Hair can reveal a lot about our inner health, especially when stress rears its ugly head! These days, stress is a part of everyday life. Around 8 out of 10 French people report having experienced stress during the year, according to the French Observatory of Stress and Anxiety. But what is the real connection between stress and hair loss? Can our emotions affect our hair? Discover the impact of hormones and our moods on our locks to understand what our hair says about our well-being.
The link between stress and hair loss
When stress begins to take hold, the adrenal glands produce the stress hormone cortisol . This hormone, which originates in the adrenal glands located above the kidneys, plays a crucial role in the body, providing energy and regulating immune responses when we are under stress. However, production can become excessive when we are overstressed, directly or indirectly impacting our well-being. Indeed, excessive stress can disrupt our metabolism, hinder weight loss, impair our sleep, and even impede the hair growth cycle!
Yes, stress and hair loss are linked because this emotion impacts the natural growth cycle of our hair. This cycle consists of three distinct phases: the growth phase ( anagen ), the transition phase ( catagen ), and the resting phase ( telogen ). Due to stress, a large number of hairs enter a resting phase, which slows their growth. At the end of the telogen phase, the hairs fall out, resulting in more significant temporary shedding.
But that's not all! Stress can also restrict blood flow to the scalp, hindering the delivery of essential nutrients to the hair follicles. The result? Hair weakens, making it more prone to breakage and loss.
However, it's important to keep in mind that the relationship between stress and hair loss varies considerably from person to person. A variety of causes, including genetics, health conditions, and other environmental factors, can be responsible for hair loss. For example, people with a genetic predisposition to androgenetic alopecia are more likely to be affected by the effects of stress on hair loss. Furthermore, the hair's response to stress can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, hair care, lifestyle habits, and certain medical conditions.
Learn more about hair loss in this article: Hair loss, when should you worry >
Is stress responsible for alopecia areata?
In some cases, stress can trigger specific hair problems, such as alopecia areata. This type of alopecia is characterized by localized hair loss on the scalp in the form of small, round patches. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, disrupting the hair growth cycle.
Although the exact link between alopecia areata and stress is not fully established scientifically, studies suggest a potential correlation. Periods of intense stress, particularly after traumatic events or prolonged periods of emotional strain, have been associated with triggering or worsening alopecia areata in some individuals.
However, it is important to emphasize that the relationship between stress and hair loss can vary considerably from person to person. Stress can be a major trigger for some individuals, while in others, factors such as genetic predispositions or immunological aspects may play a dominant role in the development of alopecia areata.
Learn more about non-scarring alopecia >
Other factors responsible for hair loss
Although stress and hair loss are linked, other factors may be responsible for this hair loss.
Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia is a form of hereditary hair loss influenced by genes. In women, this form of alopecia causes progressive hair loss on the top of the head.
Health: Certain hormonal imbalances can impact hair density. For example, hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism, which can cause diffuse hair loss. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can speed up metabolism and also cause hair loss. Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can cause inflammation that affects hair follicles and leads to hair loss.
Treatments: Certain medications can cause hair loss. This is the case with chemotherapy drugs, which affect the cells responsible for hair formation, leading to hair loss. Radiation therapy can also impact hair growth, depending on the area irradiated.
Bad hair habits: Unsurprisingly, some hair practices are not good for the hair and scalp! Excessive coloring, aggressive chemical treatments, tight hairstyles or frequent use of heated styling tools… All these practices, when carried out without moderation, can weaken the hair structure and lead to premature hair loss.
The impact of stress on health
Although stress and hair loss are not always linked, this emotion can play an indirect role by triggering bad lifestyle habits that can in turn affect hair health.
Indeed, chronic stress can lead to changes in habits. Sometimes, stressed individuals adopt a less balanced diet, reduce their physical activity, and have difficulty sleeping. These changes can affect overall health, including hair health, as they reduce the levels of essential nutrients needed for hair growth.
Prolonged stress also triggers inflammatory responses in the body. This inflammation can affect the scalp by disrupting the environment necessary for hair follicles to thrive. Continued inflammation can weaken follicles, potentially leading to hair loss.
Finally, some people develop obsessive-compulsive behaviors related to their hair during stressful situations. They may involuntarily pull or twist their hair, which can damage the hair follicles. Actions like these can weaken the hair roots and accelerate hair loss.
Learning to manage your stress
Adopting relaxation techniques is essential to limit stress-related hair loss. It's important to incorporate some good practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. When practiced regularly, these habits release endorphins, which help reduce stress. Paying attention to your diet is also crucial! A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients contributes to healthy hair. It's also advisable to talk about your stress or worries with people who can reassure you. If stress becomes overwhelming, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate support!
