How to manage hair loss due to stress?

Stress: a silent enemy for hair health

Stress, omnipresent in daily life, influences various aspects of health. Among its most insidious impacts, stress-induced hair loss represents a concerning issue for many. 

Hair, symbols of beauty and vitality, are particularly sensitive to hormonal fluctuations and stressful situations. Understanding this phenomenon, its mechanisms, and its solutions is crucial for maintaining healthy and resilient hair.

Why this article? Understand, act, soothe

This article aims to shed light on the mechanisms by which stress can cause hair loss, identify distinctive signs, and propose natural and effective solutions to counter this phenomenon. By highlighting nutritional supplements for hair and stress management practices, this article offers a holistic approach, in line with the values of D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS. 

Also discover flagship products such as hair supplements and hair loss supplements for a radiant and healthy mane.

The biological mechanisms at play

Stress triggers a cascade of hormonal reactions in the body, notably the release of cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone." Cortisol can disrupt the hair life cycle, accelerating the shedding phase (telogen) and shortening the growth phase (anagen). This disruption leads to faster hair loss, a decrease in hair density, and weakened hair.

The hair life cycle and its imbalance during periods of stress

The life cycle of a hair consists of three main phases: the anagen phase (growth), the catagen phase (transition), and the telogen phase (rest and shedding). During periods of stress, the hair cycle is disrupted. Chronic stress can prolong the telogen phase, leading to more pronounced hair loss. 

The treatment of baldness may require a multifactorial approach, including stress management and the use of specific dietary supplements.

How does stress disrupt scalp health?

Stress also affects blood microcirculation in the scalp, reducing the supply of essential nutrients to hair follicles. This nutrient deficiency weakens the hair and slows its growth. Additionally, muscle tension caused by stress can hinder proper oxygenation of hair tissues, thereby exacerbating hair loss.

Typical symptoms: how to identify them?

It is essential to recognize the signs of stress-related hair loss in order to act quickly and effectively. This form of hair loss often has specific characteristics:

• Diffuse hair loss, non-localized: unlike androgenetic alopecia, the hair loss does not concentrate in a specific area (such as the temples or the crown of the head), but is observed uniformly across the entire scalp.

• Finer, softer, and dull hair: stress disrupts the hair growth cycle (anagen phase), leading to lower quality regrowth.

• Visible decrease in hair density: hair appears less thick, particularly after showering, upon waking (on the pillow), or during brushing.

• Feeling of sensitive or irritated scalp: some people report a feeling of tightness or tingling related to inflammation of the follicles.

• Sudden apparition: the fall can occur abruptly, often 2 to 3 months after a stressful event, due to the latency period of the hair cycle.

Emotional shock, intense fatigue: what impacts on hair?

Major emotional shocks (grief, separation, accident, mental overload) can trigger an acute telogen effluvium, a sudden hair loss that occurs when a large number of follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase (rest).

On its side, chronic fatigue associated with overwork or burnout contributes to destabilizing:

• The hormonal system (notably the adrenal glands)

• Restorative sleep (essential for cellular regeneration)

• The absorption of essential nutrients for hair health (iron, zinc, B vitamins...)

Result : hair becomes more vulnerable, brittle, and regrowth is slowed.

Acute stress vs chronic stress: differentiated effects on hair

• Acute stress causes a sudden but generally reversible hair loss, provided that balance is restored quickly.

• Chronic stress creates a persistent inflammatory environment. It weakens the follicles, disrupts hair renewal, and can exacerbate other causes of hair loss such as:

  • Hormonal disorders (thyroid, cortisol)

  • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Digestive disorders (that impair nutrient absorption)

"It then becomes imperative to act deeply, on the neuro-hormonal and nutritional level, to enable a true hair revival."

When should one consult a specialist?

It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in the following cases:

• The fall lasts more than 3 months.

• It intensifies despite the reduction of stress.

• You are experiencing significant hair loss (>100 hairs/day)

• Other symptoms appear (persistent fatigue, brittle nails, hormonal disorders...)

