One aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic that appears to be increasing in prevalence is the number of patients reporting some form of hair loss. In many cases these symptoms, and other lingering effects, are appearing months after having the virus and despite making a full, healthy recovery. This has resulted in speculation within the medical industry of a correlation between the disease and hair loss, so what do we know so far?
Coronavirus ‘Long Haulers’
Although there’s no evidence to suggest the cause, a recent study found that around 10% of people who’ve had COVID-19 experience mild to severe prolonged symptoms 1 to 3 months after being infected, hair loss possibly being one of them. Anyone can be affected by this, no matter what age, status of health, or severity of Covid symptoms. These people are referred to as ‘long-haulers’.
How Does Covid Cause Hair Loss?
Professionals in the medical industry have since found that it’s possible the emotional and physical stress on the body whilst suffering from the deadly coronavirus may lead to a reversible hair loss condition called Telogen Effluvium, which is the cause of hair loss after a sudden shock to the system. Thus, it may not be the disease itself that’s causing hair loss but instead the emotional distress, high fever and, in some cases, major surgery that COVID-19 patients experience.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen Effluvium occurs when a number of hairs move from the ‘growing phase’ (anagen) to the ‘shedding phase’ (telogen). Normally, for the average person, 10% of hair is in the shedding phase however, when suffering from Telogen Effluvium, 30% of hair is in the shedding phase resulting in substantially greater amounts of hair being lost each day.
When the body undergoes lots of physical stress from an illness, surgery, high fever, or any other traumatic life event, Telogen Effluvium can be triggered resulting in hair loss. It takes anywhere between 2 to 3 months, after such an event, for hair loss to occur.
How Long Does Covid Hair Loss Last? Does it Grow Back?
If findings do confirm a definite correlation between Covid and hair loss in the future, the good news is the type of hair loss that’s triggered generally means the hair will return to normal on its own. The hair has to be given adequate amounts of time to grow back and restore its previous condition.
Hair loss that is a result of an illness, fever, or stress usually begins to fall out around 2 to 3 months after the stress starts. As challenging as it may sound, it’s essential to destress and regain strength to ensure your body can heal. Most people begin to see their hair regain normal fullness within 6 to 9 months, so long as the stress triggers are removed.
Coping with Covid Hair Loss
Hair loss can be devasting no matter the cause. Suffering from the coronavirus is distressing enough let alone experiencing additional symptoms such as hair loss. However, the good news is that there are a range of hair loss treatments and solutions to help you feel physically and mentally better again.
Best Covid Hair Loss Treatments and Solutions
In cases of Telogen Effluvium, hair typically doesn’t require any treatment and tends to grow back as normal once the main hair loss triggers have been eliminated. Therefore, you can rest assured ‘covid hair loss’ is a temporary condition as opposed to a lifelong permanent change. The best treatment for this kind of hair loss is to limit all possible day-to-day stress factors, that are actively counteracting proper, healthy hair growth, and instead focus on improving your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Wigs for Hair Loss
If you’re looking for a temporary solution to hair loss, no matter the cause, wigs can be a great option. These days wig technology is so advanced you can hardly notice the difference. Wigs can give you that confidence boost you may be missing after suffering from hair loss, regardless of whether it’s permanent or not, helping to maximise coverage and volume. Whether you prefer to wear a full wig or a hair piece to disguise areas of hair thinning, the choice is yours.
Chat to Joseph’s Wigs About Your Hair Loss Experience
Joseph’s Wigs are proud experts in compassionately helping those suffering from any type of hair loss find the perfect wig. We have spoken to a number of customers recently who have experienced hair loss after suffering from Covid and we understand the devastating effect it can have both mentally and physically. That’s why we’re here to help you through the process to ensure you receive the support you need.
To discuss your hair loss and whether a wig could be a solution for you send us a message or call 020 8648 5541.
