Hair Shedding After Stress: Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It

Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower after a stressful period can feel alarming.

Why stress can affect hair shedding

Hair growth follows a natural cycle: growth, transition, resting, and shedding. Normally, some shedding every day is expected. However, after a significant stressor, the body may redirect energy away from non-essential functions such as hair growth. This can push a larger number of hairs into the resting phase at the same time.

The result is often noticeable shedding rather than patchy bald spots. Hair may come out more easily during washing, brushing, styling, or even when running your hands through your hair.

When should you seek professional help?

Consider booking an assessment if your shedding lasts longer than a few months, becomes heavier, is accompanied by scalp symptoms, occurs with visible thinning, or you are unsure what triggered it. You should also seek advice if you notice patchy hair loss, pain, scaling, redness, or sudden changes in hair density.

At Carmen Du Preez Trichology, we take a detailed approach to hair shedding by looking at your history, scalp health, lifestyle factors, and possible internal contributors.

If you are concerned about stress-related hair shedding, you can book a consultation through www.carmendupreeztrichology.com.

About the author

Written by: Carmen Du Preez, IAT Certified Trichologist.

Carmen Du Preez is a Perth-based Certified Trichologist and member of the International Association of Trichologists. She provides trichology consultations for hair loss, hair shedding, thinning hair, and scalp conditions at Carmen Du Preez Trichology in Trinity Arcade, Perth.

Last updated: 22 May 2026