Survivors of the COVID-19 infection have reported experiencing symptoms during the active phase of the disease. However, some of these symptoms linger and even get worse after the infection has run its course.
One common symptom people complain of is hair loss. New reports have shown that about 20% of people who have suffered from COVID-19 developed temporary hair loss during their recovery phase and for some, this hair loss gradually became permanent.
Is this shocking fact merely a myth or is there truly a scientific link between COVID-19 and hair loss? Read on to discover the truth.
In this article, we’ll look at scientific research detailing the effects of COVID-19 on hair. We’ll also explore possible causes, risk factors, and available treatment options.
Why Does Hair Loss Occur After COVID-19?
The average person loses about 40-120 strands of hair per day. Hair loss only becomes excessive when unusual chunks come out whenever you try to wash or comb out your hair.
This unusual shedding of hair is called telogen effluvium. A condition frequently seen in people recovering from severe stress and sudden changes in the physiological state of their body.
Some of these stressors could be; a high fever, severe infections, and emotional stress. Sound familiar? These are all symptoms and conditions associated with COVID-19.
Understanding Telogen Effluvium: A Stress-Triggered Condition
Telogen effluvium is a reversible type of hair loss that usually occurs in individuals exposed to increased levels of stress. Our hair goes through three growth stages namely; Anagen (growth phase), Catagen (resting phase), and Telogen (shedding).
Telogen Effluvium occurs when about 70% of your hair enters the Telogen or shedding phase. This leads to an increase in the number of hairs falling out daily. It can be mild but, in severe cases, hair loss can occur in other parts of your body like your eyelashes and eyebrows.
The Role of Emotional and Physical Stress in Hair Loss
Both physical and emotional stress play significant roles in individuals experiencing hair loss. The stressful events they’re exposed to stimulate the body to release stress hormones like cortisol. Cortisol also disrupts the body’s hair growth cycle.
It makes hair follicles weak and prevents new hair from growing which can cause hair thinning.
Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Hair Follicles
COVID-19 infection can affect the hair follicles in several ways. The infection can force the hair follicles into a resting phase of the hair growth cycle. This leads to shedding. The infection can also be a triggering factor for an inflammatory response which can affect hair growth.
Types of Hair Loss Linked to COVID-19
The COVID-19 infection has been associated with different types of hair loss. Examples include:
Telogen Effluvium.
- Alopecia Areata.
- Androgenetic Alopecia.
Telogen Effluvium: The Most Common Culprit
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever and pulmonary manifestations. However, over the years, research has shown that telogen effluvium is also associated with Covid-19 infection. This can be caused by the constant anxiety, fear, and stress while being affected by the infection.
Can COVID-19 Cause Alopecia Areata?
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that results in nonscarring hair loss which can occur in the face, scalp, and body. A recent study suggests that COVID-19 increases the risk of developing these autoimmune diseases because the SARS-CoV-2 that infects people with COVID-19 mainly attacks the body’s immune systems.
For people older than 40, the study found that there was a significant link and increase between COVID-19 and alopecia.
Is Androgenetic Alopecia Worsened by COVID-19?
Studies have found that individuals who had COVID-19 and presented with androgenetic alopecia symptoms had previously been diagnosed with it. Also, it was noted that 42.6% of these patients had a new androgenetic alopecia flare up which was worsened by the COVID-19 infection.
How Long Does Hair Loss After COVID Last?
It’s important to note that hair loss caused by the COVID-19 infection is usually temporary. Once the stressors have been addressed, your hair grows back. However, in some cases, the hair loss continues.
Typical Recovery Timeline for COVID Hair Loss
COVID hair loss can occur 2-3 months post-infection. If this shedding is temporary, it can take at least 3 to 6 months for the hair to return to its normal state.
Factors That Influence Hair Regrowth
Many factors can influence hair regrowth:
- Topical ointment.
- A good diet.
- Sleep.
- Medications.
- Hair care products.
- Nutritional supplements.
However, if hair loss is happening because of physical or emotional stress try to get rid of those stressors to aid faster hair growth.
Treatment Options for Post-COVID Hair Loss
Losing hair after a COVID-19 infection can be frightening, but you’re not alone. There are a lot of treatment options for people who recovered from COVID-19 that have been tried and tested out. Here are a few.
Is Minoxidil Effective for COVID-19 Hair Loss?
Minoxidil has been proven to be an effective treatment option for the recovery of hair caused by the COVID-19 infection. Minoxidil is known for its excellent ability to stimulate the hair follicles to go from the shedding (telogen) stage to the growing stage (anagen).
The Role of Nutritional Supplements and Diet in Regrowth
Taking nutritional supplements and sticking to a clean diet can play a huge role in hair regrowth. These nutrients can actively help in correcting the nutritional deficiency causing hair loss. Supplements like:
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vitamin D.
- Biotin.
- Zinc.
- Folic Acid.
- Calcium.
Incorporating this into your daily lifestyle can help reduce hair loss.
Medical Interventions for Severe Hair Thinning
There are several ways that medical interventions can help reduce severe hair thinning or eliminate it. You can try out the following treatment options:
- Hair Transplant.
- Finasteride.
- Minoxidil.
- Platelet-rich plasma.
- Low-level Laser Therapy.
- Collagen Induction Therapy.
- Scalp cooling.
You should consult with your dermatologist to know the treatment options that best suit your condition.
Preventing Hair Loss During Recovery from COVID
Recovering from COVID-19 can be challenging itself, and adding the burden of potential hair loss is a lot to take on. Follow a hair loss therapy to reduce anxiety and give your hair room to heal.
Stress Management and Its Impact on Hair Health
If you are intentional about growing/regrowing and maintaining healthy hair then you’ll need to incorporate different stress management techniques into your daily life.
Best Practices for Scalp and Hair Care
To get your scalp and hair looking healthy, you should practice these simple hair care routines:
- Exfoliate scalp to break up buildups.
- Choose the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.
- Wash it regularly.
- Brush your hair regularly.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Hair Health
While the effects of COVID-19 on hair health are mostly temporary some COVID-19 patients have experienced severe and long-term effects.
Insights from Long COVID Patients
After the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, several people experienced symptoms and recovered while a few others are still symptomatic showing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, and so on. However, studies on long COVID patients are still ongoing with physicians hoping to better understand this condition and how to fix it.
What Science Says About Hair Growth After COVID
According to research, it’s believed that hair loss can be caused by the COVID-19 infection itself coupled with the stress associated with the pandemic. It has been reported that most patients experience hair regrowth after surviving COVID.
Worried About Hair-Loss? Work with a Piction Dermatologist
Are you experiencing hair loss on your head, face, or body? Do you need to speak to a dermatologist about your experience, then you should consult with a Piction dermatologist today. Our board-certified dermatologists at Piction Health will walk you through the cause of your hair loss and the various treatment types. They will carefully diagnose you and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Enjoy seamless and quick scheduling options without having to wait! Choose Piction Health today!
