How Midlife Stress and Thinning Hair Are Connected

Nelea Lane, CMWC
Jul 6
2 min read

If your hair has been acting up lately — and you’ve blamed hormones, aging, or a new product — you’re not wrong. But there’s one more root cause worth talking about: midlife stress.

Close-up of a woman applying scalp serum with a dropper to the crown of her head, illustrating how midlife stress and thinning hair are connected. Text overlay reads: "How Midlife Stress and Thinning Hair Are Connected"

I told myself the thinning, oily roots, shedding, brittleness, and dull texture were just part of being over 40. But deep down, I knew stress had something to do with it. When your nervous system is constantly running on fumes, your body starts conserving energy — and unfortunately, shiny healthy hair isn’t at the top of the priority list.

What to Know About Midlife Stress and Thinning Hair

“Here’s what I wish more women knew: Midlife stress and thinning hair often go hand in hand.”

Why Stress Might Be Behind Your Oily Roots, Thinning Hair, or Sudden Shedding

Here’s what I wish more women knew: midlife stress and thinning hair often go hand in hand.

When cortisol is chronically elevated, your body:

Shifts into “survival mode,” pausing hair growth
Throws off your hormone balance (hello, androgens and DHT)
Triggers inflammation that can shrink hair follicles
Interrupts sleep and digestion — both critical to healthy hair

And yes, sometimes this looks like thinning hair. But for many of us? It’s also oily roots, brittle ends, excess shedding, or a scalp that just doesn’t feel balanced.

It Wasn’t About Vanity — It Was About Not Giving Up

One of the small ways I started caring again? A scalp serum. Not because I was aiming for a magazine cover — but because I needed to stop pretending it didn’t matter anymore.

Serum. Breathe. Pause.That was it.

It wasn’t dramatic, but it was honest. And that moment reminded me: I could still take care of myself — even if I didn’t feel like “myself” yet.

You’re allowed to care about your hair. It doesn’t make you vain — it makes you human.

Your Hair Might Be Asking for Support — From the Inside, Too

Here’s what I suggest to families who want to support their kids naturally — especially those who struggle with mood, sleep, emotional dysregulation, or tummy troubles:

If you’re noticing hair changes and feeling stressed, moody, anxious, or burned out — it’s not in your head. It’s probably on your head.

Start with the Stress Type Quiz. I created it as a Certified Mental Wellness Coach to help women pinpoint what kind of stress they’re carrying — and how it might be affecting your whole body, including your hair.

Take the Stress Type Quiz Here

Speaking of ... here's the Thicker Fuller Hair Pack and the Serum only. Both include $10 off and come with a 90-Day Money Back guarantee.

Until next time, take care of what’s beneath the surface. You’re allowed to start small.

Nelea R. Lane, CMWC

Certified Mental Wellness Coach

aka The Happy Juice Chick

Have questions? Message me here

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.