Stress can affect more than just how you feel. For some people, periods of significant physical or emotional stress may also be followed by increased hair shedding.

You may notice more hair in the shower, on your pillow, in your brush, or when running your fingers through your hair. Sometimes this happens weeks or even months after a stressful event.

At Robin Hair Specialist in Downtown Vancouver, we often meet clients who are worried because their hair suddenly feels thinner or less full than before.

How Can Stress Affect Hair?

Hair naturally goes through different growth and resting phases.

Significant stress, illness, major lifestyle changes or other events can sometimes cause more hairs than usual to enter the resting phase. Increased shedding may then become noticeable later.

However, stress is only one possible cause of hair shedding, so it is important not to assume that stress is always responsible.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Increased Shedding

You may notice:

• More hair in the shower
• Extra hair in your brush
• A smaller-feeling ponytail
• Less overall volume
• More hair coming out while washing
• Increased shedding throughout the scalp

Hair Shedding vs Hair Breakage

Hair shedding and breakage are different.

Shedding usually involves a full strand coming away from the scalp.

Breakage happens when the strand snaps somewhere through the length.

Bleaching, excessive heat styling and repeated chemical services can make hair fragile and increase breakage, which may make the hair look thinner even when the issue is not coming from the scalp.

Can Hair Colour or Bleach Make It Worse?

Chemical services do not necessarily cause stress-related shedding, but damaged hair may be more likely to break.

If your hair already feels fragile, gummy, overly stretchy or breaks easily, it may be better to assess its condition before another major bleaching or chemical service.

Sometimes giving the hair more recovery time is the safer option.

Can a Haircut Help?

A haircut cannot stop shedding from the scalp, but it can improve the appearance of thin or damaged ends.

Removing weak or sparse ends can create a stronger-looking shape and may make the hair appear fuller overall.

The haircut should be customized to your current density, texture and desired style.

How Can You Care for Your Hair During Increased Shedding?

Treat the hair gently.

Avoid aggressive brushing, very tight hairstyles and unnecessary high heat. Use conditioner to make detangling easier and reduce pulling on fragile strands.

If your hair has been chemically treated, try to avoid unnecessary overlapping bleach or repeated chemical stress.

When Should You Speak With a Healthcare Professional?

A hairstylist cannot diagnose the cause of hair loss.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you notice sudden or severe shedding, bald patches, significant widening of the part, scalp pain or inflammation, or shedding that continues for a prolonged period.

A healthcare professional can help investigate possible underlying causes.

How Can Your Hairstylist Help?

At Robin Hair Specialist, we can assess the visible condition of your hair, including breakage, damaged ends, previous chemical services and overall density.

We can then recommend suitable haircut, colour and styling options while keeping the current condition of your hair in mind.

Concerned About Your Hair?

If your hair feels thinner, weaker or more fragile than before, book a consultation at Robin Hair Specialist in Downtown Vancouver so we can assess the visible condition of your hair and discuss suitable salon options.