In the midst of your daily routine, you might have been startled to find more strands of hair gathering in the shower drain or caught in your hairbrush. If you’re among those who recently battled COVID, these experiences may have taken on a new significance. Unsurprisingly, questions arise – is there a connection between recovering from Covid-19 and sudden hair loss? The answer is yes – and today we will dive into a couple frequently asked questions about the link between post-Covid recovery and hair loss, shedding light on an aspect of the aftermath that deserves attention and understanding.
- How can post-COVID hair loss affect a person’s self-esteem?
Hair loss observed in patients who suffered from the COVID infection, can affect people in many ways. One of the most common struggles individuals have shared with me is an overall loss of self-esteem. They often express that their hair loss has caused them to have lost their “mojo”, particularly with interpersonal relationships such as dating. As we have heard for decades: “hair is one’s “crowning glory”—which is true! As one loses his or her hair, they can often feel as if they are losing their sense of youthfulness and ‘good looks’, which can weigh heavily on a person.
- What does COVID hair loss look like?
COVID hair loss is a form of telogen effluvium that is thankfully typically just a temporary situation. It resembles androgenetic alopecia, or genetic hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually expressed as the overall thinning of hair on the top of the head in women and the typical pattern of frontal recession and thinning in the bald spot area in men. This can result in mild to severe thinning in patients’ hair.
- How long does it take to reverse COVID hair loss?
As mentioned, the positive side of COVID related hair loss is that most of the time it is temporary. It takes around 3 months for the hair loss to reach its worst stage, followed by four to six months for the hair to grow back. Although patients are thankful to hear their hair will grow back, it is still a difficult time for many. The key is to be patient!