A dermatologist or a trichologist can establish an accurate diagnosis using a clinical examination, trichoscopy, or a biological assessment. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach including a naturopath, an endocrinologist, or a nutritionist may prove relevant to address the root cause.

🌿 Targeted dietary supplements D-LAB

Pro-Collagen Hair 360°

A cutting-edge formula to nourish, strengthen, and stimulate growth.

D-LAB has combined collagen and keratin for its expert formula Pro-Collagen Hair 360°, which works at 360° to regenerate hair from the inside, especially in contexts of intense or prolonged stress.

Its synergy is based on:

• Hydrolyzed marine collagen: essential for preserving the structure of the hair follicle, improving scalp elasticity, and promoting a favorable environment for regrowth.

• A bioavailable keratin: to strengthen the hair shaft, fill in gaps, and prevent breakage.

• Field horsetail: rich in natural silica, it stimulates keratin production and promotes denser and stronger hair.

• Essential B vitamins (including B8): to support growth, limit hair loss, and maintain hair vitality.

Key Benefits :
✅ Reduces diffuse hair loss related to stress
✅ Stimulates regrowth, even on fine hair
✅ Improves density, shine, and strength

Hair mass

The treatment for hair mass from D-LAB combines 3 formulas in a Hair Mass Program, to target the hormonal and nerve causes of hair loss, which are very common in cases of chronic stress, intense fatigue, or thyroid imbalances.

This ultra-complete formula works deeply to sustainably regulate and stimulate:

1. Balance Activator
   ➡️ Contains saffron extract, vitamins B3, B6, and B2, L-Tryptophan, and marine magnesium to correct and regulate the hormonal system.

2. Keratin Absolute
   ➡️ Concentrated in Cynatine® HNS, a patented highly bioavailable keratin that strengthens the fiber, increases volume, and reduces breakage.

3. Detox Microcirculation
   ➡️ Activates the microcirculation of the scalp thanks to lady's mantle, horse chestnut, and milk thistle, promoting optimal oxygenation of the follicles.

Results : braked fall, accelerated push, denser hair, strong and shiny.

Keratin Absolute

The SOS anti-hair loss treatment to repair, strengthen, and protect the fiber.

The keratin treatment Absolu de Kératine offers an exceptional concentration of patented pure keratin, identical to that which naturally composes our hair. 

This formula acts as an internal repairing treatment, ideal after a period of stress, an emotional shock, or severe hair loss.

• Pure hydrolyzed keratin: fills in the gaps of the hair fiber, strengthens its internal cohesion, and boosts the mechanical resistance of the hair.

Key Benefits :
✅ Repairs damaged or brittle hair
✅ Restores texture, shine, and volume
✅ Ideal for an express treatment to revive hair vitality

Key anti-hair loss ingredients: keratin, collagen, adaptogenic plants…

• Keratin: a key component of hair fiber, it provides strength, structure, and resistance.

• Marine collagen: improves scalp elasticity and promotes a healthy hair follicle.

• Adaptogenic plants: regulate cortisol, support the adrenal glands, and protect the hair cycle.

• Natural silica (horsetail, bamboo) : stimulates endogenous keratin production

• Complexes B (B6, B8, B12) : essential for cell regeneration, hair growth, and overall scalp health.

• Zinc, iron, selenium: essential trace elements for strong and lasting regrowth

Nutrition & lifestyle

Essential nutrients for resilient hair

A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential for hair health. Vitamins B5, B6, B8, zinc, and amino acids such as cysteine and methionine are particularly beneficial. They support keratin production, strengthen the hair fiber, and promote healthy hair growth. 

To learn more about the relationship between hair loss and diet, check out our dedicated article.

Internal and external care routine to adopt

Adopting an internal and external care routine is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. In addition to dietary supplements, using suitable hair products, such as strengthening shampoos and masks, helps to strengthen the hair and prevent hair loss. Good hydration and regular scalp massages are also recommended.

Sleep, breathing, hormonal balance: the invisible pillars

Quality sleep, deep breathing, and stable hormonal balance are invisible yet essential pillars for hair health. Relaxation techniques, such as heart coherence and meditation, can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote optimal hormonal balance.

