Stress and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection

Stress is not only a mental and emotional burden; it can also have a profound effect on your physical health, particularly when it comes to hair. Many salon professionals have clients who experience hair thinning or shedding due to stress, but how exactly does stress affect hair growth cycles? In this post, we'll explore the connection between stress and hair loss, and discuss salon services that can help your clients relax and rejuvenate, potentially improving both their mental well-being and hair health.

How Stress Impacts Hair Growth Cycles

The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows in cycles that consist of three main phases:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active phase where the hair grows. About 85% to 90% of hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.

• Catagen (Transition Phase): A short transitional phase where hair growth slows.

• Telogen (Resting Phase): This is the phase before hair falls out and new hair begins to grow. Around 10% to 15% of hair is in the telogen phase at any time.
• Under normal circumstances, hair sheds in a balanced way. However, stress can disrupt this cycle, leading to excessive hair shedding.

Telogen Effluvium

One of the most common stress-related hair loss conditions is telogen effluvium, a form of diffuse thinning caused by a large number of hair follicles entering the telogen phase prematurely. In response to a stressful event (whether physical or emotional), the body diverts energy away from non-essential functions, including hair growth. This leads to more hair shedding than usual, typically within two to three months after the stressful event.Common stressors include:

• Emotional stress (e.g., anxiety, grief, depression)
• Physical stress (e.g., illness, surgery, childbirth)
• Lifestyle stress (e.g., poor diet, lack of sleep)

Alopecia Areata

Another condition linked to stress is alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Stress is thought to trigger or exacerbate this condition in some individuals, though genetics and other factors are also involved.

Salon Services That Can Help Clients Relax and Rejuvenate

While addressing stress-related hair loss medically may require treatment from a healthcare professional, salon services can play a vital role in helping clients manage their stress levels and promote relaxation, which may, in turn, support hair health. Here are some services you can offer:

Scalp Massages

A soothing scalp massage is one of the most effective ways to help clients relax. The massage increases blood flow to the scalp, stimulates hair follicles, and may reduce tension that contributes to hair loss. Regular scalp massages can also relieve headaches and improve overall scalp health. You can use nourishing oils such as peppermint or rosemary oil, which have been linked to promoting hair growth, for an added benefit.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to create a calming environment. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are known for their stress-relieving properties. Incorporating aromatherapy into your salon services, either during a scalp massage or as part of a more comprehensive relaxation treatment, can help clients de-stress. You can offer these scents through diffusers or add them to your shampoos or scalp treatment products.

Relaxing Hair Treatments

Offer deep conditioning or keratin treatments to nourish the hair and soothe the scalp. These treatments help to restore moisture to the hair, which may be depleted by stress, as well as improve the strength and appearance of the hair. The act of sitting back and enjoying a relaxing treatment in the salon chair also serves as a mental break from daily stressors.

Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

Encourage clients to practice mindfulness and meditation during their salon appointments. Incorporating relaxation techniques, like guided breathing exercises, can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. You can even partner with a certified instructor to offer relaxation workshops at your salon, combining the physical relaxation of a hair treatment with mental wellness.

Custom Hair and Scalp Treatments

Tailor your services to each client’s needs. For example, if a client is dealing with stress-related scalp issues, such as flaking or inflammation, offer scalp treatments that incorporate ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, or witch hazel. These ingredients can help soothe an irritated scalp while supporting a calming atmosphere in the salon.

Conclusion

Understanding the connection between stress and hair loss is essential for salon professionals who want to provide comprehensive, supportive care to their clients. Offering services that promote relaxation—such as scalp massages, aromatherapy, and deep conditioning treatments—can help reduce stress levels and, potentially, prevent or slow down stress-related hair loss. While salon services alone may not stop hair loss caused by stress, they can provide a valuable part of a holistic approach to hair health. By integrating these stress-relief treatments, you not only support your clients' well-being but also build deeper, more trusting relationships that keep them coming back to your salon.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema