Rapid Hair Loss & COVID-19: A Correlation

Have you noticed rapid hair loss recently? Maybe you’ve seen excessive hair shedding here and there, but lately, you may have seen an increase in the amount of hair loss. You’re not imagining things, and you’re not the only one.

What Are People Experiencing?

As if the global Covid 19 pandemic of 2020 hadn’t delivered enough blows, it appears that those who have recovered from the COVID-19 virus are experiencing unexpected aftereffects. Namely, hair loss.

Although it is not listed as an official side-effect of the virus, millions of people who have recovered from COVID-19 have reported extreme rapid hair loss in the initial couple of weeks and up to six months after contracting the virus. Some lose hair in clumps, while others report rapid shedding.

Unlike the known and predictable symptoms of the original virus and earlier variants, those who’ve suffered from COVID-related rapid hair loss have been unable to find respite, and their symptoms seem to linger for an extended period — up to 12 months even. Those who medically treat hair loss have reported seeing record numbers of patient visits from those who are looking for answers. In addition to the varied length of time that hair loss is experienced, the amount of hair shedding seems to be different from person to person.

Rapid Hair Loss: What Could Be the Cause?

There are a few things that could be at the root of the issue of rapid hair loss. Temporary hair loss is normal after a fever or illness according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. When a person gets sick, the body may respond by sending more hairs than normal into the shedding phase of the hair growth lifecycle at one time. Brought on by a high fever, physical stress or a viral infection, this is called telogen effluvium. Full recovery can take a year, and for some, hair growth never returns to its previous state.

Emotional stress may be another cause of hair loss. Many women seek out non-surgical female hair replacement solutions because of sudden onset alopecia. All the societal uncertainties that have surfaced in the last few years could be the culprit. Finally, for those who already may have significant hereditary or other forms of pattern hair loss, contracting the coronavirus triggers more hair shedding.

What Can You Do?

First, know that if you have experienced rapid hair loss as it relates to Covid-19, you are not the only one going through this. There are millions of others suffering from rapid hair loss who are having the same feelings and are actively seeking help. If you’re experiencing hair loss and want to know what your options are, contact a Transitions Hair Loss Center near you today. We would love to set up your free consultation and give you information and tools to assist. To find a location near you, click here.