We all know the toll stress takes on our bodies – elevated blood pressure, tense muscles and digestive issues are some of the common signs that our mind and body are under pressure.

However, stress doesn’t just impact your overall health, and it can also antagonize and harm your hair.

Loose hair

A few hundred strands of hair every day is normal, but for those who experience extreme stress, it can also cause the hair to lose fa several months of delayed hair shedding process.

This situation is known as Telogen Effluvium, which can cause a noticeable reduction in volume and thickness. Even though it is stress-induced, it can be alarming when it occurs. Telogen Effluvium is triggered by several factors, but the most influential culprit is stress.

Thinning

High levels of stress can also impact the hair growth cycle negatively, resulting in hair thinning. Chronic stress and hair thinning go hand in hand.

The adrenal glands generate cortisol, the hormone that triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response to stress. If cortisol levels are chronically elevated, they can affect the hair follicles and cause them to weaken or fall out. Hair thinning is one of the most common side effects of chronic stress.

Dullness

The physical consequences of stress on your hair are noticeable, but stress also affects your hair’s appearance. Your hair may start to look dull and lifeless over time.

Anxiety, depression, and other forms of psychological distress can cause the body to confuse its natural oil production, resulting in imbalanced scalp oil production. An imbalanced scalp can lead to oily or dry hair and encourage bacterial growth. Dull hair is also a symptom of chronic stress.

Graying

The connection between psychological stress and hair graying is less direct than other hair concerns. However, a recent study discovered that stress can impact melanin production, leading to premature graying.

Melanocytes, the pigment cells that give the hair its color, also release adrenaline, a hormone associated with stress. A compromised immune system also results in melanin destruction and premature graying.

Breakage

Another alarming symptom that stress can cause hair to break or damage. When stress affects our sleep patterns, hormonal balance, or weakened physical system, it will result in hair breakage, and if left unaddressed, it can progress to hair loss.

Dryness

Those who are under stress often complain about dry skin, dry mouth, and overall dull appearance of their skin and hair. If you are under constant stress, you may notice that your scalp is itchy and sore, and your hair looks and feels dry.

This is because your scalp will produce less of its natural oil called sebum, which keeps the hair moisturized. Stress can lead to an overproduction of oil or an underproduction, resulting in brittle and dry hair that is susceptible to breakage.

Scalp Issues

The scalp is the base of healthy hair growth, and it is often the first area to be attacked by stress. Dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis are some of the scalp issues that stress can cause.

Stress disrupts the skin’s natural barrier, leading to a combination of chronic hair damage and inflammation.

Slow Hair Growth

The excessive production of the stress hormone cortisol is also associated with hair loss. The high levels of cortisol can lead to the hair entering the resting phase of growth, which can slow or halt hair production.

As a result, when people experience extended periods of stress, their hair growth stalls. This phenomenon can cause some to feel that they are losing large chunks of hair daily.

Split Ends

Stress weakens hair follicles, making them more prone to breaking and splitting. The more that hair strands are damaged, the more likely they will split and lead to hair breakage.

Even if the hair continues to grow at the root, it will still have split and broken ends. And due to continued stress, the hair will not be lively or shiny.

Hair Loss

Stress can cause hair loss, which in turn can lead to greater stress. Stress-induced hair loss can manifest as balding, thinning hair or patchy hair loss across the scalp.

Stress causes the release of hormones that create inflammation and damage hair follicles. Stress can put a strain on your hair’s resilience and natural growth cycle. A person may start noticing hair loss after 3-6 months of chronic stress.

In conclusion,

Your hair is a sign of your overall health, and stress can harm it in unexpected ways. Although not every single person who experiences stress will experience hair problems, it’s important to understand that it can happen to anyone.

Experts recommend managing stress levels by consuming fiber-rich foods, engaging walking exercises, creating a routine, staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and taking probiotics. All these are helpful in reducing stress hormones that are detrimental to your overall health and hair.