The causes of hair loss are diverse. Both psychological and physical factors play a role here. Hair loss is often due to stress or depression. A vicious circle develops for those affected, since the changed appearance also affects their state of mind. But genetic hair loss can also affect the mental state.
This is how hair loss affects the psyche
Hair loss can lead to social phobia, depression, and persistent anxiety. Insomnia, exhaustion and mood swings are typical symptoms. Those affected are afraid of humiliation and negative judgment, they avoid social situations.
Physical appearance affects how you behave, feel, and think. Common consequences are feelings of inferiority, frustration, sadness, low self-esteem and even self-loathing. Instead of seeking advice and help, they withdraw more and more from society while their suffering increases.
What can sufferers do against hair loss?
There are various treatment options for hair loss. The type of hair loss and the cause are decisive. The chances of success are correspondingly different. The following methods are most commonly used.
hair transplant
In a hair transplant, hair is taken from other parts of the body (usually from the back of the head) and placed in the balding areas under local anesthesia. When inserting the hair, the size, density and direction of the hair must be taken into account.
The hair grows about nine to ten months after the transplant. After about a year, you can assess whether the treatment was successful. It is important to only have a hair transplant performed by an experienced professional. Those interested can find more Hair transplant info at Hairforlife.
Hair loss medication
Genetic hair loss is psychologically very stressful for those affected. Hair loss can often be treated with a minoxidil solution. The pharmacy-only product is intended to stimulate hair growth and counteract the progression of hair loss. Women are often prescribed antiandrogens by their doctor.
Anti-inflammatories such as cortisone are used for patchy hair loss. However, after treatment, hair loss progresses. Other treatment methods include light therapy or topical immunotherapy.
Meditation, yoga and relaxation exercises
Since hair loss and psyche are closely linked, they are also recommended for stress-related hair loss meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Stress management training is also helpful. This helps those affected to deal better with stressful situations. Relaxation techniques are also helpful for genetic hair loss.
psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can also help with hair loss. The treatment improves self-awareness and self-image, in addition to having a positive effect on certain hair loss treatments. For example, those affected who are aiming for a hair transplant should approach the project with realistic expectations. Psychotherapy performed before hair transplantation can have a positive impact on success in people with psychosomatic or psychological problems.
Anxiety, stress and depression as reasons for hair loss
Hair loss is in many cases due to genetic conditions. However, psychological reasons also play a major role. In order to better understand the interaction between hair loss and the psyche, it is important to know the three phases of hair growth.
- Anagen or growth phase: Within two to six years, hair grows by up to 0.3 millimeters a day. About 85 percent of hair is in the anagen phase.
- Catagen or transitional phase: Gradually, the hair separates from its hair roots. This process takes about two weeks. Up to three percent of the hair roots are in this phase.
- Telogen or resting phase: If the hair is no longer supplied with nutrients, it falls out. This process takes three to five months. After the end of the resting phase, the hair follicles become active again. Around 15 percent of the hair on your head is in the resting phase.
Anxiety and stress have a negative effect on hair growth. This is what a team of researchers at Harvard University found In a study out of here. It examined the effects of stress and anxiety on hair growth. In an experiment on mice, the researchers observed that stress levels increase cortisol levels and reduce hair growth due to a longer telogen phase.
In another study, the researchers came to the conclusion that working too long can promote hair loss. They attributed the process to stress-related hormones that cause the hair follicles to grow more slowly. Both studies concluded that stress is a key factor in hair loss.
Poor circulation in the scalp and inflammation
Psychological problems also lead to poor blood circulation in the scalp. As a result, the hair follicles are no longer adequately supplied with nutrients, which in turn promotes hair loss. In many cases, the hair becomes thinner, but there are no bald spots on the head.
Inflammatory reactions can also promote hair loss. To explain: A network of nerve fibers surrounds each hair follicle. Stress can affect the frequency of contacts between mast cells and nerve fibers and the number of nerve fibers. Dr. Eva Peters in a case study point out The process leads to inflammatory reactions and hair loss.
Note: A healthy person loses 60 to 100 hairs a day. Anyone who loses more than 100 hairs a day over a longer period of time suffers from hair loss.
Conclusion: Psyche plays a major role in hair loss
Regardless of whether the hair loss is genetic or stress is the cause - the psyche always plays a major role in hair loss. Everyone knows how important a healthy psyche is: It helps to achieve personal and professional acceptance, increase mental and physical performance, prevent pain and cramps, improve success at work and much more. In short, mental well-being is closely related to physical health.
Psychological therapy can strengthen the self-confidence and self-image of those affected and also have a positive effect on the success of other treatments such as hair transplants. If you want to take measures against hair loss, you should therefore inform yourself thoroughly about all methods and possibilities in advance.
06.07.2023