Can COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss?
COVID-19 has affected our lives in nearly every way over the last couple of years. Perhaps a less common subject in the news is the link between COVID and hair loss.
If you believe you’re experiencing hair loss after COVID and are looking for answers, read our guide that answers ‘can COVID cause hair loss?’ and recommends the best scalp-invigorating hair care routine.
COVID and Hair Loss
We’re all aware of the main symptoms of COVID-19: cold and flu/fever-like symptoms, loss of sense of smell and/or taste, and coughing.
However, there have also been links made between COVID and hair loss. In patients that have experienced COVID, some have struggled with patchy hair loss since their infection.
This type of post-COVID hair loss can also be termed ‘telogen effluvium’ or (less technically) ‘shock hair loss’. It often occurs when experiencing something particularly stressful, such as bereavement, moving house, or an illness.
It occurs when the anagen (growth) phase of the hair’s growth cycle is interrupted (usually by said stressful situation) and causes hair to prematurely move into its telogen (shedding) phase. Hair is then prone to falling out prematurely and noticeably.
Professional Input – Can COVID Cause Hair Loss?
But what do the professionals say? Does COVID cause hair loss?
Dr Nick Fisherman from Hair and Skin Club, a private specialist clinic in Wyndham, Australia has seen an increase in clients with COVID-19 stress related hair loss:
“I would like to point out that the impact of Covid-19 has been severe enough on some people to cause them lots of distress and as a result they have started suffering from severe hair loss during lockdown period.
Waterman products have been a lifesaver for almost every one of our clients and patients. They are sulfate free, don’t include dangerous chemicals to harm people’s hair, and are very rich in lots of good stuff, such as Biotin, Caffeine, Rosemary, Niacinamide, Argan oil and more importantly they possess DHT blocking properties. Watermans shampoo has helped hundreds of my patients, including myself and my wife, during lockdown.”
Likewise, Anthony Pearce, a specialist trichologist states:
“Contracting Covid-19 (or any other significant virus) generates immense physiological stress on the body and its defences. A Covid-19 diagnosis would create almost overwhelming emotional and mental distress in anyone witnessing its advance across the world.
Scalp hair growth is metabolically continuous – but not life ‘essential’ – and readily disrupted when illness or severe, protracted stress assaults the body. Loss of hair density may not be apparent for some months, and shedding may be minimal or dramatic in amount depending on the severity of the cause.
If you’re not too concerned with any current hair shedding, quality dedicated hair growth treatments such as the Watermans ‘Grow Me’ range is an excellent starting point to consider. Diligent use for 3-4 months can see a reduction in hair thinning and the hope of healthier hair growth.
Should hair shedding not diminish or is accompanied by noticeable fatigue – or other symptoms – you should seek the advice of a qualified health practitioner.”
Best Hair Care Routine for COVID Hair Loss
Dr Nick Fisherman also states that as soon as you notice hair fall or hair shedding, you should consider the key causes.
In addition to stress, the wrong products could aggravate the scalp if they contain particularly potent ingredients.
At Watermans, we formulate our products with kind, gentle ingredients to promote the greatest care for your scalp and hair. If you’re struggling with hair loss after COVID, check out our recommended routine below.
Best Shampoo for COVID Hair Loss
Kickstart your routine with our invigorating shampoo. Recommended by hair care practitioners as an effective way to support healthy hair growth, our Grow Me Shampoo is enriched with a combination of scalp-loving ingredients to create the optimal environment for hair growth.
Formulated with Biotin, Caffeine, Argan Oil, Rosemary Extract, Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Hydrolysed Lupine Protein, when used regularly, COVID hair loss and thinning could be improved with these targeted ingredients, as stated by Anthony Pearce above.
Pair with Watermans Condition Me Conditioner to help keep your hair not only thick and strong, but moisturised and silky soft too.
Extra Scalp Care
If COVID hair loss is getting you down and you want to give your scalp the best fighting chance, you should try our targeted treatment serum.
Applied directly to the scalp, our Grow More Elixir is designed to deliver hair growth-encouraging ingredients directly to the area that needs them most.
It’s formulated with a blend of Biotin, Lupine Protein, Allantoin, Panthenol, Cottonseed Protein, Calcium, Rosemary, and Silica that work in harmony to boost scalp’s health, which can be highly beneficial in those dealing with COVID hair loss.
When massaged into the scalp, you’re providing TLC to help stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.
Hair Growth Supplements
If you’re experiencing hair loss after COVID, it’s a good idea to look into supplements, helping to ensure you’re receiving the optimal level of vitamins and minerals to support healthy bodily function – including hair growth.
Our GrowPro Hair Vitamins are created to do just that. Delivering all the essential hair growth– encouraging vitamins and minerals, including Biotin, Bamboo, Calcium, Silica, Iron, Marine Collagen, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, MSM, and Vitamin D3, you can top up your intake in a small, convenient capsule to help restore hair’s vitality.
