Hair loss due to stress: what to do?

Stress-induced hair loss is far more common than you might think. In many women—and also in men—a period of intense stress, emotional shock, or chronic stress can trigger reactive hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium . This type of stress-related hair loss typically appears two to three months after the triggering event and can be quite dramatic, but it is usually reversible. Understanding its mechanisms allows you to take more effective action.

From the outset, it's essential to reiterate that yes, stress can cause hair loss, and that this link is scientifically established. The goal of this article is therefore simple: to help you recognize stress-related hair loss, understand how it works, identify natural solutions to prevent and reduce hair loss , and ultimately promote stronger regrowth .

To support a comprehensive approach, some internal solutions such as anti-hair loss dietary supplements can complement external care and anti-stress measures, especially during sustained hair loss.

The first step in better managing stress-related hair loss is understanding what's actually happening in the scalp. Stress acts on several levels: hormonal, inflammatory, and vascular. These disruptions alter the hair growth cycle and explain reactive hair loss.

Stress is capable of profoundly altering the hair's life cycle , which consists of three phases:

• Anagen phase (growth): this is the period during which the hair grows actively
• Catagen phase (transition): the hair stops growing
• Telogen phase (resting): the hair remains in place before falling out naturally

In situations of significant stress, the body produces more cortisol , a hormone closely linked to stress. This excess cortisol directly impacts hair follicles: it abruptly accelerates the transition from the anagen phase to the telogen phase. As a result, a large number of hairs simultaneously enter the resting phase and then fall out all at once a few weeks later.

This phenomenon is known as telogen effluvium , also called reactive hair loss. It results in diffuse, dramatic but usually temporary hair loss.

We can also observe a decrease in the supply of essential nutrients to the roots and a disruption of the sebaceous glands' balance. As a result, hair quality is weakened, and it becomes thinner and more fragile.

Knowing how to identify hair loss due to stress allows you to act more quickly. Stress-related hair loss has specific characteristics:

• Diffuse and sudden hair loss : unlike hormonal or genetic hair loss, here the hair falls out uniformly all over the head.
• Thinner, less dense hair : the hair appears thinner and less voluminous.
• Occurring 2 to 3 months after a stressful event : this is the typical signature of telogen effluvium

If these signs resonate with you, it's likely that your hair loss is linked to a psychological or emotional factor. Biocyte experts recommend observing your lifestyle, emotions, sleep patterns, and diet to identify the root cause of the problem.

While stress is a major cause, other factors can contribute to or worsen it. Hair loss often occurs within a broader context of overall weakening of the body.

The following situations are particularly known to trigger reactive hair loss:

• Intense fatigue, overwork, mild or advanced burnout : the body becomes exhausted and hormonal balance is disrupted
• Emotional shock : breakup, bereavement, acute anxiety, sudden life change
• Hormonal changes : pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, significant hormonal fluctuations
• Nutritional deficiencies : particularly in B vitamins, zinc, iron, and essential amino acids; hair loss and vitamin deficiencies are therefore closely linked.
• Male pattern hair loss : in men, androgenetic alopecia can coexist with reactive hair loss.

The Biocyte teams observe that these factors often act simultaneously. This is why a holistic approach – stress management, diet, nutritional supplements, external treatments – yields better results.

The good news? Most stress-related hair loss is reversible. With the right steps, it's possible to reduce hair loss in a few weeks and reactivate hair growth.

The priority is to reduce the impact of stress on the body. By lowering cortisol levels, hair health is directly improved.

Simple methods can calm the nervous system deeply.

• Heart coherence : 5 minutes, 3 times a day; an effective breathing technique to quickly reduce stress.
• Sophrology : particularly suited to women prone to anxiety or performance stress
• Guided meditation : helps to soothe mental tension, promotes better sleep, and improves emotional management

Physical activity has a significant impact on stress levels. It:

• decreases cortisol production
• promotes blood circulation
• improves sleep
• helps eliminate toxins

A simple brisk walk or 20 minutes of dynamic yoga can already help to manage temporary or chronic stress and reduce hair loss.

Diet plays a crucial role in hair growth. To limit hair loss due to stress, prioritize the following nutrients:

• Proteins : essential for producing keratin, the main component of hair.
• B vitamins : notably B8 (biotin) and B6
• Zinc : contributes to normal hair growth
• Iron : essential for oxygenation of the bulb

Some examples of stress-relieving meals:

• Grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli
• spinach and sesame seed omelet
• red lentils with sweet potato and avocado

For people whose diet lacks diversity, internal support can be considered through food supplements, particularly keratin food supplements , which are rich in essential amino acids.

A simple, often forgotten, but very effective technique: scalp massage. It stimulates microcirculation, promotes nutrient delivery, and relieves localized tension. A few minutes a day is all it takes.

Gentle, non-aggressive hair care products, enriched with fortifying active ingredients, perfectly complement this approach and help to combat hair loss .

Once the hair loss has stabilized, it's time for regrowth. This can be faster with a consistent and regular routine.

The key to success lies in an " in & out " approach, meaning acting from both the inside and outside simultaneously. External treatments strengthen the hair fiber, while nutritional supplements support hair growth by providing essential nutrients. This synergy is particularly well-suited to reactive hair loss.

Several ingredients play a direct role in hair vitality:

• Pure keratin : this protein makes up 95% of the hair fiber. Internal intake helps strengthen the hair structure.
• Vitamin B8 (biotin) : known to contribute to the maintenance of normal hair
• Zinc : acts on hair growth and scalp health

Biocyte solutions containing these active ingredients are part of an effective approach to stimulate regrowth after hair loss due to stress.

Although hair loss is often temporary, certain signs should prompt a consultation:

• persistent hair loss over more than 6 months
• very localized loss, in the shape of a well-defined circle
• Scalp pain, significant inflammation
• massive or uninterrupted loss

A dermatologist, general practitioner, or hair specialist can offer additional support. Biocyte experts also advise consulting a doctor if hair loss is accompanied by intense fatigue or hormonal changes.

• Headington J.T. Telogen effluvium. Dermatol Clin
• Malkud S. Telogen Effluvium: A Review. J Clin Diagn Res
• American Academy of Dermatology - Stress and hair loss
• Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Impact of cortisol on hair follicles
• European Food Safety Authority - nutrients and hair health