Our hair can say a lot about who we are, our personality, and sometimes even our mental health. In fact, hair loss and changes in hair texture and color can be one of the first signs of mental health problems.

So, what does your hair say about your mental health?.

Signs of Mental Health Problems in Your Hair

General hair loss can be a sign of stress and anxiety. When you are constantly stressed or anxious, your body releases cortisol and other stress hormones, which can cause hair follicles to go into a resting phase, leading to hair loss.

But for some, hair loss can be more severe, and it can be a sign of an underlying mental health problem.

Alopecia areata, a condition that results in patchy hair loss, has been linked to anxiety and depression. Researchers have found that people with alopecia areata are more likely to have depression and anxiety than those without the condition.

Hair pulling disorder (trichotillomania) is another hair-related condition that is linked to anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Trichotillomania is a condition where people have an irresistible urge to pull out their hair, eyebrows or eyelashes.

Hair Texture and Quality: An Indicator of Your Physical and Mental Health

Hair is also an indicator of our physical health. Our hair needs the right nutrients to grow healthily. Nutrient deficiencies or an unhealthy diet can lead to hair issues such as dullness, split ends, and hair loss.

But studies have also found that hair texture and quality can be related to mental health problems.

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had significantly more gray hair before the age of 45 compared to people without the condition.

This link was observed even after accounting for age, sex, and lifestyle factors. Another study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that people with depression had hair that was more brittle, less shiny, and appeared to be more damaged than those without the condition.

Mental health issues affecting your hair are treatable. Depending on the condition, your doctor may recommend talk therapy, medications, or a combination of both.

For hair loss related to stress and anxiety, stress management techniques such as meditation and relaxation exercises can help. For hair pulling disorder, psychotherapy, habit reversal therapy, and other behavioral therapies have been found to be effective.

For alopecia areata, medications such as corticosteroids can help to suppress the immune system and stop hair loss.

For hair loss related to mental health conditions, getting treatment for the underlying condition can help to improve hair quality and promote new hair growth.

Conclusion

Overall, changes in your hair can be an indicator of your physical and mental health. Hair loss or changes in texture and quality may be a sign of underlying mental health problems.

However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most hair-related mental health conditions can be treated effectively.