Stress and Hair Loss

(And How Gratitude Can Help)

INTRODUCTION

Just like a tree under drought sheds its leaves to conserve resources, your body, when under mental or physical stress can respond by shedding hair. It’s a built-in survival mechanism: when your system senses strain, it diverts energy away from “non-essential” processes like hair growth to support more vital functions.

This November, as we honour our theme “Gratitude & Grounding,” we focus on understanding this connection so we can nurture our roots from the inside out.

THE 3 TYPES OF STRESS-RELATED HAIR LOSS

1. Telogen Effluvium (The Most Common)

What it is:

An increase in daily shedding (more than the typical 50–100 hairs). You may notice more hair in the shower, on your pillow, in your comb, or on your clothing.

Cause:

A significant stressor “shocks” follicles into the resting (telogen) phase. Shedding usually appears about 3 months after the stressful event.

Outlook:

It’s typically temporary. Once stress levels stabilise, the cycle resets and shedding slows.

2. Alopecia Areata

What it is:

Sudden, patchy hair loss caused by the immune system attacking the hair follicles.

Cause:

While it isn’t caused only by stress, severe stress is a well-known trigger that can activate or worsen this autoimmune condition.

3. Trichotillomania

What it is:

A psychological condition involving a compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair—from the scalp, brows, lashes, or other areas.

Cause:

This behaviour often serves as a coping mechanism for uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety, tension, or stress..

HOW “GRATITUDE & GROUNDING” HELPS

While stress can disrupt the hair cycle, intentional relaxation and positive emotional states can help restore balance. Lowering cortisol creates an internal environment that supports healthy hair growth.

In one study on gratitude and emotional well-being, participants who practiced gratitude showed

• reduced cortisol levels,

• stronger heart functioning,

• and greater resilience to emotional challenges.

  
  

  Over time, research consistently shows that gratitude practices improve how the body responds to stress.

GROUNDING PRACTICES TO SUPPORT YOUR ROOTS

· Scalp Massage: A simple, embodied act of gratitude that boosts blood flow to the follicles.

· Yoga & Deep Breathing: Helps lower cortisol and calm the nervous system, bringing the body back into homeostasis.

· Adequate Sleep: Your body repairs itself as you rest—including the hair follicles.

CONCLUSION

Your hair is a quiet mirror of your internal world. By choosing gratitude and grounding, you’re not only saying “thank you” to your hair, you’re creating the peaceful, nourished conditions it needs to thrive.

This month, pick one grounding ritual to honour your roots: a 5-minute scalp massage, a short gratitude journal entry for your hair, or a few calming yoga poses.

Your hair, and your whole being, will thank you.