Encyclopedia
Reference entry
Lifestyle
Stress
A physiological response with documented, delayed effects on hair.
Soumm · Lifestyle
Definition
The body’s response to demand, involving hormonal, immune and metabolic changes. Acute and chronic stress differ in how they present.
Effects on hair typically appear two to three months after the stressor.
What helps
Addressing the cause, protecting sleep, and adequate nutrition. Topical care supports comfort but does not counteract the mechanism.
See also: Cortisol, Telogen Effluvium.
A note on evidence
Hair responds to many things at once: sleep, nutrition, hormonal changes, scalp condition and stress among them. Published here for education only; individual concerns should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.