Hair loss linked to emotional shock is one of the most underestimated yet most common phenomena among women. Breakups, mental overload, prolonged anxiety, bereavement, moving house, pregnancy… The body interprets these events as a threat, and this is directly reflected in the scalp.

At HACT, we support thousands of women every day who are experiencing this type of hair loss. Understanding the mechanism allows us to take better action and alleviate the anxiety associated with hair loss.

 

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What is hair loss related to emotional shock?

This is a sudden, diffuse hair loss , without specific bald patches, which usually appears 2 to 4 months after the triggering event .
This delay is normal: the hair cycle always responds with a delay.

This type of hair loss is not hereditary and is usually temporary . However, if the contributing factors persist (prolonged stress, chronic anxiety, repeated trauma), it can become chronic.

 

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The mechanism: when the follicles switch to “survival” mode

Stress, whether sudden or chronic , leads to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone.
This cortisol then disrupts the balance of hormones involved in hair growth, such as estrogens and androgens.

Result :

• overproduction of DHT, a hormone that reduces follicle size,

• acceleration of the transition of hair into the telogen phase (shedding phase),

• slowdown in growth.

In other words, the follicles prematurely pause to allow the body to concentrate its energy on essential functions.
The consequence is a diffuse hair loss called telogen effluvium .

Note: Women leading stressful lives are 11 times more likely to suffer from hair loss.

 

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Sudden stress vs. chronic stress

1. Sudden stress (physical or emotional)

It triggers an acute telogen effluvium , usually visible 3 to 4 months after the event.

Common triggers :

• breakup or emotional shock

• grief

• moving

• childbirth

• job loss

• surgery, illness, hospitalization

Type of hair loss : diffuse, temporary, more visible in the shower or when brushing.

2. Chronic stress

It's the one that is repeated or that becomes part of daily life.

It causes a longer, sometimes cyclical , drop in performance because cortisol levels remain continuously elevated.
Without treatment, this type of effluvium can become recurrent.

 

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How to recognize a fall related to stress?

Here are the most common signs:

• diffuse hair loss (not a round patch like in alopecia)

• a peak in hair loss 3 to 4 months after an emotional shock

• thinner, less dense hair

• significant fatigue or persistent stress

• a greater drop in temperature during washing or drying

If you recognize this pattern, it is very likely that stress is the cause.

 

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The good news: this type of fall is reversible

Because the follicle is not dead , but simply blocked , it can restart if we:

1. Boosts microcirculation
   → massages, dermastamp, gentle techniques.

2. Reduces cortisol
   → breathing, gentle exercises, active breaks, restorative sleep.

3. Provides the right nutrients
   → densifiers, targeted vitamins, tailored treatments.

4. Re-establishes a regular and consistent hair care routine
   → This is what reactivates the growth cycle.

This is exactly the HACT approach: a complete protocol that acts on blood circulation , microneedling , redensifying treatments and precise gestures to restore a healthy hair cycle.

 

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How to soothe the fall linked to emotional shock?

Some suggestions recommended by our founders:

• Incorporate 5 minutes of breathing or heart coherence exercises per day

• Have a simple and repetitive hair care routine (the brain loves regularity)

• Get microneedling done once a week

• Avoid harsh shampoos

• Add digital breaks

• Opt for gentle exercises: stretching, yoga, Pilates.

• Don't leave the fall unanswered, to prevent it from becoming chronic.

→ Dermastamp No.1

→ Thickening Shampoo No. 1

→ Anti-Hair Loss Serum No. 1

 

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Stress — whether sudden or prolonged — can disrupt the hair cycle and cause diffuse hair loss 2 to 4 months later.
Good news: in most cases, this phenomenon is reversible , provided that growth cycles are restarted and cortisol levels are calmed.

At HACT, we see it every day: when you understand the cause, you regain control.