Increased hair shedding is common after recovering from COVID-19. While it may not be one of the most severe side effects of COVID-19, this sudden excessive hair loss can be stressful and should be treated.
What causes COVID-19-related hair loss?
Sudden diffuse hair shedding (Telogen effluvium, TE) is sudden hair shedding of more than 100 hair per day. It is caused by an abrupt shift of hair follicles from the anagen (growth phase) to the telogen (hair resting phase) that can happen after a severe febrile disease, stressful events, and postpartum. Telogen effluvium usually starts three months after the triggering event and lasts 3-6 months.
It is believed that post-COVID hair loss is caused by the reduced oxygen flow to the scalp, inflammation, and stress associated with the disease. Skin cells in the epidermis and dermis responded to stress within minutes by releasing factors such as IL-1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), prostaglandins, and histamine. Overproducing inflammatory cytokines triggers oxidative stress and promotes premature death (apoptosis) in hair follicle cells. One study showed that people with post-COVID hair lose more inflammatory molecules (interleukins).
COVID-related hair loss vs. regular telogen effluvium
The sudden hair shedding after COVID seems to appear 45-60 days after the end of the disease, earlier than other types of telogen effluvium. A large study on 526 patients with COVID-19-related hair loss shows that the onset of COVID-19-related hair loss was more significant in the younger age group, females, and people with more severe coronavirus infection. It was also found that 78.2% of the study subjects showed signs of genetic-related hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Is hair loss from COVID-19 permanent?
The average person's hair shedding from COVID-19 can continue for 6 - 9 months. For those with a hereditary tendency for thin hair, it can be permanent if left untreated.
What are the best treatments for hair loss from COVID-19?
There are several effective ways to promote faster hair growth and speed up its return to baseline:
Use Minoxidil
COVID-19-related hair loss can, unfortunately, continue for an extended period and cause in susceptible women (and men) permanent female (or male) pattern hair thinning. Minoxidil is the best medicated topical treatment for androgenetic hair loss. It stimulates the blood flow in the scalp and helps move the hair follicle from its resting phase to active growth. It is also beneficial in treating other types of hair loss, like alopecia areata and prolonged telogen effluvium. Minoxidil can reduce the risk of chronic telogen effluvium and permanent hair loss. Women should use minoxidil 2% solution for optimal results, and men should use minoxidil 5% solution.
Use a hair regrowth treatment serum.
Hair growth serums can boost regrowth after COVID-19. Here are some ingredients to keep an eye out for when choosing the right one:
- Rosemary leaf oil: Strengthens circulation to stimulate hair growth.
- Panax ginseng root Decreases the miniaturization of hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.
- Saw palmetto berry extract: Prevents the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that causes hair follicles to shrink until they no longer grow hair.
- Biotin: Strengthens hair follicles and improves circulation.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Strengthens and nourishes hair follicles.
- Caffeine: Encourages circulation.
- Biomimetic copper peptides: Increase hair follicle size.
A great topical serum to consider is the MDhair Restore Serum. This serum includes the ingredients highlighted above and additional nourishing and strengthening ingredients that can help your hair get back on track.
Take targeted supplements
In addition to a topical approach, hair growth supplements such as the MDhair Restore Supplements contain vitamins and minerals to promote hair growth from within. These include:
- Iron: Boosts circulation and promotes growth. Iron deficiencies have also been linked to hair loss.
- Calcium: Prevents dryness in the scalp and reduces hair breakage.
- Biotin: Strengthens hair follicles and improves circulation.
- Vitamins B9 (folic acid) and B12: Boost circulation to promote hair growth and increase keratin production to strengthen hair.
- Vitamin K2: Stimulates blood flow to the scalp to promote regrowth.
- Additional vitamins and minerals: Vitamins C, D, and E and the minerals magnesium, zinc, selenium, manganese, and chromium are essential in maintaining scalp health and boosting hair growth.
Take a gentle approach to hair care and hairstyling
A gentle approach to your styling routine is crucial as your hair regains strength. Avoid products and tools that can cause damage, such as hair dye, hot tools, and any hairstyles that pull on the hair. Focus on giving your hair extra love and support as it grows back in!
References:
- Rosemary oil vs. minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial
- A Systemic Review on Topical Marketed Formulations, Natural Products, and Oral Supplements to Prevent Androgenic Alopecia: A Review
- Differential effects of caffeine on hair shaft elongation, matrix, and outer root sheath keratinocyte proliferation, and transforming growth factor-β2/insulin-like growth factor-1-mediated regulation of the hair cycle in male and female human hair follicles in vitro
- The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review
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