How stress destroys hair and scalp: effective ways to recover

mbeautyvip
Jul 7
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8

Stress destroys hair and scalp — effective ways to recover

Modern rhythm of life, constant anxiety, lack of sleep and nervous system overload — all this is becoming an integral part of life for most people. However, stress manifests itself not only inside, it literally ‘spills out’ — in the form of deterioration of skin, hair and nails. This is especially pronounced on the scalp and hair follicles.

Hair under stress can actively fall out, head itch, and shampoos do not help. And most often behind this is not a disease, but chronic stress.

The mechanism of action of stress on the scalp

When we are stressed, the body actively produces cortisol, a hormone that helps us cope with danger. However, its excess causes a whole chain of negative reactions:

Vasoconstriction: the blood flow in the scalp is impaired, which means that the hair follicles are deprived of oxygen and nutrition.
Inhibition of hair growth: hair prematurely enters the resting phase (telogen) and mass hair loss begins 2-3 months later.
Disruption of the hydrolipidic balance: the skin becomes either excessively oily or dry.

These physiological processes explain why hair begins to fall out and the scalp begins to flake and itch weeks after a stressful situation.

The main effects of stress on hair

1. Hair loss (stress alopecia)

The most frequent and frightening symptom. Stress causes what is known as telogen alopecia - when up to 30% of the hair enters the hair loss phase prematurely. In women, this often manifests itself as a diffuse thinning of the entire head.

2. Hair growth retardation

Against the background of impaired nutrition of hair follicles, hair growth is significantly slowed down. New hairs become thin, brittle, do not reach the normal length.

3. Premature graying

Cortisol depresses melanocyte cells responsible for hair pigmentation. This results in the appearance of gray hair even at the age of 25-30.

How stress affects the scalp

The scalp is the same skin, only under a "cap" of hair. And it also suffers from stress:

Scaling and itching — often associated with an imbalance of the microbiome and sebum.
Exacerbation of seborrhea and dermatitis — in people with a predisposition, stress triggers exacerbation of psoriasis, eczema and seborrhea.
Increased oiliness or dryness — sebaceous glands may start working erratically.

These changes not only cause discomfort, but also impair hair growth — because follicle health starts with scalp health.

Diagnosis: how to understand that the cause is stress

You can suspect that your hair problems are caused by stress by the following signs:

The loss started 1.5-3 months after an emotional shock.
Hair loss is uniform, without bald spots.
Itching of the scalp appeared, which did not bother me before.
Dandruff and flaking became pronounced.

It is also not superfluous to consult with a trichologist — it will help to exclude organic causes and prescribe competent care.

How to regain scalp health after stress

Full recovery is possible, especially if you act comprehensively:

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle

Normalize your sleep schedule (at least 7-8 hours)
Balance your diet — especially protein, iron, vitamins B and D
Reduce stress levels — meditation, sports, walks

🧴 Home care

Use gentle shampoos with a pH of 5.5
Add serums to stimulate growth
Don't ignore scalp exfoliation

Professional care as part of recovery

If stress has already affected the scalp or face, lifestyle adjustments alone may not be enough. In such cases, spot treatments aimed at restoring skin balance, improving blood circulation and stimulating hair growth can help.

At Svoya Beauty Salon, we utilize effective protocols such as:

Keravive — when stress has caused itching, flaking and hair loss. This treatment improves microcirculation and nutrition of the scalp.
HydraFacial for the face — for dullness, dehydration and rashes after nervous tension. It gently cleanses, moisturizes and revitalizes the skin.

If you notice similar symptoms and are in the Los Angeles area, book a consultation at Svoya Salon — we'll customize a personalized anti-stress hair and facial care protocol.

Frequent questions about stress, hair and scalp health

How long after stress does hair loss start? Usually 1.5-3 months — that's how long the hair's resting phase (telogen) lasts.
Can stress-induced hair loss be stopped?
Yes. Timely care, professional treatments and lifestyle changes can help restore hair growth completely.
Is Keravive suitable for seborrhea?
Yes, the treatment helps to cleanse the scalp, reduce inflammation and normalize the microbiome.
What to choose for a dull complexion and signs of fatigue?
HydraFacial is the perfect anti-stress treatment that improves the complexion and deeply moisturizes the skin.
Can stress cause psoriasis on the scalp?
Yes, stress often triggers exacerbation of psoriasis and other chronic dermatoses.
Do I need to take care of my scalp and face at the same time?
If stress has affected both, yes. A combined approach speeds up recovery and makes the result sustainable.

Not just your scalp: how stress affects your face

When we talk about the effects of stress on appearance, it's important to remember: facial skin is as much a mirror of internal processes as hair. Chronic stress affects facial skin through the same mechanisms — cortisol, vasoconstriction, inflammation.

This is what can be observed:

Dehydration — skin becomes dull, loses elasticity.
Rashes and acne — provoked by hormonal surges and inflammation.
Couperosis and redness — due to vascular reaction to stress.
Deepening wrinkles and decreased tone — due to constant muscle tension and impaired microcirculation.

For beauty salon clients, it is important to convey the message: stress affects not only how you feel, but also how you look. And while the hair can be covered up, the face is always on display.