According to research, children’s hair can provide significant insights into their mental health.
“Hair cortisol” and certain other chemical components measured in hair can reveal a lot about children’s psychological well-being. However, it is important to note that these are only indicators, not a final diagnosis.
Cortisol is commonly known as the “stress hormone.” When the body is under prolonged stress, cortisol levels in the blood increase. Unlike blood, saliva, or urine, cortisol measured through hair reflects the amount of stress experienced over the past several weeks or months.
Hair breakage, hair fall, dandruff, changes in color, or premature graying can all be influenced by both physical and psychological stress. However, these effects are usually indirect and may also result from other factors such as nutritional deficiencies, illness, hormonal imbalance, or environmental conditions.
A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that if children consistently show elevated hair cortisol levels, they may be more prone to depression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues—especially if they already have a chronic physical illness.
Behavioral difficulties and internal or external problems were found to be more common in 11-year-old children with higher cortisol levels in their hair. Negative life experiences such as financial hardships, family conflicts, violence, or parental mental illnesses can also increase stress in children, which is reflected in hair cortisol.
