In today’s busy world, stress has become an integral part of our lives. Work, family responsibilities, financial problems – all of these can lead to chronic tension, which takes a toll not only on our well-being, but also on our health. One of the less obvious effects of stress is its negative impact on hair, which can even lead to baldness.
How does stress affect hair?
Stress affects the body in many ways, one of which is hormonal imbalance. Under stress, the adrenal glands produce cortisol, a stress hormone, which in excess can negatively affect the hair growth cycle.
How does cortisol affect hair?
- Shortens the anagen phase: Anagen is the phase of intense hair growth. Cortisol can shorten it, causing hair to enter the resting phase (telogen) more quickly and fall out.
- It causes miniaturization of hair follicles: Under the influence of cortisol, hair follicles shrink, producing thinner and weaker hair. Over time, this can lead to their complete disappearance.
- Increases inflammation: Cortisol can increase inflammation in the body, including folliculitis, which also contributes to hair loss.
In addition to cortisol, stress also affects the production of other hormones, such as prolactin and androgens, which can also play a role in baldness.
First signs of stress-induced baldness
Stress-related hair loss can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Here are some signals that should get your attention:
- Increased amount of hair on your brush and pillow: Losing up to 100 hairs a day is natural, but if you notice you’re losing significantly more, it could be a sign of a problem.
- Thinning hair: Hair becomes thinner and sparser, especially on the top of the head or around the temples.
- Hair becomes brittle and dull: They lose their shine and elasticity, break and split more easily.
- Alopecia areata: In some cases, stress can lead to alopecia areata, which is the appearance of round, bald patches on the scalp.
Types of stress-related baldness
Stress can cause various types of baldness, including:
- Telogen alopecia: This is the most common type of stress-related alopecia. It is characterized by the transition of a large number of hairs into the telogen (resting) phase and their loss. It usually occurs several months after a traumatic event or a period of intense stress.
- Androgenetic alopecia: Although the main cause of androgenetic alopecia is genetic predisposition and androgen hormones, stress can accelerate the process.
- Trichotillomania: This is a mental disorder that involves compulsive hair pulling. Stress may be one of the triggers for this behavior.
- Alopecia areata: In some cases, stress can be a trigger or exacerbator of alopecia areata, which has an autoimmune basis.
How to deal with stress and prevent hair loss?
If you notice stress-related baldness symptoms, it is important to take steps to minimize its impact. Here are some tips:
- Identify sources of stress: Try to identify situations or factors that cause you stress. It could be work, relationship problems, financial difficulties or other factors.
- Relaxation techniques: Learn relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. Regular use of these techniques will help you reduce stress levels and improve your mood.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise helps reduce stress and improves blood circulation, which benefits hair health.
- Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for hair health. Make sure your diet contains enough protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin D.
- Sleep: Ensure an adequate amount of sleep. During sleep, the body regenerates and hair grows the fastest.
- Avoid hair-damaging factors: limit the use of hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons, as well as hair coloring and bleaching. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners for your hair.
- Consultation with a specialist: If your hair loss persists despite following the above tips, consult a dermatologist or trichologist. The specialist will help you identify the cause of the problem and choose the appropriate treatment.
Summary
Stress can have a significant impact on the condition of our hair, leading to hair loss and weakness. Therefore, it is important to take care of your mental health and follow tips that will help minimize the negative effects of stress on the body. In case of increased hair loss, it is essential to consult a specialist.
