudden, diffuse shedding all over your scalp.

Common Triggers:

Major life events (loss of a loved one, divorce, job loss)
Childbirth or surgery
Illness or crash dieting
Emotional burnout

Signs You Might Have It:

Noticeable thinning all over the scalp
Hair coming out in large amounts in the shower or on your pillow
No visible bald spots, just overall volume loss

Why It’s So Common in Women:

Women are especially vulnerable to telogen effluvium because of the many physical and emotional stressors they often experience throughout life. Hormonal changes from childbirth, perimenopause, or birth control can all trigger this type of hair loss. Emotional stress from work, family demands, relationship struggles, or major life transitions can push the body into a state of imbalance, causing the hair to shed in noticeable amounts.

Because women often tie their identity and confidence to their hair, the emotional weight of hair loss can create a stress-hair loss cycle where stress leads to shedding, and the shedding causes even more stress. It’s a frustrating and deeply personal experience, but it’s also one that many women silently go through—and you are not alone.

2. Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Response Triggered by Stress

What It Is:

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in small, round patches. While the exact cause is unknown, stress is known to trigger or worsen the condition.

Signs You Might Have It:

Circular bald spots (anywhere on the scalp or body)
Smooth, hairless patches without irritation
Hair regrowth that may fall out again

Important Note:

This is not caused by stress alone, but stress is often the trigger that flips the switch, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to autoimmune issues.

3. Trichotillomania: When Stress Leads to Hair-Pulling

What It Is:

Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder where a person feels the urge to pull out their own hair, often as a way to cope with stress or anxiety. This can lead to visible bald spots, scalp damage, and shame or isolation.

Signs You Might Have It:

Patches of broken or missing hair
A habit of pulling hair during times of stress, boredom, or anxiety
Relief or gratification after pulling, followed by guilt or embarrassment

Often Underdiagnosed:

Women often suffer in silence, but help and support are available, and you are not alone.

A Message From The Wig Expert:

"Stress-related hair loss has been a part of my hair loss journey for years. Before I lost hair from COVID, I frequently experienced stress-induced telogen effluvium. Since I was in jr. high school, I also experienced flare-ups of alopecia areata, resulting in the loss of my eyelashes. I often wonder if my alopecia areata is actually trichotillomania. Alternative hair pieces and fake eyelashes help me break the stress-hair loss cycle." - Josie

What You Can Do About Stress-Related Hair Loss

1. See a Specialist

Consult a dermatologist or trichologist to rule out other causes and get a formal diagnosis. Early intervention is key.

2. Address the Stress

Consider therapy, mindfulness practices, medication, or lifestyle adjustments to reduce your stress load. Even small changes like walking, prayer, or reducing commitments can help.

3. Explore Hair Replacement Options

If your hair loss is visible or affecting your confidence, a natural-looking human hair wig or topper can be a game-changer. At JL Wig Consulting, we specialize in helping women find a solution that looks and feels like their real hair—no pressure, no judgment.

4. Be Kind to Yourself

Hair loss is deeply personal and emotionally challenging, especially when it’s connected to stress. Give yourself grace and remember: hair loss doesn’t define your worth.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re going through telogen effluvium, struggling with alopecia areata, or quietly battling trichotillomania, you’re not alone. Stress-related hair loss is more common than you think, and there are compassionate solutions available.

If you’re in Utah and looking for expert guidance on wigs, toppers, or how to navigate hair loss, JL Wig Consulting is here to help you every step of the way.

Need Help?

Book a consultation today to explore realistic, beautiful hair replacement options that restore your confidence and let you feel like yourself again.