S16 Blog

How stressed out are we here in the States? Well… pretty stressed, it seems. 

Actually, it turns out we live in one of the most stressed-out countries in the world. Fifty-five percent of the American population says that they feel stressed at some point during the day. Our stress levels have risen so much over the last few years that it’s caused the American Psychological Association to report that we’re experiencing a mental health crisis, which can create physical and emotional consequences for years to come.

We feel stress, worry, and anxiety throughout our bodies. So, what toll does all this stress take on our hair?

We’ve seen plenty of clients come in recently sharing all kinds of stress-related concerns about their hair and scalp. There’s definitely a correlation between all these things we’re feeling and the look, feel, and health of our locks. Let’s talk about what this pressure and tension can do.

How Stress Affects Your Body

We all know that prolonged stress can certainly make its mark on the human body. Anyone who has ever had that knot-in-the-pit-of-your-stomach, shoulders-to-your-ears, teeth-clenched feeling can attest. 

But stress can also do a number on your hair and scalp. Here are some of the most common effects of stress we are seeing in our salon:

Premature Graying

There are all kinds of jokes about the connection between worrying and going gray, but there’s actually some truth here. Sure, genetics has a lot to do with if and when your hair goes gray, but stress plays a role, too. Stress can affect the nerves that control the pigmentation of your hair. When those nerves are impacted or damaged by what you’re feeling or what’s going on in your life, your hair may go gray sooner than you expect.

Scalp Damage

Stress causes us to release certain hormones that create inflammation throughout our bodies. This can damage the skin in a number of ways. Unfortunately, your scalp is no exception. Damage to your scalp caused by stress-related inflammation can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss and patchy hair growth.

Thin and Weak Hair

If you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, you’ve probably noticed your hairbrush looks a little fuller or that your ponytail feels a little thinner. This is because stress can affect the hormones that stimulate hair growth and actually disrupt our hair growth cycles. 

The hardest part about the effects of stress on your hair? Losing your hair or experiencing the frustration of scalp issues can cause even more stress. It all becomes a vicious cycle!

5 Ways to Take Care of your Scalp and Hair

Let’s face it: In life, a little stress (or a lot!) will come your way. It’s unavoidable. 

But if your mental health is such an issue that your hair and scalp are showing it, the best and most important thing you can do is seek the help of a professional to help you find strategies to cope with it. 

Once you get your mental health back in check, then you can give your hair and scalp a little pampering to get it back to its shiny, healthy self. Here are our favorite ways to give your hair and scalp a little love:

1. Scalp Serums

Stress can do serious damage to your scalp and your hair follicles. Putting essential nutrients back into those follicles can help in reversing the effects of stress-damaged hair. Scalp serums nourish your scalp and protect your sensitive skin from UV damage and other toxins that can impact your hair growth cycle and the luster of your locks.

2. Scalp Massages

Are you one of those people who believe the best part about getting your hair done is the shampoo scalp massage your stylist provides? You’re not alone! A scalp massage doesn’t just feel amazing; it can also stimulate hair growth, improve blood flow, and give you an overall sense of relaxation and well-being. No time for frequent visits to the salon? Check out some DIY massagers available online for the time in-between appointments.

3. Rehydrate

Not taking care of yourself physically or mentally can leave your hair flat and dull. Great nutrition is important to fuel hair growth from the inside out, but what you put on your hair is important too! Rehydrating your hair with a hair mask can be the key to putting a little life back into your tresses. Like scalp serums, a hair mask is going to protect your hair and infuse it with the essential nutrients it needs to be healthy and beautiful.

4. Let the Professionals Handle It

Finally, give yourself the ultimate day of pampering by scheduling an appointment with your favorite stylist at Studio 16. We offer a variety of services to melt away stress and help you feel relaxed while we take great care of your hair. From careful cuts and gentle color formulas to hair and scalp treatments, and even extensions, the stylists at Studio 16 know exactly what your hair and scalp need to be happier and healthier, and what hair-friendly, rejuvenating Aveda products to use to get you there.

Don’t let stress get in the way—you always deserve to look and feel your best. We care about how your hair looks, but we also care about how you feel. If you’re feeling stressed, let us know. We’d love nothing more than to help you put your well-being at the top of your priority list. Call us for a consultation. Let us help you get back on the road to wellness from the inside out!

This is Part I of an ongoing Series on "Beauty & Your Health". Click to see Part II:  "How Stress Can Affect Your Skin".