It may be upsetting to wake up to more hair on your pillow or notice more hair in the shower, especially after going through something as serious as COVID-19. It’s a typical worry, and the emotional toll of losing hair unexpectedly may be just as bad as the physical recovery. You’re not the only one who has observed that your hair doesn’t look as thick as it used to be after you had the virus. This condition, which is sometimes called “post-COVID hair loss,” is medically known as telogen effluvium. The good news is that it usually goes away on its own.
We’ll talk about what causes this shedding after an illness and, more significantly, we’ll look at a number of natural and easy ways you may help your hair grow back and get your crown back.
How to Deal with Hair Loss Due to COVID
It’s normal to question why your hair is acting differently after COVID-19. Understanding telogen effluvium, a frequent ailment caused by stress, is the key.
What is telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a transitory disorder that causes hair to fall out when many hair follicles go into their resting phase (telogen phase) too soon because of a big physical or mental stressor. A higher-than-normal percentage of hairs reach this phase all at once instead of gradually, which causes significant shedding later on.
COVID-19 is that big stressor. The body’s immunological reaction, inflammation, fever, and the general stress of combating the virus can all “pause” the hair development cycle. This shift into the resting phase implies that hairs that are regularly developing (in the anagen phase) stop growing and get ready to fall out. Studies show that about 20% of those who have COVID-19 lose hair after being sick.
Timeline and Getting Better
If you’ve experienced COVID hair loss, you might wonder when it all starts and, more importantly, when it stops.
After healing from COVID-19, hair loss usually starts 2–3 months later. The follicles need time to finish their forced resting period before they can shed, which is why this takes so long. Even while it can be scary, most people notice a big difference in how much hair they lose in 3 to 6 months, and by this time, they often see new hair growth. However, it might take up to 18 months for full regrowth to happen.
Your stress levels, what you eat, and your overall health can all affect how quickly you recover. A body that is less stressed and well-fed is better able to recover.
Ways to Grow Hair Back Naturally
The good news is that telogen effluvium is just temporary, therefore, there are many natural things you can do to help your hair come back to its former brilliance.
Nutritional Support Think of your hair like a plant; it requires the correct nutrients to grow well. A nutritious diet is important for hair development.
Important Nutrients:
- Biotin: Biotin is sometimes nicknamed the “hair vitamin” since it is necessary for making keratin, the protein that makes up your hair. You may get it from eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes.
- Vitamin D: Is very important for the growth and cycling of hair follicles. You can get it from fatty fish and fortified meals, but sunlight is an excellent source.
- Iron and zinc: Not getting enough of these minerals might cause hair loss. Lean meats, leafy greens, beans, and nuts are all great sources.
Encourage eating many fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. For instance, eating a handful of almonds or a spinach salad will make your hair much healthier.
Care for the scalp and topical treatments
Caring for your scalp makes it a good place for new hair to grow.
- Essential Oils: When used appropriately, several essential oils can move blood and hair follicles.
- Rosemary oil: Is often compared to minoxidil since it can help hair grow and get thicker.
- Peppermint Oil: This oil is known for its energising effects. It may help follicle health by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
- How to Apply: Before using essential oils, always mix them with a carrier oil, like jojoba or grapeseed oil. You should use 2 to 3 drops of essential oil for every teaspoon of carrier oil. Before you wash your hair, gently rub it into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a common household item in Australia. It is known for being good for the skin and hair and for keeping protein in hair, which makes it stronger and less likely to break. Before you wash your hair, warm it up a little and rub it into your scalp and hair.
Home and herbal remedies
Traditional treatments can help keep hair healthy in addition to other things.
- Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh): This golden drink is widespread in Ayurvedic treatments. It has curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory chemical that may be good for the health of your scalp.
- Green Tea Rinses: Green tea has a lot of catechins, which are antioxidants that may help hair grow by waking up hair follicles. Make green tea, let it cool, and then use it as a rinse after you wash your hair.
- Aloe Vera: This plant is recognised for its calming effects and has been used for a long time to help hair grow and calm an irritable scalp. Put fresh aloe vera gel right on your scalp.
Changes in lifestyle
Your hair is greatly affected by your overall health.
- Managing Stress: Stress can make hair loss worse. To help keep stress in check, try doing things like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Hygiene for Sleep: Good enough sleep is important for your cells to grow again, including your hair follicles. Try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night without waking up.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise boosts blood flow all over your body, even to your scalp, which can help your hair follicles get the nutrients they need. A regular stroll can make a difference.
Making sure your expectations are realistic
When it comes to hair regeneration, patience is a virtue. Natural approaches need to be used regularly over time. Hair grows slowly, usually approximately 1 cm each month, so you won’t immediately notice results.
Individual differences are also very important. Your outcomes will depend on your health, your hair loss, and how often you use the treatments. We propose you keep a “hair journal” or take pictures of your hair every month to see how far you’ve come. Looking back and seeing how far you’ve gone may be inspirational!
When to Get Help from a Professional
Natural ways can be helpful, but knowing when to see a doctor is crucial.
If your hair loss doesn’t stop after six months or you have other worrying symptoms, you should see a dermatologist or GP. They can help you determine if your hair loss is caused by anything else, such as a hormone imbalance or a lack of nutrients.
If natural solutions do not work for long-term problems, doctors may recommend alternative treatments, such as Calecim Professional’s stem cell hair growth serum, which has been clinically proven effective after 6 weeks of use.
FAQs
After losing hair because of COVID, does it come back?
Yes, most people do get their hair back after having telogen effluvium from COVID. Regrowth usually starts 3 to 6 months after the infection; full recovery might take several months.
What are some good natural ways to stop hair loss after COVID?
Some natural treatments that work are eating a diet high in nutrients (especially Biotin, Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc), giving your scalp essential oil massages (for example, with rosemary or peppermint oil mixed with carrier oil), and doing things that lower stress, like meditating and getting enough sleep.
When is it time to see a doctor regarding hair loss?
If your hair loss lasts longer than six months, gets worse, or comes with other strange symptoms, you should see a dermatologist or your regular doctor to rule out other possible reasons and discuss other treatment options.
Conclusion
If you’ve lost hair following COVID-19, it might be hard, but remember that it’s just temporary for most people. You can help your hair grow back naturally by learning about telogen effluvium and taking care of your body from the inside out. Every action to make your hair healthier, from using essential oils to feed your scalp to eating a balanced diet and controlling stress, helps create a better place for it to grow.
Be patient, stick with it, and have faith in your body’s wonderful ability to heal and grow. Your hair is getting better, much like your health.
Leave a Reply