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, hair loss due to stress 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, to identify distinctive signs, and to propose natural and effective solutions to counter this phenomenon. By highlighting hair supplements and stress management practices, this article offers a holistic approach, in line with the values of D-LAB NUTRICOSMETICS. 

Also discover the flagship products such as hair dietary supplements and dietary supplements for hair loss for radiant, healthy hair.

The biological mechanisms involved

Stress triggers a cascade of hormonal reactions in the body, including the release of cortisol, often called the "stress hormone". Cortisol can disrupt the hair life cycle, by accelerating the shedding phase (telogen) and shortening the growth phase (anagen). This disruption leads to faster hair loss, reduced 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 the microcirculation of blood in the scalp, reducing the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles. This nutrient deficiency weakens the hair and slows its growth. Additionally, muscle tension caused by stress can hinder proper oxygenation of the hair tissues, thereby exacerbating hair loss.

Typical symptoms: how to identify them?

It is essential to recognize the signs of stress-related hair loss 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 is not concentrated in a specific area (such as the temples or the crown of the head), but is observed uniformly across the entire scalp.

• Thinner, limp, and dull hair: stress disrupts the hair growth cycle (anagen phase), resulting in lower quality regrowth.

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

• Sensation of sensitive or irritated scalp: some people report a feeling of tightness or tingling related to follicle inflammation.

• Sudden onset: the hair loss 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 (bereavement, 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 (resting) phase.

For its part, chronic fatigue associated with overwork or burnout contributes to imbalance:

• The hormonal system (notably the adrenal glands)

• Restorative sleep (essential for cellular regeneration)

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

Result : the 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, on the other hand, creates a persistent inflammatory environment. It weakens the follicles, disrupts hair renewal, and can worsen other causes of hair loss such as:

  • Hormonal disorders (thyroid, cortisol)

  • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Digestive disorders (which impair nutrient absorption)

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

When should you 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 make an accurate diagnosis using a clinical examination, trichoscopy, or biological assessment. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach including a naturopath, an endocrinologist, or a nutritionist may be relevant to treat 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 within, 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 an environment conducive to 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, 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 hair mass treatment from D-LAB combines 3 formulas in a Hair Mass Program, to target the hormonal and nervous causes of hair loss, very common in cases of chronic stress, intense fatigue, or thyroid imbalances.

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

1. Balance Activator
   ➡️ Contains saffron extract, vitamins B3, B6, and B2, L-Tryptophan, and marine magnesium to help 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. Microcirculation Detox
   ➡️ Activates scalp microcirculation thanks to lady's mantle, horse chestnut, and milk thistle, promoting optimal oxygenation of the bulbs.

Results : controlled fall, accelerated pushback, denser, stronger, and shinier hair.

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 restorative treatment, ideal after a period of stress, an emotional shock, or severe hair loss.

• Pure hydrolyzed keratin: fills the gaps in 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 a quick treatment to boost hair vitality

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

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

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

• 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, growth, and overall scalp health

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

Nutrition & lifestyle hygiene

Essential nutrients for strong hair

A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is fundamental 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 but essential pillars for hair health. Relaxation techniques, such as heart coherence and meditation, can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote optimal hormonal balance.

Everyday stress management

Effective relaxation techniques (heart coherence, meditation...)

Stress management involves effective relaxation techniques. Heart coherence, meditation, and yoga are beneficial practices to calm the mind and reduce the impact of stress on the body. These techniques promote better oxygenation of 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 feel-good hormones, 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 counteract 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 estrogen balance, which can weaken the hair bulb.

• Mental and emotional load: juggling 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 the Pro-Collagen Hair 360°) to restore micronutrient reserves, strengthen the fiber, and stimulate growth.

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

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

To learn more, see our article on hair loss.

Stress and hair loss in men

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

• From a diffuse reactive drop, often related to overwork, intense professional stress, or a sudden change in lifestyle rhythm.

• Of an acceleration of hereditary baldness: stress can increase sensitivity to DHT (hormone involved in male pattern baldness).

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

The keys to effective support :

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

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

• Stress reduction 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 inevitable.

Also read, how to treat baldness?

Contrary to popular belief, regrowth is often possible, provided that the root causes are addressed:

• Support for the metabolic and hormonal terrain through appropriate nutritional supplements

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

• Calming of the nervous system: management of emotional stress, quality sleep, therapeutic support

Many testimonials 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 nutrients necessary for hair health. 

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

• Bouchez, C. (2020). Stress and Hair Loss: Understanding and Taking Action. Paris: Éditions Santé.
• Martin, P. (2018). The hair life cycle 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.