We’ve heard of some pretty crazy long-term side effects happening to people after getting the coronavirus, from loss of taste to psychosis. People who have recovered but are still experiencing lingering effects are called “long-haulers.” A major one of these side effects is post-COVID hair loss. Hair loss is common when you’ve gone through a stressful event, including contracting COVID-19.
Many people headed to social media and posted about the hair loss they experienced after recovering from the disease. There are many reasons you could be dealing with Post-COVID hair loss. Over 20% of people who were hospitalized with the disease lost hair in the months after being released.
Beyond the emotional and physical stress, people are asking the question: is hair loss a COVID-19 symptom, or is it simply a stress response? Ultimately, it’s both. And stressing about that hair loss will only make it worse!
Rather than permanent loss, doctors instead see this instance as hair shedding, which is scientifically known as telogen effluvium. When someone suffers from an illness, specifically a fever, they can shed months after the illness. It’s not uncommon for handfuls to come out three to six months.
A dermatologist told Healthline.com, “When there’s a shock to the system, the body goes into lockdown mode and only focuses on essential functions. Hair growth is not as essential as other functions, so you end up with hair shedding.”
First off, you can focus on proper nutrition. These important minerals and vitamins include:
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
- Protein
- Folic acid
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Here are some other things you can do to prevent and treat post-COVID hair loss.
Advertisements
- Coconut oil
Many of us suffer hair loss for a range of reasons — after all, stress isn’t at all uncommon. Coconut oil can be a topical treatment and can also be integrated in your diet. When applied topically, it’s filled with lauric acid and medium-chain triglycerides, nourishing strands from the inside out. Apply at the scalp to promote growth.
2. Take more iron
Many women are naturally iron-deficient anyway, so consider adding iron-rich foods or an iron supplement to your daily diet. Healthy iron levels allow the body to build red blood cells, which is essential to retaining hair fullness. You can try amla butter, or add red grapes and black raisins to your diet.
3. Add ghee to your diet
White butter, or ghee, is filled with vitamin A and healthy fatty acids that can keep hair healthy. It also contains vitamin D which helps prevent post-COVID hair loss and encourages your mane to grow out even more.
