The number one reason millennials are losing their hair is stress. However, stress can cause hair loss at any age. Three of the most prevalent types of hair loss associated with stress are telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania.
Telogen effluvium is when stress can force a larger than normal number of hair follicles into their resting phase, or telogen phase. It is normal to have about 30% of your follicles in this state. Sometimes during telogen effluvium, upwards of 50% or more of your hair can be in the telogen phase. Two to three months later that hair falls out. If you are losing more hair than normal, you might want to ask yourself: was there a stressful event 2 to 3 months prior?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder brought on by stress. This disorder signals the body’s immune system to attack the hair follicles. The body interprets the follicles and their hair as foreign bodies. This causes hair loss and hair thinning.
Trichotillomania is a compulsion to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows or other areas of your body. This is an emotional issue. It can be triggered by stress, tension, loneliness, isolation, boredom, or frustration.