Does Stress Cause Baldness?

In others, hair loss may be a reaction to severe psychological stress. This may happen one to three months after a stressful situation. So if you've been under too much pressure lately, don't be surprised if your hair falls out.

"The medical opinion concerning the role of emotional stress in balding is mixed. If stress does play a role, however, it's only at times of extreme emotional trauma," said Larry Hanover in FDA Consumer magazine.

If baldness takes the form of hairless patches that resemble a coin or larger, you probably have alopecia areata. This is characterized by circular bald patches and affects about 2 percent of the population. Its cause is unknown and it may involve the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or the whole body (alopecia universalis).

Fortunately, hair loss associated with any of the above conditions is temporary and will resolve in a few months. If the problem is due to an underlying disorder, see a doctor for the right treatment.

If hair loss is caused by certain drugs, discuss this with your physician so he or she can change your medicines. To prevent further problems, get enough exercise, learn to relax, eat a well-balanced diet and go easy on vitamin or herbal supplements. Above all, don't abuse your hair by giving it too much care.

Here are other practical tips from the Mayo Clinic:

How you shampoo, wash or brush your hair can also affect your hair. Hair is fragile when it's wet. Be gentle when you towel it dry and brush it after shampooing. The old rule of brushing your hair 100 times a day is a myth. It actually damages your hair.

Use a cream rinse or conditioner after shampooing to remove tangles and make hair more manageable.

If possible, let hair dry naturally in the air. If you're using a blower, make sure it's on a low setting and leave your hair slightly damp.

Use a wide-toothed comb with smooth tips to prevent hair breakage.

Protecting your hair from the sun can also keep it healthy. Try wearing a hat or a scarf, or stay in the shade. (Next: Causes of permanent baldness.)

Even if you don't have hair, you can still look good with Lumnaderm, a whitening cream that eliminates freckles, unsightly age spots, sun spots, blemishes and hyperpigmentation. When used as directed, Lumnaderm will balance uneven skin tones and illuminate your skin.