While there are many things we don't know about Covid-19 (and I am by no means a doctor or claiming to know everything) there are some things we know about covid and hair loss. After experiencing this with clients, learning about hair cycles in school and doing research I will share with you a bit of what we DO know about this.
Most people who have had this issue due to covid call it hair loss. The good news is it's actually more of just a "hair shedding event" than "hair loss". So what's the difference? Hair shedding is part of a natural occurrence that happens daily when some hairs fall out while others grow in. When hair falls out and less hair grows in it is considered hair loss.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Hair shedding and loss still kind of sound like the same thing. So, I'm going to dive a little deeper in my explanation, hopefully without getting too confusing!
To start, your hair goes through three cycles .
Anagen or growth phase.
Catagen or transitional phase.
Telogen or resting phase.
Telogen effluvium is when some stress causes hair roots to be pushed into the resting phase (aka Telogen Cycle) early. If there is some shock to the system (illness, high fever, extreme stress) as many as 70% of the scalp hairs are then shed in large numbers happening anywhere from 2 to 6 months after the event and lasting anywhere up to 9 months.
So what does this mean in normal every day terms? If you've had covid and are experiencing an excessive amount of hair coming out when you shampoo or brush your hair- that is not abnormal. The good news? Your hair will more than likely grow back. The annoying news? It sometimes takes awhile and you'll have some short baby hairs to deal with as it grows.
Stay tuned for more information on how to "baby" your new baby hairs to keep them and all your hair as healthy as can be. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns in the meantime.