In the fast-paced world we live in, stress has become an almost inevitable part of our lives. While we often associate stress with its impact on our mental well-being, it's important to recognize its profound influence on our physical health, including our hair.
The connection between stress and hair health is a significant one, as heightened stress levels can contribute to hair thinning and loss. In this article, we'll explore the role of stress in hair health, understand how stress affects our hair, and discuss effective strategies to manage stress for stronger, fuller locks.
Stress and hair loss are intertwined, and once you understand the connection, you can work on reducing your stress and achieving happier, healthier hair.
Stress triggers a physiological response known as the "fight or flight" response, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol into our bloodstream. When stress becomes chronic, these hormones can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, pushing hair follicles prematurely into the resting phase (telogen) and ultimately leading to hair shedding and thinning. This condition is known as telogen effluvium. Understanding this connection is the first step toward addressing stress-related hair concerns.
Stress can cause hair loss, but what’s the science behind it?
Does stress cause hair loss?
Yes.
But the condition, called “telogen effluvium,” is a reversible condition caused by stress that disrupts the natural hair growth cycle. During the anagen (growth) phase, hair strands are actively growing. In the telogen phase, they rest before eventually falling out to make room for new hair. Chronic stress can lead to a larger number of hair follicles entering the telogen phase simultaneously, resulting in noticeable hair shedding and a decrease in hair density.
Once you notice the signs and symptoms of stress-induced hair loss, you can begin working to relieve them.
You can also start to improve your hair care routine with rice water hair care products or one of our bundles.
Stress and hair loss are linked through telogen effluvium, which causes hair loss, but there are acute and chronic versions of telogen effluvium.
What’s the difference?
Note: Telogen effluvium is different than alopecia and stress. Alopecia can come in many forms, with alopecia areata being a disease that impacts your hair follicles and androgenic alopecia being considered male or female pattern baldness.
Symptoms of stress hair loss are obvious:
One thing that is misunderstood and so important is that people with telogen effluvium still have healthy scalps. If you have a rash on your scalp, it burns, itches or flakes, your hair loss is likely not linked to stress.
Does stress cause hair loss? Yes, and if you want to reduce your stress, you’ll need to make some mindful lifestyle changes, such as:
Your diet is crucial to your overall health and well-being. If you want to reduce stress, start with a healthy diet.
Stress and hair loss are interconnected, but your diet may also be part of the problem. If you’re stressed, you may not be eating well, and the unhealthy foods you eat can exacerbate stress, creating a vicious cycle.
The great news is that you can also use your diet to break that cycle.
Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to stress, anxiety, irritability, depression and hair loss. The cells in your hair follicles are among the most rapidly dividing in your body, so nutrient deficiencies can lead to hair fall and poor growth.
Some of the most common deficiencies that can contribute to stress and hair loss include:
These are the most common nutrient deficiencies related to stress and hair loss, but other nutrients – like vitamin B12, copper, biotin, riboflavin and folate – can also contribute to both stress and hair loss.
A quality multivitamin may help address minor deficiencies, but consider getting a nutrient deficiency test from your doctor to see if further supplementation is needed.
Protein is essential to hair growth. If you’re not consuming enough of it, you may experience stress and hair fall.
Hair is very sensitive to deficiencies in both calories and protein. So, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t eat when they’re stressed or eats less protein during stressful periods, this may be why you’re experiencing stress balding.
Focus on consuming enough food and enough protein to encourage regrowth and a more balanced state of mind.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help lower stress hormones and promote relaxation. Dedicate a few minutes each day to deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to create a sense of calm and reduce stress's impact on your hair.
Engaging in regular physical activity not only benefits your body but also has a positive impact on your mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that counteract the effects of stress.
Proper nutrition is crucial for both hair health and stress management. Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can support hair growth and reduce the impact of stress on your hair.
Prioritize quality sleep to allow your body to recover from the day's stressors. Sleep is essential for cellular repair and growth, which includes the hair follicles.
Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, whether it's reading, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies. These activities can help shift your focus away from stressors and promote overall well-being.
Yoga can help alleviate stress, and that alone can help kickstart your hair growth. But there are also certain poses you can focus on to promote scalp and hair health, including:
All of these poses encourage blood flow to the scalp, which can help promote hair growth. At the same time, yoga will help you de-stress.
The simple act of breathing can help with stress management. Practicing breathing exercises will help you not only feel better but also promote hair regrowth.
Breathing exercises lower your heart rate, improve sleep and alleviate stress – all of which can help promote healthy hair growth.
If stress continues to take a toll on your hair health, consider seeking support from a healthcare professional or therapist. They can provide guidance on managing stress and offer coping strategies tailored to your needs.
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