Does stress take a toll on hair?
It’s long been assumed that stress can lead to hair loss and graying. Here, we examine the connection between them.
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Many people know that stress is not good for the body. A range of maladies that include diabetes and cancer have been linked to chronic stress.1 It may even take a toll on skin, contributing to breakouts and fine lines.2 So it’s not a surprise that emotional stress can also wreak havoc on hair, which may manifest as either stress hair loss or gray hair.
So, what exactly is the correlation between stress and strands? Keep reading for explanations and advice.
Can stress cause hair loss?
Generally speaking, stress interferes with the normal hair growth cycle.3 Blame cortisol, aptly known as the stress hormone, which is released when we’re feeling frazzled.4 Cortisol interrupts hair growth, explains Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, a doctor of nursing practice certified in dermatology and a hair-loss specialist. But exactly how depends on the individual, their genetic predisposition to hair loss and other factors. In other words, not all hair loss from stress is created equal, and stress can play a different role in each scenario.
Telogen effluvium hair loss
One type of stress-related hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. This is a sudden, extreme and rapid hair shedding that occurs from all over the scalp, says Helena Kuhn, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. This sudden hair loss usually starts three to five months after a stressful event, which could be either physical — think childbirth — or emotional, such as the death of a loved one or a breakup.5
Signs of hair loss
Whatever the stressor, it can throw off the hair growth cycle.6 On average, 85 percent of hairs are in the growth phase, while roughly 15 percent are in the telogen (or resting) phase.7 When this natural cycle is disrupted, a larger percentage of the follicles transition to that shedding phase, Dr. Kuhn explains. Telltale signs can include seeing more hair in the shower or a hairbrush or noticing that hair feels thinner. Happily, “this type of hair loss is not permanent and generally resolves on its own within one to three months,” she says.
Cortisol and hair loss
Spikes in cortisol can play a role in another kind of permanent hair loss, known as male and female pattern hair loss, says William Gaunitz. Gaunitz is a certified trichologist — a provider who specializes in hair disorders — and the founder of Advanced Trichology in Tempe, Arizona. He adds that stress can also decrease the availability of key nutrients needed for healthy hair growth, such as iron, vitamin C, vitamin D3 and zinc.
Does stress cause gray hair?
“There’s a correlation between stress and gray hair,” says Gaunitz. Melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, is produced by cells known as melanocytes. These cells naturally diminish over time, which is why people gray as they age, but this happens much faster when someone is under excess stress, he explains.
Blame it on the body’s release of norepinephrine, a hormone that activates melanocytes and causes melanocyte stem cell loss. Since the body only has a limited supply of melanocytes, if they are activated too early and get used up, that’s it.8 This type of change is, alas, permanent and irreversible, he says.
How to help prevent hair loss
While it’s much easier said than done, tamping down stress is key. Some tips for helping ease stress-induced hair loss include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness
These are all very important, says Dr. Kuhn. If a person is dealing with hair loss from stress, they can take heart in knowing that it’s likely temporary and their hair should return to normal.9
How to help regain hair after stress-induced hair loss
Topical minoxidil is a first-line treatment for telogen effluvium, says Dr. Kuhn. With any new treatment, a person should consult their health care provider for any concerns they might have. Another option is a thickening shampoo, which can help make strands feel at least temporarily thicker while they’re growing in. Topical sprays and fibers can be a good, fast fix on occasion. However, Dr. Kuhn advises against using them regularly, as they may have the potential to clog the hair follicle and prevent regrowth.
How to get rid of gray hair
For those experiencing grays: Since there’s nothing that can be done to reverse graying once it starts, the best bet is to either embrace it or conceal it. (In fact, gray hair has become trendy in some circles, even among 20-somethings.10) If someone wants to camouflage it, a permanent dye can offer complete gray coverage.
Supplements for hair support
While many vitamins and supplements* claim to help with hair loss, it’s important to look at the evidence. A 2022 review of more than two dozen studies on this topic came up with a few nutritional factors that did seem to show promise.11 Omega-3 and omega-6 with antioxidants made the list, for instance, and so did zinc. Among the more exotic entries were pumpkin seed oil and capsaicin — a chemical isolated from chili peppers.12 As with any plan to start a new supplement, talk to your health care provider first to see if it’s the right fit for you.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
