Is COVID Causing Hair Loss?
“It’s coming out by the handful,” is something I’ve heard over and over in the past few months. More of my clients are complaining (and rightfully so) about hair loss. What’s going on here? Is COVID causing hair loss?
As a Certified Trichologist, a specialist in diseases of the hair and scalp, I can say that COVID could be causing some hair loss. Many things can contribute to hair loss, and COVID may be a contributing factor. But, if you were experiencing hair loss prior to COVID or if something in your life has recently changed, such as diet, surgery, pregnancy, medications (just to name a few), there very well may be other factors at play here. But, if your hair loss is recent and you’ve tested positive for COVID, the COVID antibody or you’re just stressed about it, then YES…COVID could play a role. So, how does this work?
Whenever your body fights a foreign invader, which the COVID virus is, it calls upon all of its resources to fight that invader. The hair is depleted of what it needs to grow, such as oxygen, vitamins, minerals and proteins. The growth cycle gets interrupted and hair becomes weakened and can shed earlier than normal. This type of hair loss is called “telogen effluvium.” Telogen is a name of one of the phases of hair growth and effluvium means shedding. If you see your doctor they may use this phrase, but don’t worry.
The good news is, this type of hair loss is often temporary and the hair typically grows back.
If you haven’t tested positive for COVID or the antibody, but you’re just plain-old-stressed out from quarantine and changes to your lifestyle, know that stress can play a significant role in hair loss. Stress depletes your body of nutrients, creates inflammation (a leading cause of hair loss), and leads to the production of “stress hormones,” also known as androgens. Hormones play a big role in hair loss…but more on that in another blog!
So what’s a guy or girl to do? First, if you suspect you may have COVID or have been exposed to somebody with COVID, get tested! If you test positive, know that a sensitive scalp and shedding have been commonly been reported. Again, if there are no other underlying factors contributing to your hair loss, you can relax. It should grow back. Be patient. It just takes time.
If the cause is stress, try techniques to calm your mind and be good to your body. Walk. Work out. Meditate. Do yoga. Eat right. Try to get a good night’s sleep. The more of these you do, the lower your stress will be. These are difficult times. If you feel you can’t get it under control, talk to your doctor or seek out a therapist. These are unprecedented times. Treat yourself kindly.
What other things can you do? Cleanse your hair and scalp often, at least three to four times per week. A healthy scalp promotes healthy hair. Try taking a hair loss supplement. I recommend ViscalPro. Clinical tests have shown it helps nourish and strengthen hair. Consider taking Vitamin D (400-800 IU/10-20 mcg) and Biotin (5,000-10,000 mcg) daily. Consult with your doctor before starting anything new. And, if you really want to be pro-active in re-growing your hair, consider LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy). The Laser Band 82 can be used for just 90 second a day, 3X weekly and it helps stimulates hair growth at the cellular level.
If your hair loss continues or worsens, I recommend seeing a Certified Trichologist. Like myself, they are highly trained in issues regarding the hair and scalp and will take the time to help you get to the root of the problem.
For more information on products or to book an in-person or virtual consultation, please contact me at karen@karengordonhair.com, call (773) 576-7500, or use the form here. I look forward to helping you achieve the hair you’ve always desired!
Karen Gordon