How Stress Can Lead to Hair Loss – Experts’ Opinions

Hair loss often becomes an alarming signal that is difficult to ignore. Every year, the number of people concerned about the deterioration of their hair increases. Can it be considered that not only physical, but also psychological factors cause baldness? In this article, you will find an explanation of how psychosomatics affects hair, scientific data, signs of the problem, and modern approaches to its solution.

Why Does Stress Affect the Condition of Hair?

Stress has long been recognized as one of the most powerful factors capable of changing the state of our health. It affects not only mood and performance, but also the functions of various organs. Psychosomatics is a branch of medicine that studies the connection between emotional experiences and physical changes in the body.

Modern research confirms: acute and chronic stress triggers biochemical reactions that can damage both the skin and hair. Candidate of Medical Sciences Irina Markova notes: “In conditions of prolonged nervous tension, the body is subject not only to a hormonal surge, but also to a whole chain of vascular disorders” (interview for MedPortal.ru, 2023).

The main physiological reactions include the release of cortisol and adrenaline, constriction of blood vessels, and disruptions in the functioning of the endocrine glands. Even short-term emotional shocks can leave a mark on overall well-being and the condition of hair follicles.

The causes of such shocks can be very different. Especially today, when high technology has greatly changed our lives. You can read bad news on the Internet directly from your phone. You can also access online casinos from your phone and lose a large amount of money. This increases the number of cases of depression due to losing big sums in gambling. And, of course, such cases from time to time become the cause of hair problems.

In such situations, you can replace these kinds of entertainment with something less dangerous. For example, with apps featuring arcade games, which have become quite popular in recent years. Our authors were able to find here information about Plinko apps and saw that there are more and more of them. Moreover, the stress factor in such entertainment is almost absent. Of course, you might not like these types of games. So just choose something that suits you.

How Psychosomatics Triggers Hair Loss

Chronic emotional tension changes not only mood, but also biochemical processes in the scalp. Hair can be compared to a litmus test of internal condition: as soon as the balance is disturbed, they are the first to signal problems.

Here are the main changes triggered by prolonged stress:

The level of stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline) increases, causing constriction of the scalp blood vessels
Blood supply to the hair follicles worsens
Follicles enter a resting phase, new cells are hardly formed
Hair becomes brittle, thin, and loses its shine
Recovery after normal shedding slows down, which leads to accelerated baldness

Trichologist Andrey Zuev notes: “Patients almost always talk about stressful life events shortly before the onset of alopecia.” Such examples are found not only in scientific literature, but also in everyday medical practice.

Symptoms and Signs: When to Be Alert

Not all cases of hair loss are related to psychosomatics. However, there are certain signs that may indicate this. How does psychosomatic hair loss differ from that caused, for example, by hormonal imbalances or mechanical damage?

Alarming symptoms include:

Sudden or gradually increasing hair thinning 1–2 months after severe stress
Uneven areas of hair loss, especially in the parting and temple areas
Accompanying symptoms: insomnia, irritability, sharp changes in appetite
Absence of obvious scalp diseases or internal disorders according to test results

How can you understand that it is emotional causes that are affecting hair health? A comprehensive diagnosis by specialized professionals will help answer this question.

What to Do?

If you notice alarming changes, do not postpone a visit to the doctor. Ignoring symptoms can lead to persistent problems that require long-term treatment. First of all, it is important to consult a trichologist—a specialist in hair and scalp diseases.

In some cases, the help of a psychotherapist is necessary, who will assess the psycho-emotional state and suggest stress management methods. Reflexotherapists also work with such disorders, using techniques that affect biologically active points.

For psychosomatic disorders, the following are used:

Individual consultations and psychotherapy
Lifestyle correction: reducing stress load, organizing rest
Medication support as indicated
Supportive vitamin therapy, normalization of nutrition

Experts agree: the most effective is a comprehensive approach that combines medical treatment and work with the psyche. One-sided measures more often give only a temporary effect.

Women and Psychosomatics – Features of the Reaction

The female psyche is highly sensitive to stress, as confirmed by psychological and medical research. According to the Russian Society of Trichologists, up to 70% of cases of psychosomatic hair loss are recorded in women.

The reasons for this phenomenon lie not only in hormonal characteristics, but also in social pressure. As endocrinologist Olga Shevchenko notes: “Women more often have to deal with emotional overload—family, work, social.” These factors often lead to the fact that hair is the first to react to internal experiences.

Prevention and Support for Hair Health

Prevention of psychosomatic disorders requires a comprehensive approach. Among the main recommendations, experts include:

Conscious stress management: meditation, breathing techniques
Balanced nutrition and sufficient vitamins
Regular and adequate sleep
Moderate physical activity and walks in the fresh air

For hair care, it is recommended to use gentle products, avoid aggressive exposure, and promptly consult a doctor at the first signs of deterioration. Any changes in care or treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a professional.