Does COVID-19 Make Your Hair Fall Out?

Shortness of breath. Fatigue. Fever. Loss of taste and smell.

These are some of the more common side effects associated with the Coronavirus. But what about losing hair? 

Hair loss is often associated with aging or medical conditions like alopecia areata and thyroid disease. What many people don't realize is that Covid hair loss is an unexpected but very real side effect of this deadly virus.

Both the physical and emotional stress of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic can cause premature hair loss. While this can be alarming, it isn't uncommon. 

Here we'll explore why it happens and how to reclaim your life after suffering hair loss after Covid. 

Does Covid Cause Hair Loss?

New evidence suggests that the answer is yes. Months after recovering from the Coronavirus, many patients report substantial hair loss. 

Following a high fever, many people notice their hair falling out, clumps at a time. This process is actually known as hair shedding, or telogen effluvium, and can be quite alarming. 

Your hair goes through several phases, one of which is the shedding phase. Following a high fever or severe illness, more hairs than normal enter this phase prematurely.

In a healthy person, about 10% of your hair is in a resting phase at any given time, while another 5% is in the shedding phase. The other 85% remains in a growth phase. 

When faced with a life-threatening illness, your body goes into survival mode, focusing on primary life functions. Unfortunately, hair growth isn't one of these.

Now, 50% or more of your hair follicles shift into the resting phase. This conserves energy and lets your body focus on more important functions.

Hair loss, or shedding, is most noticeable 2-3 months after an illness accompanied by a high fever. You may notice large clumps of hair coming out in the shower or when you brush. 

Be patient. This stage can last anywhere from six to nine months.

In the meantime, incorporate our volumizing shampoo into your daily routine. With essential vitamins and minerals, you can achieve thicker, denser-looking hair. 

Hair Loss After Covid May Be Stress-Related

Any sickness can can be considered a stressful event, but the Coronavirus is unique in the way it swept the country, shattering our way of life. 

Americans were completely caught off guard when the first Covid-19 case was reported. Now, nearly one year later, we've seen close to 2 million positive cases and over 30,000 casualties.

The mental health of many Americans has never been more fragile than it is right now. This immense stress is another reason why countless people are experiencing Covid hair loss.

Stress is another factor that forces too many hairs into the shedding phase at once. Once you see this hair loss, you'll likely feel even more stressed, creating a vicious cycle of hair loss.

It's important to remain calm and seek professional help if you can't control your stress levels and anxiety. The inability to do so will only prolong your hair loss.

Why Does Covid Hair Loss Happen?

We already stated that the physical trauma of having a high fever and serious illness can force your hair cycle into the shedding phase. Stress is another major factor in hair loss after Covid.

You may be wondering why a high fever and high-stress levels cause such an unpleasant side effect so long after recovery. Similar to the emotional and mental stress you experience after a major illness or traumatic event, your hair also experiences this trauma. 

Hair follicles enter what's known as the dormant phase where they essentially die. Even months into recovering from Covid-19, your body (and hair follicles) may still be in shock. 

Over time, your body and hair follicles will recover and return to their normal functions. 

Amplixin® products support the health of your hair and scalp as it slowly returns to its normal state -- and beyond! Our moisturizing mask nurtures your scalp and follicles while restoring body, shine, and vitality. 

Diagnosing Covid Hair Loss

Since the effects of Covid hair loss are so delayed, it can be difficult to determine the actual cause. 

If you notice large clumps of hair falling out approximately 2-3 months following a Covid diagnosis, there's a good chance the two events are related. The high fever and extreme stress that accompany Covid-19 can both cause hair loss.

But in some cases, Covid-19 isn't to blame. If you were recently diagnosed with the virus but never had a high fever or experienced stress, your hair loss may be the result of something else. 

Certain medications, chemotherapy treatments, and thyroid disease can all cause premature hair loss. Scalp conditions and a hormone imbalance are also common culprits.

Before deciding that your hair loss was caused by Covid-19, take a look at the last few months of your life. You may find signs that something other than the Coronavirus is causing your issue.

How to Treat Covid-19 Hair Loss

There's no quick-fix to hair loss. But there are a few steps you can take to help slow down your hair shedding and regain your confidence.

For starters, eliminate stress from your life as much as possible. Whether your hair loss is stress-induced or not, getting anxious over it will only make matters worse.

Try to remain calm and seek ways to temporarily deal with your hair loss. Try a few stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.

You can also opt for a stylish wig or hat. Investing in quality products that promote hair growth and a healthy scalp and roots is essential for dealing with Covid hair loss.

Our energizing hair conditioner is ideal for strengthening and moisturizing fragile strands of hair, while also improving the overall feel and texture. 

Keep in mind that your hair will grow back! After six to nine months, your hair should return to normal.