You’ve heard it causes loss of smell. We know it causes loss of human interaction. Does COVID-19 cause hair loss, too? If you get this virus, will you lose your locks?
Possibly. COVID-19 hair loss may occur after you recover from this illness. Here’s what happens.
Fever can cause COVID-19 hair loss
A high fever can lead to hair loss. Many people experience a significant loss of hair a few months after they recover from a high fever. Since fever is a common COVID-19 symptom, this often happens after someone has had this virus.
What’s actually occurring is hair shedding rather than hair loss. It’s called telogen effluvium. A fever forces more hairs than usual into the shedding phase at the same time. Shedding is a normal part of the hair growth life cycle, but in this case, so many hairs enter the shedding (telogen) phase at the same time, that it feels like hair loss.
This usually occurs two to three months after having a high fever or illness. When you brush your hair or when you shower, you may lose handfuls of hair.
Stress can cause COVID-19 hair loss
Emotional stress can also result in telogen effluvium. If the pandemic is causing extra stress in your life, you may experience hair shedding. This usually begins two to three months after the stress begins.
If you notice your hair is coming out in clumps, it might be time to de-stress. Take steps to reduce stress, and take time to relax. Once you feel less stressed, the excessive hair shedding should stop.
COVID-19 hair loss is temporary
Keep in mind that COVID-19 hair loss isn’t actually loss. It’s shedding. This means it is temporary. The excessive shedding typically lasts for six to nine months. After this time period, you should notice your hair returning to normal. You’ll stop shedding, and hair will start to grow and shed at a normal pace. You will notice many short hairs along your hairline that are all the same length. You’ll also notice your hair is regaining its normal fullness.
More than COVID-19 hair loss
If your symptoms go beyond simple shedding of hair, consult with a hair loss expert. If you experience scalp itching, burning or a rash, your hair loss may be caused by more than telogen effluvium. If you are having additional symptoms or if your hair shedding does not stop after several months, contact a dermatologist or hair loss professional.
This expert can evaluate your situation and determine the best next steps. You may need to receive hair loss treatments, change the hair products you use or make other adjustments to your hair care.
Look your best
Are you experiencing COVID-19 hair loss? The professionals at LaDonna Roye Hair Stylist & Hair Loss Solutions can help. Our team is ready to assist you with hair styling and hair loss solutions. Contact us today with any questions about COVID-19 hair loss, hair products and hair pieces. We are dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.