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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH  
Stress and Hair Fall: An Integrative View of Modern Science and Ayurveda  
Dr. Trupti Parimal Yawatkar 1, Dr. Gouri A. Mulik 2  
1 Assistant Professor, Dept of Rognidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan in S.C. Mutha Aryangala Vaidyak Mahavidyalaya,  
Satara.  
2 HOD & Professor, Dept of Rognidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan, LRP Ayurvedic Medical college, Islampur  
Corresponding author: Dr. Trupti Parimal Yawatkar  
Article Info: Published on : 15/01/2026  
Cite this article as: - Dr. Trupti Parimal Yawatkar (2026) ; Stress and Hair Fall: An Integrative View of Modern Science and  
Ayurveda;Inter .J.Dignostics and Research 3 (2) 33- 38, DOI : : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 8 2 5 8 9 6 5  
Abstract  
Stress has emerged as a significant psychosomatic factor influencing various physiological processes,  
including hair growth and hair loss. Hair fall is increasingly reported among individuals experiencing  
chronic psychological stress due to modern lifestyle challenges and competition in working sectors.  
Contemporary biomedical science explains stress-induced hair loss through neuroendocrine, immune and  
hormonal pathways. Whereas Ayurveda describes stress (Chinta, Shoka, Bhaya ) as a causative factor for  
Keshapata (Khalitya) through Dosha vitiation and Strotodushti. Khalitya is included in Kshudrarogas by  
Sushruta and Shirokapalgatroga by Vagabhatta and Sharangdhar. This article aims to provide an  
integrative review of stress and hair fall by correlating modern scientific view with Ayurvedic principles  
as pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and preventive measures.  
Keywords – Stress, Hair Fall, Chinta, Keshapata, Ayurveda, Khalitya,  
Copyright @ : - Dr.Trupti Yawatkar Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID0093 |ISSN :2584-2757  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]  
Stress and Hair Fall: Modern Scientific  
Perspective :  
Introduction :  
Hair is not only a protective structure but also an  
important component of an individual’s physical  
appearance and psychological well-being. In recent  
years, hair fall has emerged as a common complaint  
across all age groups, particularly among working  
individuals, often associated with stress, anxiety  
and emotional disturbances. Modern lifestyle  
characterized by occupational pressure, various  
targets, irregular routines and mental strain  
contribute significantly to stress-related disorders  
and its ill-effects on body.  
Stress – Stress is the body’s natural response to  
physical, emotional or psychological challenges. It  
may be short term / positive stress or long term/  
distress[1]. Short term stress can be beneficial by  
enhancing our activities and performance whereas  
chronic  
stress  
disturbs  
normal  
physiological  
functions and leads to various disorders. Prolonged  
stress activates the HPA axis i.e. hypothalamic-  
pituitary-adrenal axis which leads to increased  
secretion of stress hormone Cortisol. Elevated  
cortisol levels adversely affect various systems of  
the body , including the hair growth cycle.  
Physiology of Hair Growth :  
Most common causes of hair loss include-  
Genetics , Hormonal changes, medical conditions,  
Nutritional deficiencies, specific medications as  
chemotherapy and most important cause are  
STRESS.  
Hair growth occurs in a cyclic pattern consisting of  
3 phases as[2] :  
1. Anagen (growth phase)  
In Ayurveda, mental factors (Manasika Bhavas)  
such as Chinta (stress), Shoka (grief), and Bhaya  
(fear) are recognized as etiological factors for  
various somatic diseases including hair disorders.  
An integrative understanding of stress-induced hair  
2. Catagen (transition phase)  
3. Telogen (resting/ shedding phase)  
Any disturbance in this cycle can lead to excessive  
hair shedding.  
Mechanisms of Stress-Induced Hair Fall[2][3]  
Stress affects healthy hair through multiple ways:  
1. Neuroendocrine Pathway  
fall  
can  
help  
in  
holistic  
prevention  
and  
management.  
Aim :  
Chronic  
stress  
activates  
the  
hypothalamic–  
leading to  
1. To study the stress and hair fall - Modern  
perspective.  
pituitary–adrenal  
(HPA)  
axis,  
increased secretion of cortisol hormone. Elevated  
cortisol levels:  
2. To study the stress and hair fall / Khalitya –  
Ayurvedic perspective.  
• Disrupt hair follicle cycling  
3. To study Integrative correlation between  
Modern science and Ayurveda related to  
stress and hair fall.  
• Prematurely push hair follicles into the  
telogen phase (Telogen Effluvium)  
• Inhibit hair follicle stem cell activity  
2. Inflammatory and Immune Response  
Stress increases pro-inflammatory cytokines,  
4. To  
study  
Preventive  
measures  
and  
management for stress and hair fall.  
Copyright @ : - Dr.Trupti Yawatkar Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID0093 |ISSN :2584-2757  
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Volume : 03 Issue : 02  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]  
leading to:  
•
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in  
proteins, iron, vitamins and antioxidants  
supports healthy hair growth.  
• Micro-inflammation around hair follicles  
• Aggravation of autoimmune hair disorders  
such as Alopecia Areata  
•
•
Adequate Sleep: Proper rest allows the  
3. Oxidative Stress :  
body to repair and balance hormones.  