Daily Stress Management

Effective relaxation techniques (heart coherence, meditation…)

Stress management involves effective relaxation techniques. Heart coherence, meditation, and yoga are beneficial practices for calming the mind and reducing the impact of stress on the body. These techniques promote better oxygenation of the tissues, including the scalp, and support hair health.

Physical activity and endorphin secretion

Regular physical activity is an excellent way to manage stress. Exercise stimulates the secretion of endorphins, the hormones of well-being, which help improve mood or reduce anxiety. A daily walk, running, or gym sessions can help maintain emotional and physical balance.

Wellness ritual to implement

Establishing a wellness ritual is essential to counter the effects of stress. This can include moments of relaxation, soothing baths, the use of calming essential oils, and mindfulness practices. These rituals help create an environment conducive to relaxation and hair regeneration.

Stress-related hair loss in women

Hair loss in women is often experienced as an intense emotional ordeal, as hair is closely linked to self-image and femininity. Stress acts here as a multifactorial trigger, adding to elements already inherent to the female body:

• Significant hormonal fluctuations: menstrual cycle, postpartum, stopping contraception, perimenopause or menopause… these phases alter the estrogenic balance, which can weaken the hair bulb.

• Mental and emotional burden: juggling between professional life, personal life, parenting, mental health… Chronic stress often sets in insidiously.

• Emotional shocks or accumulated fatigue: these situations can trigger a telogen effluvium, a massive and sudden hair loss.

💚 Effective solutions :

• Targeted dietary supplements (such as the Hair Mass Program or Pro-Collagen Hair 360°) to restore micronutrient reserves, strengthen the fiber, and stimulate growth.

• Stress management practices: heart coherence, gentle yoga, adaptogens, emotional support.

• A follow-up with a healthcare professional in case of persistent falls.

To learn more, check out our article on hair loss.

Stress and hair loss in men

In men, stress is also a triggering or aggravating factor for hair loss, often confused with androgenetic alopecia. It can be:

• From a diffuse reactive fall, often linked to overwork, intense professional stress, or a sudden change in lifestyle.

• From a acceleration of hereditary baldness: stress can increase sensitivity to DHT (hormone involved in male alopecia).

Men are sometimes less inclined to seek help or verbalize their stress, which can delay the implementation of effective solutions.

The keys to effective management :

• Concentrated treatments with keratin, zinc, B vitamins, and amino acids to strengthen the fiber and limit hair loss (e.g., Keratin Absolute).

• A rebalanced lifestyle: restorative sleep, regular physical activity, diet rich in essential nutrients.

• Reducing stress through simple routines: exercise, meditation, psychological support if necessary.

More details in our article on hair loss in men.

Alopecia, stress, and regrowth: a glimmer of hope

"Stress-related alopecia, whether acute or chronic, is not a fatality."

Read also, how to treat baldness?

Contrary to popular belief, regrowth is often possible, provided that we address the root causes:

• Support for metabolic and hormonal terrain through appropriate nutritional supplements

• Scalp care: massages, gentle products, activation of microcirculation

• Soothing the nervous system: managing emotional stress, quality sleep, therapeutic support

Numerous testimonies from women and men who have regained thick hair after a period of stress bring a powerful message of hope: with the right care, regeneration is possible ✨

Hair loss related to stress is a reality for many people, but natural and effective solutions exist to address it. 

Dietary supplements, such as those offered by D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS, play a crucial role in providing the necessary nutrients for hair health. 

At the same time, stress management and a balanced lifestyle are essential for maintaining strong and resilient hair.

• Bouchez, C. (2020). Stress and Hair Loss: Understanding and Acting. Paris: Éditions Santé.
• Martin, P. (2018). The life cycle of hair and its disturbances. Journal of Trichology.
• Dupont, A. (2019). Dietary supplements and hair health. Journal of Micronutrition.
• Monnier, S. (2021). Relaxation techniques for stress management. Wellness Medicine.