COVID-19 and Hair Loss

As COVID-19 plagues on, we are seeing more and more survivors experiencing different variations of long-haul symptoms. One of those COVID-19 after-effects is hair loss. 

Can COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss?

At this point in the research stage, no, it is not believed that COVID-19 directly causes hair loss. You still might be wondering why am I losing hair? Because your body experiences a shock and can be put in distress when you have the virus, you can experience Telogen Effluvium. 

What is Telogen Effluvium?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Telogen Effluvium is hair loss related to stress where “significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase.” The resting phase of the hair cycle is called Telogen.

Telogen Effluvium reveals itself through hair shedding or hair thinning. However, hair shedding will not happen when you are immediately feeling stressed. Hair shedding can take a few months to occur, and that’s when you would notice the change in your hair when washing, brushing and doing other activities.

How can I grow my hair back?

Telogen Effluvium is a temporary kind of hair loss (compared to hair loss conditions such as Alopecia Areata), which is reversible. Doctors recommend changing your diet, removing stressors, and increasing vitamin intake to help aid hair regrowth. The hair regrowth cycle should reset within a year and a half. If you’re interested in learning more about the hair cycle stages, learn more on our page about women’s hair loss & solutions.

How can I hide my thinning hair?

There are other options outside of diet and stress management changes for those who do not want to wait until their hair cycle resets itself. Hair toppers and wigs are easy-to-use hair loss solutions that can be applied in an instant and give you back your confidence.

Style: easiPart HH 18" by Jon Renau

How do I know if I need a wig or hair topper?

Each person’s hair journey is unique and requires different alternative hair solutions depending on the amount of hair shedding or thinning. Depending on the desired level of coverage, toppers are an excellent option for those with sparse hair but still want to show their biological hair. Wigs provide a full-coverage solution where you don’t have to worry about thin hair showing. Here’s a quick breakdown of the difference between the two:

Hair Toppers

• - Area-specific coverage
• - Available in all fiber types, including human hair
• - Various color options to ensure the perfect blend with your biological hair
• - Clips in and blends with existing, healthy hair

Wigs

• - Full head coverage
• - Available in all fiber types, including ready-to-wear synthetic wigs
• - Various colors options that you don’t have to worry about exactly matching your biological hair
• - Can be worn with a wig grip or wig cap underneath for added comfort

If you need assistance picking the right alternative hair product for you, we offer a service called Virtual Consultations. This feature lets you video chat 1-on-1 with a Wig Expert, where you’ll receive personalized advice on styles and colors that work for you and your lifestyle!