Your Hair is Stressed

By now, we all know that stress is bad for our general health, but do you know that stress is also directly related to the health of your hair as well?

Stress causes the body to produce a hormone called cortisol, which can affect nearly every part of your body. When you're under prolonged stress, cortisol levels can rise and negatively impact your hair. It can decrease hair production, increase the breakdown of essential skin/scalp elements, and even cause inflammation throughout your body - which can lead to more health problems down the road.

Stress is the number one inducer of excessive shedding in women. It doesn’t just trigger hair fall; it can accelerate hair loss conditions you may already have, and in some cases, lead to permanent hair damage.

3 Ways Stress Effects Hair Loss

1. Causing Telogen Effluvium (TE) - One common type of hair loss related to stress is Telogen Effluvium, which causes excessive shedding of hair. This condition is often triggered by stress and is more commonly seen in women. Stress can be either short-term (acute), long-term (chronic), or caused by hormonal changes. When it is the primary cause, we typically see a disruption in the hair cycle: shorter hairs being shed and/or sudden bursts of shedding with little re-growth. These effects often show up 6–12 weeks after a stressful event.

2. Worsening Existing Hair Loss - If you're already dealing with Alopecia Areata or Androgenic Alopecia (genetic or hormonal hair loss), stress can make these conditions worse. For example, stress can cause small patches of hair loss in Alopecia Areata to grow larger or take longer to regrow. With Androgenic Alopecia, stress can speed up hair thinning or cause it to progress faster than it otherwise would.

3. The Stress/Hair Loss Cycle - Losing your hair can be a major source of stress, particularly for women. Unfortunately, this can create a vicious cycle where the stress from hair loss causes even more hair loss, which leads to even more stress. Breaking this cycle can be one of the toughest parts of dealing with hair loss.

Managing Stress to Support Hair Growth

I work with my clients to help them manage stress because it has such a significant impact on hair health. Reducing stress can improve your hair's chances of regrowth and help you feel more in control of the process. Here are my top recommendations for managing stress:

1. Create a Treatment Plan That Fits Your Life - The treatment plan for hair regrowth should never add more stress to your life. In fact, it should help you feel more in control and give you hope for the future. I work with you to design a plan that works for you and your lifestyle.

2. Use Stress-Reducing Supplements - Adaptogens are natural supplements that can help your body better manage stress. These can counteract the negative effects of cortisol, including its impact on your hair health. Some of my go-tos include:

• Reishi – Supports the immune system, improves sleep, and reduces fatigue.

  • I personally recommend True Grace Reishi or Ancient Nutrition Multi Mushroom, a convenient blend that includes reishi.

• Ashwagandha – Can help reduce anxiety and depression.

  • I recommend this Nordic Natural Ashwagandha supplement, as well as this Ancient Nutrition Stress Adaptogen, which combines both reishi and ashwagandha for added benefits.

• L-Theanine – Found naturally in green tea. Helps lower blood pressure from stress, supports mood, and improves sleep. (Should not be used longer than 8 weeks consistently.)

  • I like this one from Pure Encapsulations.

• Ginseng – Helps combat fatigue.

• Tulsi/Holy Basil – Boosts focus, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the immune system.

  
  

  Important: Adaptogens can interact with medications, so always consult your doctor before beginning any new supplements.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude - We live in a fast-paced world, where many of us, especially women, are constantly focused on the next goal. We rarely take the time to pause and appreciate what we've already accomplished. Studies show that taking just two minutes a day to reflect on what you have and how far you've come can lower cortisol levels and help calm your nervous system.

4. Prioritize Restorative Sleep - Stress and poor sleep often go hand in hand, and both can negatively impact your hair. When you're not getting enough quality sleep, your body doesn’t have the opportunity to properly repair and regulate hormones like cortisol. This can throw off your hair growth cycle and increase shedding. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screen time at night, and creating a calm sleep environment can all help your body (and your hair) recover.

5. Deep Belly Breathing Before Bed - Slow, deep breathing before bed can have an immediate calming effect on your body and mind. It helps reduce stress and improve sleep, which is crucial for overall health—and for healthy hair growth.

6. Incorporate HeartMath into Your Routine - HeartMath is a science-based method for reducing stress and improving mental, physical, and emotional health. It uses breathing techniques to help balance your nervous system. This approach is used by the U.S. military and many large companies to promote better performance and health.

I offer personalized HeartMath coaching sessions to help you integrate these techniques into your daily life. Reach out if you’re curious about how it could support you.

Managing stress is key to improving your hair health. By acknowledging the link between stress and hair loss and adopting strategies to reduce stress, you can give your hair the best chance to grow back and thrive. If you’re struggling with hair loss, remember, you’re not alone. There are solutions, and taking control of your stress can make a world of difference.

Your Trichologist,

Cali

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