At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us were concerned, and justifiably so: This strange new disease could obviously prove lethal, yet there was so much about it that we just didn’t understand. More than a year later, scientists have gotten a much better handle on the virus, enough so that vaccines are readily accessible. And yet, for many of us, there are still a lot of nagging questions about the effects of COVID. For example, can the virus potentially cause hair loss?
This is a question we have received from a number of clients at Parisienne Hair Solutions. As with so many things related to COVID, the answer may be a little complicated, but there are a few things we can say with certainty.
Significant Illness Can Often Trigger Hair Loss
First of all, it’s important to understand that any significant illness can contribute to hair loss. This is especially true when high or sustained fevers are involved. Of course, fever is a common symptom of COVID, so it stands to reason that those who contract the virus may see some hair loss.
This actually isn’t hair loss in the way we normally think of it, though; it’s more like hair shedding. Specifically, it’s a condition known as telogen effluvium, which just means you have more hairs than normal in the shedding phase as opposed to the growing phase.
Fever and significant bouts with illness can trigger telogen effluvium, which can manifest in some shedding. Be advised that this shedding may not begin right away. In fact, it sometimes starts two to three months after the initial illness. And, it can last for as long as nine months.
Stress Can Be a Factor, Too
Another consideration is the role of stress. Most of us would surely agree that the pandemic brought more than its fair share of anxiety, whether that’s anxiety over employment, over the economy, over personal health, over the safety of a loved one, or all of the above.
Stress is another condition that may induce telogen effluvium, meaning your follicles will be in shedding mode more than they are in production mode. As such, those who have been stressed about COVID (including those who have not actually contracted COVID themselves) may notice some shedding. And again, that shedding may not be noticeable for two or three months.
This can be something of a vicious cycle: When you think you’re losing hair, it stresses you further. And yet, to stop the shedding, you’ll need to find some healthy ways to mediate your stress.
COVID-19 Can Cause Hair Loss… Temporarily
The bottom line is that the virus certainly can be a factor in thinning hair, whether because you contract a high fever or simply because you experience overwhelming stress.
The good news is that most men and women who lose hair in this way will find the effects to be temporary. Most COVID-related hair loss should subside within six to nine months, leaving you with your normal, pre-virus hairline.
Finding Temporary Solutions for Thinning Hair
Until your hair grows back, though, you may wish for some options to conceal the shedding. That’s where we come in. Parisienne Hair Solutions can provide a number of options to mask your thinning hair, whether that means a wig, a hairpiece, a topper, or simply a good hat. We also offer custom hair systems that can be integrated with your naturally growing hair.
We would love to tell you more about the options for hair restoration. Learn more by scheduling a FREE consultation with our team in Greenville, SC.
