Does Hair Recover from Stress?

We often think of stress as an internal process, but it can show externally in your hair. Stress-related hair issues include scalp oiliness, excessive shedding, hair loss, and more. If you’re dealing with one or more of these issues, you might wonder if your hair will ever recover. We’ll give you the answers you’re looking for in this article. Let’s get right into it! 

Hair Does Recover from Stress

Most of the time, hair does recover from stress-related issues. For hair loss related to stress, you can expect your hair to start growing back about 180 days after your stress levels are reduced. This same estimate applies to other hair issues caused by stress. But it’s important to know that everyone’s body is different, so your hair could go back to normal quicker than this estimate (or slower). And in some cases, the hair doesn’t grow back. 

How to Reduce Stress

Reducing stress is not easy by any means. Sometimes, we can be stressed out without realizing it. But that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do. Here are some of the top ways to reduce stress in your life and get your hair on the right track: 

• Release pent-up tension with dancing. 

• Be mindful of your stress - know when you need a mental break. 

• Meditate or take a few deep breaths when things start to get stressful. 

• Try to limit screen time. 

• Mind your diet and try to avoid unhealthy foods. 

• Spend some time with the people you love most. 

• Say no as needed. 

What If Your Hair Doesn’t Recover?

If you do the work to reduce your stress levels and don’t see your hair bounce back, contacting a dermatologist would be the next best step. They can do a full examination of your hair issue while considering any health problems/risks you have and devise a plan to help you get your hair back. They may also find that something different is to blame for your hair issues. 

To find a dermatologist in your area, you can start with a Google search of “dermatologist near me” and see which providers come up. If you don’t feel like the first provider is thorough enough in evaluating your case, consider going for a second opinion. 

Other Things That Could Negatively Affect Your Hair

It’s incredibly important to realize that stress is far from the only thing that could negatively affect your hair. Many other things could be behind your hair problems, and they include:

• Brushing your hair too aggressively. 

• Neglecting split ends by avoiding trims. 

• Using chemicals like relaxers, hair dye, and bleach too often. 

• Wearing your hair in styles that are too tight. 

• Underlying health conditions like lupus and alopecia. 

• Poor hair maintenance. 

*These are not the only things that can ruin your hair in one way or another. 

 So, there you have it - hair usually does recover from stress. Though, it’s not guaranteed. Whenever you’re concerned about a hair-related issue and need help, don’t forget to contact a medical professional. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair! 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.