Psychological stress increases oxidative stress  
which damage hair follicle cells and impairs hair  
shaft formation[1].  
Medical  
Evaluation:  
Identifying  
underlying causes such as anaemia, thyroid  
Stress-Related Hair Disorders/ Types of hair  
loss-  
disorders  
essential.  
or  
hormonal  
imbalances  
is  
• Telogen Effluvium :- Sudden and excessive  
hair shedding due to emotional or physical  
stress.  
•
Counselling and Support: Psychological  
support may be beneficial in cases of  
chronic stress or anxiety[4].  
• Alopecia  
Areata:-  
An  
autoimmune  
Stress and Hair Fall (Khalitya) : Ayurvedic  
Perspective :  
condition where stress is considered as  
triggering factor, leading to hair loss in  
patches.  
In Ayurveda, hair (Kesha) is considered an  
important indicator of internal health and balance  
of Doṣhas, Dhatus and Manas (mind). In the  
present era, mental stress (Chinta, shoka, Bhaya)  
has become a common cause of hair fall. Ayurveda  
recognizes stress as a key factor in the vitiation of  
Rasavaha Srotas and Manovaha Srotas[5], which  
ultimately affects hair nourishment and growth.  
Ayurvedic Understanding of Stress (Chinta) :  
Chinta refers to excessive thinking or worry and is  
described as a Manasika Nidana (mental causative  
factor) in many diseases[5]. Prolonged stress leads  
to imbalance of Rajas and Tamas Guṇas disturbing  
• Trichotillomania:-  
A
psychological  
condition where individuals compulsively  
pull out their hair, often associated with  
anxiety and stress.  
Role of cortisol hormone in hair fall-  
Cortisol- stress hormone plays a crucial role in hair  
loss.  
Increased levels of cortisol – Reduce blood  
circulation to hair follicles, suppress hair follicle  
stem cell activity, promote inflammation around  
hair follicles as a result hair become weak, dry,  
brittle and fall easily.  
mental  
harmony.  
Continuous  
mental  
stress  
Management and Prevention  
aggravates Vata and Pitta Doshas[6], particularly  
Praṇa Vata and Sadhaka Pitta, which play an  
important role in mental and emotional regulation.  
Effective management of stress-related hair fall  
involves[1][2]  
:
•
Stress Management: Yoga, meditation,  
deep breathing and mindfulness practices  
help reduce cortisol levels.  
Copyright @ : - Dr.Trupti Yawatkar Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID0093 |ISSN :2584-2757  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]  
Dosha Involvement[6]  
Concept of Hair in Ayurveda  
According to Ayurveda [7][8]  
:
•
•
•
Vata: Causes dryness, brittleness, and hair  
fall  
•
Hair (Kesha) is considered a Mala of Asthi  
Dhatu[7]  
Pitta: Causes inflammation, premature  
greying and hair fall  
•
Proper formation of hair depends on the  
nourishment of Rasa, Rakta, and Asthi  
Dhatu[8]  
Kapha: When vitiated, leads to follicular  
block  
•
Healthy hair growth requires unobstructed  
Rasavaha and Asthivaha Srotas  
Integrative  
Correlation  
Between  
Modern  
Science and Ayurveda :  
When  
stress  
disturbs  
digestion  
(Agni)  
and  
Modern Science  
Ayurvedic Concept  
circulation of nutrients, the nourishment to hair  
follicles is reduced leading to hair fall[9].  
Chronic stress  
Cortisol excess  
Telogen Effluvium  
Impaired  
Chinta  
Vata–Pitta Prakopa  
Keshapata  
Pathogenesis  
of  
Stress-Induced  
Hair  
Fall  
(Samprapti)  
Rasavaha Strotodushti  
Chronic stress (Chinta) leads to[5]:  
microcirculation  
Oxidative stress  
Neuroendocrine  
imbalance  
•
•
•
Agnimandya (impaired digestive fire)[9]  
Dhatu Kshaya  
Manas–Sharir-Asamyoga  
Vitiation of Rasa Dhatu  
Obstruction or dysfunction of Rasavaha  
Srotas  
Both systems emphasize the mind–body connection  
and acknowledge stress as a primary etiological  
factor in hair fall.  
•
Aggravation of Vata and Pitta Doṣhas  
Increased Pitta causes premature greying and hair  
thinning, while aggravated Vata results in dryness,  
brittleness, and excessive hair fall. Thus, stress-  
induced hair fall can be understood as Rasavaha  
Srotas Duṣhṭi with involvement of Manas Doṣhas.  
Khalitya as described by Sushrutacharya –  
Roomkoop (hair follicle) contains bhrajak pitta.  
Pitta present at the root of hair follicle increases in  
association with vata and this appears as falling of  
hairs. Then kapha and rakta together block the  
follicles of the hair by not allowing fresh ones to  
grow.  
Role of Mind–Body Connection :  
Ayurveda  
emphasizes  
the  
close  
relationship  
between mind and body. Continuous emotional  
disturbances weaken Ojas, the essence of all  
Dhatus, leading to reduced immunity. Loss of Ojas  
directly affects hair strength and growth, making  
hair prone to shedding.  
