The impact of stress on hair loss - How to cope with it?

24.02.2025

The impact of stress on hair loss - How to deal with it?

In today's world, more and more people are struggling with chronic stress, which has become an inseparable part of our lives. The fast pace, daily responsibilities, and pressure associated with social and professional expectations make it difficult for us to fully relax. Unfortunately, its impact on our body is profound and multifaceted – it can not only disrupt our mental balance, but also affect our appearance, including the health of our skin and hair.

Stress and hair loss – why does it happen?

Stress, being the body's reaction to overload and tension, leads to the overproduction of neurohormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters, which have a direct effect on our body. The most important hormones released in response to stress are:

  • Cortisol
  • Prolactin
  • Neuropeptide P

Each of them can cause hair to accelerate its transition from the growth phase (anagen) to the resting phase (telogen), resulting in hair loss. They act destructively on hair follicles, weakening the hair's structure and inhibiting its growth.

How long after stress does hair fall out?

Many people wonder when they will notice the effects of stress on their hairstyle. Typically, hair loss related to stress can appear after 2-3 months after a significant stressful event. This is a result of telogen hair loss (telogen effluvium), which is a sudden transition of a large number of hairs into the resting phase.

How to prevent hair loss caused by stress?

The good news is that hair loss related to stress is usually reversible! Here are some effective ways to prevent it:

1. Stress management

Sounds trivial? Maybe it does, but it’s foundational. Introducing relaxation techniques into your daily routine can significantly help:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Deep breathing
  • Regular walks outdoors

2. Healthy diet supporting hair growth

What we eat is crucial for the condition of our hair. It’s worth taking care of:

  • iron (found in red meat, spinach, lentils)
  • Biotin (eggs, nuts, avocados)
  • Zinc and selenium (Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, seafood)
  • B vitamins (whole grain products, bananas, nuts)

3. Supplementation

If you cannot provide your body with the appropriate nutrients from your diet, it is worth considering supplements that support hair health. You will find products on the market with biotin, collagen, zinc, or horsetail extract.

4. Proper hair care

Avoid aggressive treatments such as:

  • Tight hairstyles
  • Daily use of straighteners or curling irons
  • Excessive brushing
  • Aggressive shampoos with sulfates

Instead, opt for gentle products, natural oils (e.g., castor oil, coconut oil), and treatments that stimulate hair growth.

5. Sleep and recovery

A lack of sleep exacerbates stress and disrupts the body's regenerative processes. Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day and avoid exposure to the phone or laptop screen before bedtime.

Can stress-related hair loss be permanent?

For most people, the answer is no! Telogen hair loss is reversible and the body returns to normal after a few months. However, if the stress is chronic and accompanied by, for example, androgenetic alopecia, there may be permanent hair loss. This is why it is crucial to take appropriate actions as soon as possible!

Summary

Stress can have a significant impact on the health of our hair, but there are many ways to counteract it. The key is stress management, a proper diet, supplementation, and appropriate care. Remember that your mental and physical health are closely interconnected – take care of them, and your hair will thank you for it!