We often think of stress as something that affects the mind – but its effects run far deeper. From disrupted sleep to hormonal changes, chronic stress can have a tangible impact on our physical health, including our hair.
At Hair + Me, we know that hair health is a reflection of overall wellbeing. Understanding the link between your mental state and your scalp is key to long-term regrowth and confidence.
1. The Science: How Stress Impacts Your Hair Growth Cycle
Your hair growth follows a natural cycle with three main phases:
Anagen (growth) – when the hair actively grows.
Catagen (transition) – a short phase when growth stops.
Telogen (resting/shedding) – when the hair naturally falls out to make room for new strands.
When you experience prolonged or intense stress, it can:
Disrupt the hair cycle, pushing a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase
Impair stem cells, preventing those in the hair follicles from being activated
Cause inflammation
Cause hormonal changes
In short – stress can quite literally switch off the growth phase of your hair follicles.
2. The Emotional Cycle Of Hair Loss
Stress doesn’t just trigger hair loss – hair loss itself can cause stress.
This creates a frustrating feedback loop: feeling anxious about shedding can make the problem worse. Breaking that cycle means addressing both the psychological and physical sides of the issue.
3. Signs Your Hair Loss May Be Stress-Related
While not always easy to distinguish, stress-related hair loss often appears as:
Sudden, diffuse shedding across the scalp
Increased hair fall when washing or brushing
Thinner ponytail or visible scalp without defined bald patches
If hair loss began a few months after a major life event – such as illness, surgery, emotional distress or burnout – stress may be the trigger. The good news? This type of hair loss is usually temporary once the stressor is resolved.
4. Supporting Hair Growth From The Inside Out
Managing stress and supporting regrowth takes a holistic approach. Here’s how to nurture both your mind and scalp:
1. Mindfulness & meditation
Regular mindfulness practice lowers cortisol levels and promotes balance in the body. Even five minutes of daily breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and reset your stress response.
2. Prioritise restorative sleep
Sleep is when the body repairs itself – including hair follicle cells. Aim for 7-9 hours each night to help regulate stress hormones and support healthy hair cycling.
3. Nourish your body
A diet rich in iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids supports both hair and brain function. Foods like eggs, salmon, leafy greens and nuts are especially beneficial.
4. Establish a routine
Consistency helps stabilise both your mood and your scalp health. Whether it’s sticking to your regrowth treatment each morning and evening or taking time for self-care, routine gives your body and mind a sense of control.
5. Regrowth treatments
Hair + Me’s personalised treatments, formulated with clinically-proven ingredients like minoxidil, can help reactivate follicles and encourage regrowth – even after stress-related shedding.
5. When To Seek Professional Help
If your hair shedding persists for more than six months or you notice patchy loss, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional. Sometimes, hair loss can signal an underlying issue such as thyroid dysfunction, anaemia or autoimmune conditions.
And if the emotional impact feels heavy – don’t face it alone. Talking to a GP, therapist or mental health charity like Mind or CALM can make a meaningful difference.
Final Thoughts
Your hair is an extension of your wellbeing – and just like your mental health, it deserves care and compassion.
By managing stress, nourishing your body and staying consistent with treatment, you can help your scalp recover and your confidence grow.
At Hair + Me, we’re here to support you every step of the way – because healthy hair starts from the inside out.
References
Thom E. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Aug 1;15(8):1001-4
Jimeno Ortega I, Stefanato CM. Telogen effluvium: a 360 degree review. Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2023 Dec;158(6):457-466
Chien Yin GO, Siong-See JL, Wang ECE. Telogen Effluvium - a review of the science and current obstacles. J Dermatol Sci. 2021 Mar;101(3):156-163
Helpful Resources
Mind - Support people with mental health problems. Through our information and support, we make sure people living with mental health problems find the help they need.
Men’s Minds Matter are passionate about men’s mental health, suicide intervention and prevention. They specialise in developing and delivering psychological interventions for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, while also advocating for and raising awareness about male suicide.
ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. They want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.