A client came into my salon a few weeks ago and told me she had developed some hair loss due to having COVID-19. I thought I’d do some research and it’s true! As it turns out that many people develop noticeable hair loss after recovering from COVID-19, but it’s not unique to this particular virus.
Several weeks or even months after recovering from COVID-19, many people find that their hair falls out in large clumps. Both men and women are holding handfuls of hair as they shampoo! If we’ve learned anything from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s to expect the unexpected. The hair loss that many people develop, however, may not be so unexpected. Here’s why.
High Fever and Hair Loss
Temporary hair loss is normal after a fever or illness. Fever is a common symptom of COVID-19. A few months after having a high fever or recovering from an illness, many people see noticeable hair loss. While many people think of this as hair loss, it’s actually hair shedding. The medical name for this type of hair shedding is telogen effluvium. It happens when more hairs than normal enter the shedding (telogen) phase of the hair growth life cycle. Fever or illness can force more hairs into the shedding phase. Most people see noticeable hair shedding two to three months after having a fever or illness. Handfuls of hair can come out when you shower or brush your hair. This hair shedding can last for six to nine months before it stops. Most people then see their hair start to look normal again and stop shedding.
Telogen Effluvium Causes Hair Loss
Telogen effluvium causes noticeable hair shedding, but that’s all you should experience. If you have a rash, itchy scalp, or burning, something other than telogen effluvium is likely causing your hair loss, and it’s time to see a dermatologist. Stress can cause temporary hair shedding.
Even if you never developed a fever or COVID-19, you may still see hair shedding. Emotional stress can also force more hairs than normal into the shedding phase, and who isn’t feeling more stressed and anxious during the pandemic? Again, the hair shedding begins about two to three months after the stress starts. While seeing your hair fall out in clumps can add to your stress, it’s important to try to de-stress. Only when the stress ends will the excessive hair shedding stop.
When the cause of your hair shedding is due to a fever, illness, or stress, hair tends to return to normal on its own, and you will begin to see new hair growth. You have to give it time. You can encourage hair growth by using a serum that acts ask a shock treatment to stop more hair loss and regrow your hair. My professional recommendation is to use the KINACTIF FORCE SERUM. The entire hair loss system includes 12 serum treatments, a shampoo, and a hair tonic. I would advise people to use the complete system for the best results. You may purchase the entire system directly at my shopping site, and it will be delivered right to your door! As your hair grows back, you’ll notice short hairs that are all the same length by your hairline. Most people see their hair regain its normal fullness within six to nine months. If you suspect that your hair loss is caused by something more than telogen effluvium from stress or a fever, talk with a hair-loss expert, a dermatologist.