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Home Beauty How Long Does Covid Hair Loss Last? Things You Should Know

How Long Does Covid Hair Loss Last? Things You Should Know

how long does covid hair loss last
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COVID-19 has been at the forefront of the news for the past two years, and the common symptoms are well-known. However, some symptoms of a COVID-19 infection are less familiar, including hair loss.

Hair loss or hair shedding due to COVID-19 is found on some lists of side effects of the virus and may affect anyone who has been infected by it. Though not a common symptom, it can be upsetting to experience.

Though our hair goes through a natural cycle which includes a shedding stage, hair loss caused by COVID-19 can be alarming. Hair loss is a rare side effect of many viruses that inflict stress on the body, but not many people are aware of this.

We’ve had a look at what causes COVID-19 hair loss and how you can deal with it if it happens to you. To learn more about COVID-19 hair shedding, keep reading now.

Covid and Hair Loss – Is It a Common Symptom?

Yes, it is a common symptom of COVID-19. Hair loss after any kind of viral infection is common. This kind of hair loss is referred to medically as hair shedding and is caused by stressors in the body, not the COVID-19 virus itself.

This hair shedding is a response to a stressful event and could be triggered by lots of factors, including high-stress situations, viral infection, major surgery, and giving birth, among other things.

Hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, and hair loss after a stressful event is not uncommon. Hair shedding, unlike hair loss, is normal, but stress can lead to large clumps of hair falling out.

Is hair loss a side effect of COVID-19?

Hair shedding can be caused by stress. It is a natural part of our hair growth cycle; however, stress can cause more hairs to be shed than is normal. It is a side effect of a viral infection and is not COVID-19-specific.

Though the shedding phase is a normal part of the cycle through which hair grows, normal shedding usually only results in a small amount of hair loss. Those who experience hair loss due to viral infection may lose much larger clumps of hair.

How Long Does Covid-19 Hair Loss Last?

COVID-19 hair loss, or telogen effluvium, usually lasts up to six months. It usually doesn’t begin until a few months after the COVID-19 infection and is a part of the natural hair cycle.

The hair follicles go through certain stages. These include the growth phase, the resting phase, and the shedding phase. 

Once your body has overcome the COVID-19 infection, your hair will likely return to normal. If this does not occur within 6–9 months and you are concerned you’re suffering from chronic hair loss, speak with a board-certified dermatologist.

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Home Remedies for Hair Loss After Covid

If you’re experiencing hair shedding after a COVID-19 infection, you might be looking for home remedies to treat it.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the best home remedies for hair loss.

#1 Quality hair products

Quality products are essential to a good haircare routine, especially if you’re suffering from chronic hair loss. Quality products with research-backed ingredients can help keep your hair follicles and scalp healthy and keep hair shedding to a minimum.

You could consult a board-certified dermatologist to find the right products for your hair shedding problems.

If you’re looking for quality hair products to try out, then why not look at the Moérie product range? Specifically formulated, using natural ingredients to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss and shedding, these products are designed to restore the overall health of hair.

With ingredients that clean the scalp, reduce buildup, and add shine and softness, these products are perfect for those suffering from hair shedding due to stress.

Great Moérie products for hair loss include their hair growth set and their hair repair set. Both sets are designed with the right ingredients to promote stronger, healthier hair and reduce shedding.

#2 Try supplements

As with everything in our body, our hair responds well to a balanced diet full of all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to keep it healthy. There are a few different minerals you can try to help prevent hair loss, including biotin and iron.

Moérie offers its Fulvic Minerals Concentrate alongside its other hair treatment products. This concentrate is taken orally and shows incredible results for most people. It helps restore hair strength, length, and thickness and can also add shine.

#3 Start oiling your hair weekly

Oiling your hair comes with many benefits, including preventing hair fall, increasing the health of the scalp, and protecting the hair follicles from buildup. Oil helps restore the fatty acids lost to chemicals and pollution that damage our hair.

Coconut oil is a standard oil used to restore moisture and scalp health, but it isn’t the only oil you can use in your air. Almond oil makes for a good oil choice if you’re suffering hair loss due to its high levels of biotin. You could also try argan oil, which helps restore strength and prevent breakages.

#4 Massage your scalp daily

Massage can be incredibly restorative, and it will help boost your hair’s health. Massage is thought to stimulate the scalp, opening up blood vessels and promoting stronger hair, healthier follicles, and a reduction in hair shedding.

You can use oils to massage your scalp before washing your hair or simply massage it as you use shampoo and conditioner when washing it.

A Word From Our MD

Our hair goes through a natural growth cycle that includes a growth, shedding, and resting phase. During the shedding period, it is entirely natural for you to lose hair. Once hairs have reached full growth, they are naturally shed to make way for new growth.

Stress can induce more hair shedding than usual in this phase. A stressor triggers more shedding in the body, which can be a response to a viral infection, surgery, or more stress in your life.

Stress-induced shedding, or telogen effluvium, is a side effect that can occur up to three months after a COVID-19 infection, though it is not COVID-19 specific. Hair loss can occur after any kind of viral infection in the body.

Shedding that results in bigger clumps of hairs coming out and hair thinning is nothing to be concerned about but can last for 6 months plus. There are a few at-home treatments you can try to help reduce hair fall.

At-home treatments include using oil in your hair to repair damage and prevent further loss, scalp massages, taking supplements, and using quality products to ensure you’re only putting the best stuff on your hair.

If you’re still losing lots of hair after 6–9 months, speak with a dermatologist to see what they suggest, as you may find an underlying condition is causing the issue.

Conclusion

Stress-induced hair shedding can be a side effect of the COVID-19 virus. This shedding is the body’s response to a stressful or traumatic event. Though hair shedding is a normal part of the hair’s growth cycle, COVID-19 hair loss can trigger large clumps of hair to fall out. This can be an upsetting and stressful experience.

COVID-19 hair loss is not forever and will likely get better on its own. If it does not get better within 6–9 months, speak with a healthcare provider to determine any other underlying causes that may be affecting your hair.

You can treat COVID-19 hair loss at home by using quality hair care products, like those in the Moerie collection, giving yourself scalp massages, and utilizing moisturizing oils on your hair. Treating your hair kindly is the best way to prevent further loss and restore it to full health.

Written by
Edibel Quintero, MD

Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel's goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.

how long does covid hair loss last

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