Shamila Gupta Rawal, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon, specializes in the management of hair loss and rejuvenation of the face and neck at The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Rawal the only hair restoration surgeon providing comprehensive surgical and non-surgical treatment for all types of hair loss in Madison, Wisconsin, with an expansive patient base that travels in from coast-to-coast. Haute Beauty sits down with Dr. Shamila Rawal to discuss how to treat hair loss induced by stress. 

Photo Credit: ShutterstockStress-induced hair loss, commonly referred to in the medical field as telogen effluvium, is usually identified by hair loss at the top of the scalp. It is caused by the premature entry of hair follicles into their resting stage of the hair growth cycle due to stress on the body. This is often followed by shedding of the follicles, which can become noticeable about 3 months following the onset of your internal condition of stress. This process results in a lag between the onset of stress and the physical manifestation of large numbers of hair being shed. We normally lose up to 100 hairs daily, so when a large number of growing hairs switch to resting due to stress, it can be alarming. However, shedding is a sign of new hair growth, following the system shock your body can endure for a multitude of reasons that cause telogen effluvium.

Common factors that can contribute to this issue include surgery, childbirth, psychological stress, or illness. In some cases, intense efforts to improve physical health can cause bodily stress. When the body returns to its state of equilibrium, which can be done by relieving stress, your hair should start to grow in 3-6 months. In addition to eliminating stressors, treatments such as topical or oral minoxidil should help, as can low-level laser light therapy. It is also important to be aware of underlying health conditions that may be depleting your body’s stores of vital nutrients and iron.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Another treatment that is regularly inquired about is biotin, which can assist in regrowing and strengthening the hair follicles. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, can be found in foods such as eggs and milk. Its deficiency can contribute to hair loss, and many doctors will prescribe biotin supplementation as part of the treatment program. Dr. Rawal often recommends biotin-containing Nutrafol, which targets key factors that can shorten the growth phase, delay new growth, and cause new hair to grow thinner. As stress is one of the main causes of hair loss and thinning, Nutrafol can aid in the regeneration of hair that is lost due to telogen effluvium.

At The Rawal Institute for Hair Restoration and Aesthetic Medicine, we take your concerns very seriously and help you get to the root of your hair loss. A consultation with Dr. Rawal includes a comprehensive evaluation of your medical, surgical and social history, measurement of your internal state with laboratory tests, and microscopic examination of your scalp and hair follicles, followed by a customized treatment plan to help you get your hair back.