Hair Health & Thinning: Understanding the Connection to Stress & Lifestyle

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What Your Hair Says About Your Health

Heads up: The fallout from a major breakup could include your hair. Divorce is the top factor related to hair loss in women, according to a new study. Other causes are high blood pressure, high salaries (and presumably more work pressure) and having more than one child — all of which point to stress as a root source. "The stress hormone cortisol causes hair follicles to go into a dormant state," study coauthor Bahman Guyuron, MD, explains. If you spot more than 50 strands a day in your brush and shower drain or on your pillow in the morning, see a doctor for treatment.

Source: Bahman Guyuron, MD, chairman, department of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland

Kritsada Panichgul

Not Smoking

Nicotine decreases blood circulation to the scalp.

Laura Doss

Lasting Marriage

Married women have more hair than divorcées and widows.

Ericka McConnell

The Right Accessories

Wearing hats protects against sun damage and lessens hair loss.

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Smart Sips

A cup or two of java a day may reduce hair loss, possibly because caffeine may increase estrogen, which is beneficial to hair follicles. Two to four alcoholic drinks a week are also protective.

Alexa Miller

Well-Tressed Relatives

Environment and lifestyle play a bigger role in hair loss for women than men. Still, having good genes means that your hair is likelier to stay healthy.

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Good Health

Medical conditions like diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, coronary artery disease, and skin problems, as well as a high BMI, cause you to shed strands.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, February 2012.