New research revealed the most stressed UK regions.
In Wales, Increased hair shedding or breakage (46%) was listed as the most common symptom of stress-related scalp issues, followed by persistent itchiness (43%) and a dry or tight-feeling scalp and increased flaking (34%).
March 2026: New research suggests Wales is a region under pressure, and the impact of stress is showing up not just emotionally, but physically, on hair and scalp.
Coal-tar shampoo brand, Polytar, has revealed that the Welsh are among the most stressed in the country, with 87% saying they experience some level of stress on a day-to-day basis, and almost a quarter (19%) saying they are very stressed every day.
The effects of stress are not only emotional, but also physical. Almost half (42%) in Wales say they notice negative changes in their hair and scalp during periods of stress. Stress shows up on the hair and scalp in a variety of ways. The most common stress-related scalp symptom was hair shedding or breakage, according to almost half (46%). This is followed by persistent itchiness (43%) ,a dry or tight-feeling scalp (34%), and increased flaking 34%.
Stress-related scalp changes also often appear quickly, with (36%) saying that during periods of stress, they noticed symptoms within a matter of days. However, while symptoms can develop rapidly, they often take longer to resolve, with over a quarter of respondents (29%) saying it took up to two weeks or more for stress-related scalp conditions to settle after stressful periods ended. A shocking one in five (20%) said their symptoms have not eased.
In response to issues, over half (51%) said they opted for switching shampoos. However, despite the prevalence of symptoms, many people in Wales are choosing not to address them at all, with one in four (26%) admitting to ignoring stress-related scalp issues altogether. Instead, 9% say they cover up or style their hair differently to hide visible signs rather than tackling the issue at the root cause.
Help with stress and scalp conditions
Trichologist (hair and scalp expert) Amy Hunt said, “From a trichological perspective, stress is a significant trigger for scalp conditions. Chronic stress keeps the nervous system in a heightened state, increasing cortisol levels, which can disrupt immune function and weaken the scalp’s protective barrier. This can accelerate skin cell turnover and inflammation, making conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema more likely to flare, particularly in those already predisposed.”
The NHS recommends several ways to reduce stress, such as being active, connecting with people, and even taking some ‘me time’. The recommendations are lifestyle changes that will eventually reduce the likelihood of stress-related scalp issues.
For those in Wales looking to tackle symptoms directly, medicated shampoos can offer targeted support. “Medicated shampoos contain active ingredients that help reduce inflammation, rebalance the scalp microbiome, and regulate excessive skin cell turnover,” said Amy. “Used consistently during flare-ups, they can ease symptoms such as itching, scaling, and irritation and form part of an effective long-term management plan.”
The Trichologist noted that people should use a medicated shampoo once a week to combat scalp conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, and an itchy scalp.
Polytar is encouraging people in Wales experiencing stress-related scalp issues to seek support early and adopt routines that help protect both their mental well-being and scalp health. Polytar Medicated Scalp Shampoo is available from £11.99 from https://polytar.co.uk/, as well as leading retailers including Boots, Amazon, and Superdrug.
