Stress has a profound impact on the body, influencing everything from sleep to digestion. One area often overlooked is how stress affects hair health. Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Normally, hair follows a cycle of growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (catagen). Stress, however, can push hair prematurely into the telogen phase, leading to a condition called telogen effluvium. This results in noticeable thinning and shedding of hair, sometimes weeks or months after the initial stressor. Stress-related hair loss is often temporary, but persistent stress can exacerbate the problem, making it difficult for hair to recover fully.
Beyond telogen effluvium, stress may also contribute to other hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Emotional and physical stress can exacerbate these conditions, leading to patchy or widespread hair loss. Managing stress through practices like mindfulness, exercise, and proper nutrition is critical for maintaining healthy hair. Additionally, innovations like red light therapy are showing promise in supporting hair regrowth by stimulating follicle activity and improving blood flow to the scalp. Addressing both the internal and external factors contributing to hair loss is essential for restoring confidence and achieving healthier hair.