Preventive Measures in Ayurveda:  
Ayurveda focuses on Nidan Parivarjana (avoidance  
of causative factors) and Swasthaviṛtta (healthy  
lifestyle) for prevention[10]  
.
Copyright @ : - Dr.Trupti Yawatkar Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID0093 |ISSN :2584-2757  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]  
1. Mental and Emotional Care  
Conclusion :  
•
•
•
Practice Yoga, Praṇayama and Dhyana to  
calm the mind  
Stress plays a crucial role in the causation and  
progression of hair fall. Modern science explains  
Regular practice of Nadi sodhana and  
Bhramari Praṇayama helps reduce stress  
Adequate sleep (Nidra) is essential for  
mental balance  
this through neuroendocrine and inflammatory  
mechanisms, while Ayurveda attributes it to  
Chinta/stress -induced Dosha imbalance and  
Strotodushti. From an Ayurvedic perspective, hair  
fall due to stress is a manifestation of disturbed  
mental and physical harmony. Chinta leads to  
Rasavaha Srotas Dushṭi, Doṣha imbalance and  
depletion of Dhatus, ultimately affecting hair  
health. Prevention lies in maintaining mental  
calmness, proper diet, disciplined lifestyle and  
holistic care. An integrative approach combining  
2. Dietary Measures (Ahara)  
•
•
Consume Vata- pitta pacifying foods  
Include milk, ghee, green leafy vegetables,  
fruits and whole grains  
•
•
Avoid  
spicy,  
oily,  
fermented  
and  
excessively hot foods  
Maintain regular meal timings to support  
Agni  
modern  
stress  
management  
strategies  
with  
3. Daily Regimen (Dinacharya)  
Ayurvedic principles offers a comprehensive and  
holistic solution for preventing and managing  
stress- induced hair fall.  
•
•
•
Abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame oil  
helps pacify Vata[11]  
Shiro Abhyanga nourishes scalp and calms  
the nervous system[11]  
References:  
1. Google scholar – Trueb RM. The impact of  
oxidative stress on hair. Int J Trichology.  
2009;1(1): 6-14  
Regular head wash with mild herbal  
preparations  
4. Herbal Support  
2. Paus R, Cotsarelis G. The biology of hair  
follicles. N Engl J Med. 1999;341 (7):491-7  
3. Harvard health Publishing. Stress and hair  
loss: Are they related? Harvard Med  
Sch.2020.  
•
•
Amalaki,  
Brahmi,  
Yaṣṭimadhu  
and  
Ashwagandha help reduce stress and  
nourish Dhatus  
Use  
application and massage  
5. Lifestyle factors (Vihara)  
of  
Bhr̥ ingaraj  
Taila  
for  
scalp  
4. Vagbhata, Aṣṭanga Hṛidaya, Sutrasthana,  
(1/24–26) – importance of mental balance in  
health. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas  
Academy; 2020.  
•
•
Avoid excessive use of electronic devices  
Minimize late-night work and irregular  
routines  
5. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana,  
Rasavaha Srotas Duṣṭi Lakṣaṇa (28/7–8).  
Commentary by Chakrapanidatta. Varanasi:  
Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2019.  
•
Engage in positive activities and maintain  
emotional stability  
Copyright @ : - Dr.Trupti Yawatkar Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID0093 |ISSN :2584-2757  
37  
Volume : 03 Issue : 02  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]  
6. Vagbhata,  
Aṣṭanga Hṛidaya, Sutrasthana  
Declaration :  
Conflict of Interest : None  
(12/15–17) – Vata–Pitta aggravation due to  
ISSN: 2584-2757  
mental factors. Varanasi: Chaukhambha  
Krishnadas Academy; 2020.  
DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 8 2 5 8 9 6 5  
Dr. Trupti Yawatkar Inter. J.Digno. and Research  
This work is licensed under Creative  
Commons Attribution 4.0 License  
Submission Link : http://www.ijdrindia.com  
7. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana  
(15/3–5) – Asthi Dhatu and its Malas  
(Kesha, Loma). Varanasi: Chaukhambha  
Orientalia; 2018.  
8. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita, Sharirasthana  
(4/20–22) – nourishment of Dhatus and role  
of Rasa and Rakta. Varanasi: Chaukhambha  
Orientalia; 2018.  
Benefits of Publishing with us  
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Author retains copyright  
9. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita, Sharirsthana  
(1/98–100) description of Manas, Rajas and  
Tamas. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati  
Prakashan; 2019.  
Unique DOI for all articles  
https://ijdrindia.com  
10. SUSRUTASAMHITA  
OF  
MAHARSHI  
Ambikadutta  
SUSRUTA By Kaviraja  
Shastri, Part I, Chaukhambha Sanskrit  
Sansthan, Varanasi, edition Reprint 2012,  
Uttartantra, 1/25, p.no 14  
11. Vagbhata, Aṣṭanga Hṛidaya, Sutrasthana,  
(2/8–9) – Abhyanga and its role in Vata  
shamana and mental calmness. Varanasi:  
Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; 2020.  
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