Covid and Hair Loss

As parts of the world are getting back to a new norm after COVID 19 and 2020 – some of us are still feeling the aftershock of some unexpected side-effects of the Coronavirus…

Since the outbreak, we have seen people developing noticeable hair loss after recovering from COVD-19. For some, it is a small amount of shedding, but for others, it has been more severe.

Some shedding can be expected

After experiencing an illness or fever, some hair loss or shedding is normal. Anytime our bodies experience any physical or mental trauma our follicles can “shock” out.

Because high fever is a common side effect of COVID-19, we have seen that sometimes a few months after recovering from the illness people see noticeable hair loss.

The medical term for this type of hair loss or shedding is telogen effluvium. It happens when an abnormal number of hairs enter the shedding (or telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle – all at the same time. Fever or illness can force more hairs into the shedding cycle.

Sometimes this can last anywhere from three to nine months. Regardless of the time, it takes for the hair to stabilize, for most the hair loss is temporary.

What if I didn’t have COVID-19 and I’m seeing hair loss?

Stress can also cause hair loss or shedding cycles. This goes back to the “shock loss” that can happen to the follicles after any mental or physical trauma because emotional stress can force more hairs into the shedding phase. Typically, we can see the shedding 2-3 months after the high levels of stress start.

While it can obviously add more stress when seeing your hair coming out – we always try and recommend to de-stress in whatever way possible. Remember, the hair tends to return to normal but you don’t have to WAIT for mother nature to take her course. There are safe and effective options that will help stabilize the hair loss sooner than later…

Can I do anything to stop the hair loss and re-grow some of what I’ve lost?

Yes. At TM Hair, we offer different treatments and medications that are proven to stabilize excessive shedding. There are medication, over-the-counter treatments like Minoxidil, and Low-Level Laser therapy treatments that are proven to help stabilize excessive shedding as well as stimulate new hair growth. Depending on the individual, we will also recommend combination therapy with different hair products and supplements. These treatments are also effective in genetic hair loss, post-partum hair loss, and other types of alopecia.

We also offer temporary solutions, like custom human hairpieces and camouflaging products, to give you a quick fix and conceal the parts of the head that are thinning or where the scalp is showing through.

What to do if the problem persists?

See a specialist. Whether it’s a medical hair loss professional or dermatologist, we always recommend seeing an expert. At TM Hair we offer free consultations so we can evaluate your situation, then recommend the best options for treatment. There are proven treatments and products to stabilize hair loss and stimulate regrowth.  We also offer non-surgical and surgical restorative

Check your bloodwork. We want to make sure there are no underlying conditions, such as a thyroid or hormonal imbalance or auto-immune disease that could be going on internally. Basic blood panels should show these. 

Check your diet and sleep habits. Make sure you are taking care of your body. Getting enough diet in your protein and sleep at night will always make a difference in overall hair health.

Call our office at 713-838-1880 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about COVID-related hair loss.