Did you know that every day we naturally lose an average of between 50 and 150 hairs? Various health problems could even accelerate this loss. Covid-19 is one of them. It can cause the loss of 400-500 hairs daily.
In most cases, hair loss from coronavirus does not occur immediately, but two to three months after recovery. It is usually accompanied by great stress, and whole locks can suddenly end up in the shower, on the brush, or on clothing. Hair begins to lose its volume, the hairline recedes back toward the crown, and the scalp "thins." There is a medical term for this problem – "acute telogen effluvium". Statistics show that nearly 25% of those who have recovered suffer from this type of hair loss, which is more common in women.
Telogen hair loss is not among the most serious consequences of Covid-19, but it undoubtedly affects emotional well-being and quality of life. The good news is that this process lasts for a limited period and is reversible.
Why does coronavirus lead to hair loss?
In its natural cycle, hair goes through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (slow growth and transition), and telogen (loss and cycle restart). It is normal for scalp follicles to alternate through these phases in a balanced way so that hair is constantly renewed. However, when there is a sudden change in daily life, this balance is disrupted, and many follicles quickly enter the shedding phase.
See also: Your hair belongs on your head!
Hair loss is a natural reaction of the body to a serious stressful situation. In such cases, the body temporarily suspends actions it considers secondary. Causes triggering this process include emotional stress, certain health problems, dietary changes, and the intake of some medications.
The immune system reacts to the Covid infection, which causes an inflammatory condition. It increases pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreases anticoagulant proteins, leading to the formation of microthrombi that ultimately damage hair follicles.
The small blood vessels that nourish and feed the hair follicle are damaged. Hair directly enters the telogen phase – the last stage of its life. The follicle stops functioning, so the hair cannot continue to grow. However, it remains attached to the scalp for about three more months before falling out. This is why coronavirus infection does not cause immediate hair loss but appears several months later.
How to deal with hair loss?
Telogen effluvium is usually a temporary condition lasting from a few weeks up to 6-9 months after infection, depending on each person's genetics. It often resolves on its own, but if it lasts more than six months, a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary.
If needed, treatment can be undertaken, including addressing psychological issues or prescribing medication. These can be topical or oral and help increase hair density and thickness or stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
There are some methods anyone can take to cope with telogen hair loss:
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It is important to improve your diet. Hair follicles need balanced nutrition. Taking supplements with amino acids, B vitamins, zinc, iron, biotin, calcium, copper, and selenium helps hair grow thicker and stronger. Include foods rich in protein, healthy fats, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Topical application of peptides also helps nourish and strengthen hair follicles.
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Reduce stress levels. Calm sleep, regular exercise, and practicing relaxation techniques are essential steps toward controlling hair loss.
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Give yourself a break from hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. High temperatures damage the protective barrier of the hair shaft, leading to reduced strength. Instead, style your hair with products containing nourishing ingredients. They will make your hair look dense and healthy.
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Wash your hair regularly and comb it with a detangling brush without pulling. This helps release follicles already in the telogen phase and makes way for new hair.
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Use quality shampoos with ingredients that are gentle and nourishing to the hair. It is a good idea to choose those containing amino acids and vitamins. Caffeine has been proven to play an important role in follicle metabolism. It has an energizing effect and slows down hair loss.
Hair loss can cause stress, but remember that in most cases it is a temporary phenomenon that affects almost everyone at some point. Take a deep breath and look for a solution to the problem with small changes in your daily routine. Pay attention to your eating habits and take care of your scalp health. And most importantly – arm yourself with patience, and you will see the much-desired improvement.
Hair loss after Covid-19
Did you know that every day we naturally lose an average of between 50 and 150 hairs? Various health problems could even accelerate this loss. Covid-19 is one of them. It can cause the loss of 400-500 hairs daily.
In most cases, hair loss from coronavirus does not occur immediately, but two to three months after recovery. It is usually accompanied by great stress, and whole locks can suddenly end up in the shower, on the brush, or on clothing. Hair begins to lose its volume, the hairline recedes back toward the crown, and the scalp "thins." There is a medical term for this problem – "acute telogen effluvium". Statistics show that nearly 25% of those who have recovered suffer from this type of hair loss, which is more common in women.
Telogen hair loss is not among the most serious consequences of Covid-19, but it undoubtedly affects emotional well-being and quality of life. The good news is that this process lasts for a limited period and is reversible.
Why does coronavirus lead to hair loss?
In its natural cycle, hair goes through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (slow growth and transition), and telogen (loss and cycle restart). It is normal for scalp follicles to alternate through these phases in a balanced way so that hair is constantly renewed. However, when there is a sudden change in daily life, this balance is disrupted, and many follicles quickly enter the shedding phase.
See also: Your hair belongs on your head!
Hair loss is a natural reaction of the body to a serious stressful situation. In such cases, the body temporarily suspends actions it considers secondary. Causes triggering this process include emotional stress, certain health problems, dietary changes, and the intake of some medications.
The immune system reacts to the Covid infection, which causes an inflammatory condition. It increases pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreases anticoagulant proteins, leading to the formation of microthrombi that ultimately damage hair follicles.
The small blood vessels that nourish and feed the hair follicle are damaged. Hair directly enters the telogen phase – the last stage of its life. The follicle stops functioning, so the hair cannot continue to grow. However, it remains attached to the scalp for about three more months before falling out. This is why coronavirus infection does not cause immediate hair loss but appears several months later.
How to deal with hair loss?
Telogen effluvium is usually a temporary condition lasting from a few weeks up to 6-9 months after infection, depending on each person's genetics. It often resolves on its own, but if it lasts more than six months, a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary.
If needed, treatment can be undertaken, including addressing psychological issues or prescribing medication. These can be topical or oral and help increase hair density and thickness or stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
There are some methods anyone can take to cope with telogen hair loss:
Hair loss can cause stress, but remember that in most cases it is a temporary phenomenon that affects almost everyone at some point. Take a deep breath and look for a solution to the problem with small changes in your daily routine. Pay attention to your eating habits and take care of your scalp health. And most importantly – arm yourself with patience, and you will see the much-desired improvement.