Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common concern for both men and women. While most balding is related to genetic concerns, stress has been tentatively linked to some hair loss. What does the current research tell us?
An autoimmune disease attacking the hair follicles, alopecia areata has been linked to stress, as have other autoimmune diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis. But concise evidence has thus far not proven stress to otherwise be a cause for permanent hair loss.
What is known is that the hair follicles are surrounded by nerves. These nerves produce substances such as neuropeptides. One particular neuropeptide, substance P, is involved in the transmission of the sensation of pain. If this is not produced sufficiently or correctly, it could be possible for the resulting inflammation to affect hair growth. Studies in mice have shown that substance P changes the hair growth cycle.
Another stress-related chemical in the body is cortisol, a stress hormone. A recent study found that the hair follicles actually contain an additional adrenal site of cortisol synthesis, meaning that stress and cortisol may have a direct impact on the hair follicle.
Recent studies specifically focusing on the nerves around hair follicles have given preliminary evidence that managing nerve inflammation may reverse some types of hair loss. Capsaicin is a chemical extracted from chili peppers that triggers the release of substance P and may help stimulate hair growth, as it soothes irritated nerves inside the scalp.
This and other potential treatments are currently being studied. But as it stands right now, more research must be done before science can conclude for a fact that some permanent hair loss can result from stress.
