Stress is something we all face and succumbing to it from time to time is an evitable, and important part of life. But while some stress is good to help regulate our metabolism and nervous systems and provide motivation and focus, when stress becomes chronic in its pervasiveness, it becomes problematic. While we’re all familiar with the symptoms of stress on the skin–think breakouts and inflammation–or on our bodies in general (think broken sleep and poor dietary choices) the impact of stress on our hair is less well known. As someone who has experienced postpartum hair loss and stress-induced hair loss, I can confirm the latter was infinitely harder to deal with.
“Elevated cortisol levels can significantly affect both the hair growth cycle and the scalp environment,” explains Dr Aamna Adel, consultant dermatologist and founder of Rhute haircare. “It can also contribute to scalp inflammation, oil imbalance, irritation, and sensitivity, creating a less optimal environment for healthy hair growth.”
How stress disrupts the hair growth cycle
© Julien L. BalmerTo understand how stress affects hair’s basic growth function, it’s important to understand how the hair cycle works; something even I as a beauty journalist wasn’t familiar with until I needed to be. Hair has a programmed life cycle that starts with a growth phase, is followed by a rest phase and finally ends in a shedding phase. These three phases are anagen, catagen and telogen while exogen is the final, shedding phase. The anagen phase is the most active of these and is when new cells are formed in the root of the hair. In general, hair grows around half an inch a month although this depends on lots of things including ethnicity, medication and general health.
Why hair loss appears after a stressful event
According to research by the Harley Street hair Transplant Clinic, over 15 million adults in the UK suffer from some form of hair loss or thinning. Reassuring to know that at least I’m far from alone. While it’s normal to lose anywhere between about 80 to 100 hairs a day, excessive hair loss may be a sign that something is wrong, and that the growth cycle has been impacted causing the shedding phase to be triggered prematurely. “Hair follicles are highly sensitive to physiological changes, and chronic stress can push a greater number of follicles from the active growth phase (anagen) into the resting phase (telogen), ultimately leading to increased shedding,” adds clinical trichologist Kate Holden.
And while the second biggest cause of hair shedding after genetics is stress, because of the length of time it can take for hair to react–anywhere between three and six months–we are often unaware of the link between the two. “Stress-related shedding doesn't happen immediately,” explains Holden. “There is often a delay of around two to three months after the stressful event before increased hair loss becomes noticeable. This delayed response can make it difficult for people to connect the hair shedding to the original trigger.”
The signs your hair loss could be stress related
Similarly to how stress manifests on the skin, there are signs to watch out for. “Common signs include increased shedding during washing or brushing, more hair on pillows or clothing, a visibly wider parting, reduced volume, or a thinner ponytail,” says Adel, who also notes the importance of good scalp health in stress-induced cases. “Unlike some other forms of hair loss, stress-induced shedding tends to be diffuse across the scalp rather than concentrated in specific areas,” adds Adel.
© Sergey FilimonovFor me, because I anticipated some postpartum hair loss it felt easier to deal with and I always felt like an end to it was in sight. Stress-induced hair shedding on the other hand, crept upon me stealthily and left me reeling. Thanks to the intense psychological relationship we have with our hair, changes in its density or noticeable shedding can have a profound effect on our emotional health, which in turn can exacerbate the stress we’re under, perpetuating a vicious cycle of stress and hair loss. At first my experience was just a few more hairs coming out in my hand when I ran my fingers through it, but before long it was enough to completely clog up the bristles of a hairbrush and a ponytail that felt noticeably thinner and more fragile.
Can hair loss be reversed?
Thankfully, stress-related hair loss is usually temporary and reacts well to lifestyle changes. Something which I can attest to. While the initial stages feel hopeless, it helps to remember that in the majority of cases things will get back to normal once you’re able to address the underlying issues. “In the vast majority of cases stress-induced hair loss is temporary and reversible,” reassures Holden. “Once the underlying trigger is addressed and the body regains balance, the hair growth cycle generally normalises.”
As well as reducing your stress levels (easier said than done but crucial), nutrition plays a large part. After speaking with experts, I overhauled my frankly too-large supplement stash and focused right down on the things that would specifically help with hair growth, like biotin and zinc. I also committed to a dedicated scalp routine and did everything I could to create a healthy environment for growth. I’ll be honest, it took a while (as with most things) but as soon as I saw the wisps of new growth, I could have cried (and probably did). “Ensure adequate protein intake and correct any deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, zinc, and B12,” advises Adel. “Gentle scalp care, treating any scalp inflammation, minimising excessive heat styling, and maintaining good sleep quality can all support recovery. Addressing overall health is just as important as managing the stress itself.”
How to support healthy hair growth
When it comes to implementing changes in your haircare and styling regime, there’s lots that can be done. Often overlooked when it comes to haircare, and indeed hair loss and the visible shedding, a healthy, balanced scalp is essential for healthy hair growth, so making sure your scalp health is optimal will go a long way to fostering healthier hair.
Many experts advise steering clear of sodium laurel sulphates (SLS) in your hair care formulas to avoid irritating the hair follicles and aggravating already-compromised strands. Instead opt for gentle, scalp-supporting formulas and think about incorporating evidence-based hair growth treatments. There’s also plenty you can do to create the illusion of fullness and thickness while you’re addressing the root cause; think volumising styling products and strategic haircuts to create the appearance of fullness. As for my hair growth journey, I’m happy to report that things are now back on track and my ponytail is looking healthy again. That said, knowing how easy it was for stress to derail my hair growth, I am more mindful about my stress levels and work harder to keep them in check. Stress-induced breakouts and blemishes are one thing but thinning hair and broken strands? No thanks.
The best products to support stress-related hair loss
Rhute The Density Rhutine, £105
Everything you need to encourage healthier hair growth, including a pre-wash oil and a dermastamp a microneedle-type device which stimulates follicles and enhances product absorption. Regular use is the key to getting results so try to be as consistent as you can.
Nanogen Hair Growth Factor Serum, £29.95
Formulated to support the scalp environment and encourage healthier hair growth thanks to a combination of peptides, pea sprout extract and Larix europaea bark extract. Think of it like a green juice for your hair.
Vichy Dercos Anti-Hair Loss Aminixel Clinical Regen Serum, £47
A lightweight serum that won’t weigh the hair down but is designed to strengthen and thicken fragile hair and look after your scalp health too. Apply generously on towel-dried hair and massage in.
Monpure Hair Longevity Supplement, £55
A blend of 12 bioavailable vitamins and minerals including biotin, niacin, vitamin D, and zinc to support thicker, fuller and stronger-looking hair. Healthier hair starts within.
In addition to encouraging keratin formation, this daily capsule contains adaptogens to help your body adapt to stress and mitigate hair loss and thinning. A great preventative option as well as an impression solution.
Nature of Things Sea Moss & Plum Oil Volumising Shampoo, £69
This treatment shampoo is formulated with plum oil to repair the hair fibre, rosemary oil to minimise hair breakage and an antioxidant complex to the protective scalp barrier. If the promise of thicker, healthier hair isn’t alluring enough, the scent is next level and will elevate your morning shower in an instant.
Beauty Pie Stronger, Shinier Hair Conditioner, £25
Shine enhancing actives contribute to glossier strands while pea protein and amino acids boost moisture, smooth and strengthen. One of those products that really does what it says on the tin.
