Stress can have a strong impact on the human body, and your hair and scalp are no exception. Your scalp needs a well-functioning body and a healthy and balanced diet to provide your hair with the nutrients it needs to divide properly and grow long and strong. 

When people undergo a stressor, psychological or physical, there can be a dramatic effect on the body. Some stresses are more major than others, like an illness or a death in the family and then other stresses are less traumatic but can still have a big effect on your body, like the hormone fluctuations seen when someone begins taking birth control. But they can all have an impact on your hair.

How stress interrupts hair growth

Normally there are three phases to hair growth: 

♦ Anagen: growing phase

♦ Catagen: resting phase

♦ Telogen: shedding phase

When a traumatic event occurs, the body can enter a stage called telogen effluvium, which prematurely puts the hair follicle into the shedding phase. 

This is a temporary hair loss. However, because the hair now needs to cycle back through to the anagen phase again, it can take a while for hair to regrow.

Also, whatever caused your stressful event may be taking other tolls on your body. If you’re not eating properly, then you’re not getting the nutrition your entire body needs, including your hair. 

If you’re sick you may be on medications that affect your hair’s condition and its rate of growth. And not exercising, bathing or just being tense can affect your hair.

How to manage your hair during stress

If you know that you’re going through a tough time, be it physical, mental or both, and you want to minimize the effect this period has on your hair, the following tips may help.

Nutrition

It depends on what sort of stress you’re having in your life, but many people stop eating at times of severe stress while others turn to junk food for release. If eating right is just not possible, then consider adding some supplements to help your body cope.

If you want to eat better and feed your hair during a stressful time, there are a number of different recipes you can try that focus on restorative foods. 

Stay hydrated

Much like food, people under stress often forget to hydrate. In addition, prolonged stress compromises the skin’s functions and moisture escapes more easily. It’s important to keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

You can add extra moisture to your hair by being diligent about using a conditioner. Allow your hair’s natural oils (sebum) to build up a little bit to protect your scalp. Also, using very gentle products formulated for babies or people with sensitive skin can be less irritating.

Relax

Both yoga and massage are excellent ways to relax. Yoga is obviously more physical and helps you replace an exercise routine you’ve neglected. While massage focuses more on relaxation and conditioning of the muscles.

Change hair care products

Look for hair care products that will help you hide any hair loss. Try a volumizing and thickening shampoo and conditioner. Then skip heavy styling products and opt for something like Hair La Vie Serum, which leaves your hair soft and moisturized without being weighed down.

Manage the cause

Stopping the stressor is really the best way to deal with any hair loss you have. This isn’t always possible, but when you can make the situation more tolerable, you should. 

Final thoughts

Stress, both physical and psychological, can have a great impact on your body, including your hair. It’s even possible to experience some temporary baldness due to stress.