Stress and Hair Loss: How It Affects Your Follicles & How to Stop Shedding Fast

Written By New Earth

If you've noticed more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or clogging the shower drain, you're not alone. Stress-related hair loss affects many people and can be a frustrating, debilitating event.

The good news? Understanding how stress impacts your hair follicles can help you take control of the shedding and support healthier, stronger hair.

How Stress Impacts Your Hair Follicles

1. Cortisol Shrinks Hair Follicles

Your body responds to stress by releasing cortisol, the primary stress hormone. While cortisol is useful in short bursts (think: fight-or-flight situations), chronic stress leads to excess cortisol overtime, which shrinks and weakens hair follicles.

Studies show that high cortisol levels shorten the hair growth phase (anagen phase), pushing more follicles into the resting (telogen) phase, where they eventually fall out.

Chronic stress can also reduce scalp blood flow, depriving hair follicles of essential nutrients, they require to grow.

2. Inflammation & Oxidative Stress Damage Hair Growth

Stress doesn’t just stop at hormones—it also triggers inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

  • Inflammation disrupts the hair follicle cycle, leading to excessive shedding.

  • Oxidative stress (caused by free radicals) damages the cells responsible for hair growth, weakening follicles over time.

The result? More breakage, increased shedding, and slower regrowth.

3. Stress Disrupts Your Gut & Nutrient Absorption

Your gut and nervous system are deeply connected. This is what we call the gut-brain axis. When you’re under chronic stress:

  • Your digestion slows down, making it harder to absorb key hair-nourishing nutrients like iron, biotin, and omega-3s.

  • Cortisol can also disrupt gut bacteria, which affects overall nutrient balance and hair strength.

This means, even if you're eating well, stress can block your body from properly using the nutrients your hair needs.

Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System for Healthier Hair

Don’t let stress overwhelm you. There are many science-backed ways to help reduce cortisol and the overall effect of stress on your hair.

We can do this by activating the Vagus nerve, which is our body’s in-built braking system. The vagus nerve controls your relaxation response, and activating it reduces cortisol levels quickly.

1.     Deep Breathing: (4-4-8 method)

Deep breathing is a great way to activate the vagus nerve. The extended exhale signals to the brain that the body is safe, slowing the heart rate and reducing stress.

How to do it:

  • Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds, filling your belly with air.

  • Hold your breath for 4 seconds to allow oxygen exchange.

  • Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth for 8 seconds, releasing tension.

  • Repeat 5-10 times, especially in moments of stress or before bed.

2.    Cold Exposure (Splashing Cold Water / Cool Shower)


Cold exposure stimulates the vagus nerve, shifting the body from fight-or-flight mode to a calm, balanced state. It also improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and boosts resilience to stress.

There are many ways to implement cold therapy in your daily routine. Choosing one that works with your lifestyle is a good way to ensure consistency.

·       Face splash method: Splash cold water (preferably ice-cold) on your face 3-5 times to instantly lower heart rate and calm your nervous system.

·       Cool shower method: Start with warm water, then gradually reduce to cold for 30 seconds. This can build stress tolerance and improve mood.

·       Ice pack method: If you’re sensitive to cold showers, hold an ice pack on the back of your neck for a similar effect.

 

3. Humming or Singing (Vagus Nerve Activation)


Humming and singing create vibrations in the throat, stimulating the vagus nerve, which regulates stress, digestion, and overall relaxation. This can reduce anxiety, slow the heart rate, and improve mood.

How to do it:

  • Humming: Gently hum "mmmm" for 30-60 seconds, feeling the vibration in your throat and chest.

  • Singing: Sing any song you enjoy, especially in a low, resonant tone to maximize vagus nerve stimulation.

  • Chanting: If you prefer meditation, chanting “Om” or another calming sound can have the same effect.

Hair loss is often a warning sign from your body that your nervous system is overwhelmed. By addressing the root cause of stress (rather than just treating the symptoms), you can restore balance, reduce shedding, and support long-term hair health.

Want more expert-backed hair recovery tips?
➡ Download our free resource: “The Ultimate hair rescue guide” put together by our experts to stop stress-induced shedding. CLICK HERE to get it straight to your inbox!

New Earth