Could Changing Your Job Help Prevent Hair Loss?

Stress is ever-present in our daily lives we're all busier than ever before, with less time to relax and unwind. There is also a strong link between stress and hair loss from certain conditions.Work is the most common trigger for most people who suffer from stress. The latest estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) show that: 

• The total number of cases of stress in 2011/12 was 428,000 (40%) out of a total of 1,073,000 for all work-related illnesses


• The estimated cases of work-related stress, both total and new cases, have remained broadly flat over the past decade.


• The industries that reported the highest rates of total cases of work-related stress (three-year average) were human health and social work, education and public administration and defence

Could your stressful job be causing hair loss, and if so, what should you do about it?

Telogen Effluvium hair loss caused by stress

, a condition characterised by a sudden increase of shedding of the hair, can be brought on by severe stress. The hair follicles prematurely enter into the resting (telogen) phase, where they stay for around three months before being shed. Extreme stress and pressure at work can cause lack of sleep, which could also negatively impact hair.

By way of an example, pictured here is Miss Kalia who came to see us about her hair loss which was caused by a combination of Telogen Effluvium and Female Pattern Hair Loss. As you can see from these 'Before and During' treatment images, taken from her Hair Loss Success Story, we were able to assist her in arresting her hair loss and starting to regrow her hair using a comprehensive treatment course which included bespoke minoxidil preparations.

A new job?

For those who want a change of lifestyle, Careercast.com's list of the least stressful jobs of 2014 is a great place to start. Those who enjoy their work are less likely to be stressed and suffer from stress-related illness including hair loss.

However, it’s important to note that most cases of hair loss are genetic, not lifestyle-related. Just because you’re stressed and you’re experiencing hair loss doesn’t mean the two are linked: only a hair loss professional can tell you whether your hair loss is genetic or stress-related.

Minimising stress

If changing jobs isn't an option for you right now, there are other steps you can take to minimise stress and ensure optimal health for your hair, such as:

• Making sure you get seven to eight hours sleep a night as sleep deprivation is another form of stress


• Eating a healthy, varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and the necessary nutrients for healthy hair growth


• Switching off from technology in the evening and leaving work-related emails until the morning

Taking time to relax is vital, and can help to reduce your stress levels. If you're worried about hair loss, you should always contact a hair loss specialist, who can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a tailored hair loss treatment programme.

The Belgravia Centre

Browse our constantly updated collection of over 1,000 male and female patients’ progress images and feedback in our photographic Hair Loss Success Stories gallery. If you are worried about hair loss and would like to speak to one of our experts, call us now on 020 7730 6666 or send us a message to book your free, discreet one-on-one consultation at either of our Central London clinics. Alternatively, if you are unable to visit us, you can complete our Online Consultation Form instead.

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