Post Covid Hair Loss Treatment

Oct 7, 2024
Post Covid Hair Loss Treatment

COVID-19 brought several after-effects with it. A very apparent side-effect of the virus was the loss of hair. Many people complained about heavy hair fall, which has been concerning. 

A common sign of COVID-19 is fever. Many people notice hair loss a few months after recovering from an illness or having a high fever. This is hair shedding, even though many people mistake it for hair loss. It occurs when more hair than usual simultaneously enters the shedding phase of the hair growth lifecycle. Telogen effluvium is the medical term for this kind of hai[Pr1] r shedding -- many people notice small amounts of hair while showering or brushing their hair.

However, there are several ways for hair regrowth to bid goodbye to hair loss caused by the pandemic. So, if you are looking for solutions, read on!

The Impact Of Hair Shedding

According to research, 22% of people hospitalized with Covid-19 experienced temporary hair loss. Studies indicate that hair loss is one of the more than 60 persistent symptoms frequently associated with long Covid. However, it is harder to determine how common the condition is in people with milder forms of the disease. It was determined that people infected with Covid-19 are four times more likely than those who have not been infected to experience hair loss.

Instead of adopting methods for temporary hair regrowth or to gain fullness, it's better to look for long-term methods. The idea is to reduce hair loss and cure hair with growth treatment. Suitable methods can improve hair and scalp health.

Hair Regrowth After COVID-Induced Hair Shedding

Most times, the hair returns to normal when the cause of one's shedding is a fever, illness, or stress. And the recovery may take some time, which varies from person to person – ranging from 2-6 months. This can happen in the form of short hair growth at the hairline, which eventually means hair regrowth. When this is the case, it takes around six to nine months for people to notice their hair regaining its normal fullness.

However, some people have noticed delayed growth or little to no growth at all. On the other hand, some people also noticed that their hair wasn't as thick as it used to be. There are several treatments for such hair loss. Adopting a hair loss treatment in such cases can help fasten the regrowth or, perhaps, start it all together.

COVID Hair Fall Treatment

Home Remedies for Hair Fall and Regrowth 

There are several ways to deal with the post-COVID side effects, even hair fall. However, adopting home remedies for hair fall and regrowth has been an easy and natural fix. And here are some of which people can use:

  • Aloe Vera: In addition to soothing the scalp, this ingredient conditions the hair, making it soft and free of frizz. It can also get rid of the oil that has blocked hair follicles.
  • Onion Oil: This has long been a common treatment for hair that grows back on its own. It has been demonstrated to improve circulation and treat patchy alopecia.
  • Egg: Eggs provide the hair with protein, which encourages hair regrowth. Mix one egg and one tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl and stir thoroughly. 
  • Jojoba Oil: This is an excellent oil for strengthening and moisturizing hair, preventing hair loss, and promoting hair thickness. Apply it to a clean scalp and wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes. 
  • Coconut Oil: Coconut oil's fatty oils lock the protein in the hair by getting into the hair shaft. This can be left overnight and washed the next day.
  • Beetroot: An effective hair loss treatment is a paste made with ground beetroot leaves and henna.
  • Fenugreek: The protein in fenugreek strengthens the hair, encourages hair growth, and repairs damaged hair. So, giving the head a massage with fenugreek paste can help with hair loss after Covid.
  • Lemon & Amla: Lemon juice and amla powder can be applied to the scalp to combat hair loss.

Note: Even though these home remedies support natural ingredients, some people may be allergic to some of the ingredients. Therefore, it is essential to avoid using them if asked so by a professional.

Professional Medical Treatments

Choosing to use medical treatments or using medicines requires professional guidance. This is not something that people should do without consulting a physician or a dermatologist. UnCover is the right platform for consultation from counselors, aestheticians, and dermatologists. They have tailored treatments for hair, including PRP hair loss treatment and more. They also offer other services, for which you can avail information through their website or book a free consultation. Uncover has skilled practitioners who will help you through the entire process.

Consult a doctor immediately if you start to notice sudden hair loss or are concerned about your hair volume.

  • Using Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and antioxidants reduce hair loss and increase hair density. Additionally, it aids in improving overall health and immunity.
  • Mesotherapy: Multiple intradermal microinjections of low doses of active substances, such as multivitamins, minerals, prescription drugs, and other bioactive substances, are directly injected into the dermal layer of the skin in this method. Increasing the nutrition of hair follicles at this level is effective.
  • PRP: In regenerative medicine, Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP is a novel hair fall solution with the strongest evidence for hair regrowth.
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is known for its potent antioxidant properties. Vitamin E derivatives like tocopherols and tocotrienols are frequently included in oral supplements for hair growth.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D receptors, when expressed in hair follicle cells, can possess the ability to modulate hair growth cycling. On the other hand, vitamin D, which has been shown to strengthen the immune system, is a popular COVID-19 supplement.
  • Biotin: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is one of the most common nutrients in many over-the-counter hair growth supplements. This is primarily because it plays a role in the production of keratin. However, despite its extensive use in this area, it is still debatable whether oral biotin supplements can help patients with hair loss. 

Note: Treatments and consumption of supplements necessitate expert advice and an understanding of the potential effects. Seek a doctor's approval before using any (or these) supplements.

Tips for Hair Regrowth

  • Reduce the intake of sour and salty foods for a hair fall solution.
  • Avoid alcohol at all costs. 
  • Regular physical activity is necessary. 
  • Avoid stress or anything that causes stress because a lot of hair loss results from our mental health and the mental pressure that one might be dealing with.
  • Include black raisins and red grapes in their diet.
  • Having adequate iron levels can aid in recovery from this condition. Since the body uses iron reserves to build red blood cells, iron levels are crucial for reversing hair shedding and restoring fullness.
  • People with longer hair should avoid pulling on it while combing and use a conditioner to prevent tangles when they shower.
  • Hair straighteners, curling irons, and other heat tools can harm or weaken hair follicles.
  • Wearing a hat in the summer can prevent damage from strong ultraviolet rays.

The Bottom Line

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve noticed several impacts that appear in our day-to-day lives. 

We've all noticed and dealt with the significant decline in our physical and mental health. People who suffered from the virus noticed after-effects that were not specific. Hair loss or its impact on general health is one common side effect. Often, people seek control over issues like hair loss to manage a faster recovery. 

And while there’s a recovery period, the best way to deal with the problem is to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Other ways include seeking professional help with treatments that are prescribed to you.

When waiting for regrowth, handle your hair with care. Avoid hairstyles that stress it, like a tight ponytail or tools that require heat. But hair fall isn't as harmless as it sounds, and hence we seek solutions. One can adopt both medical and natural methods to maintain hair health if they do not notice significant hair regrowth. These methods require patience and professional guidance. Supplements and medicines shouldn't be taken without a prescription or proper guidance. 

Often, the best hair fall solution is to give it time. Additionally, try to remain positive about the process and make the right choices for yourself and your hair!