COVID-19 and Hair Loss

By Jane Farrell

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), many people are finding out, months after their recovery from COVID-19, that their hair is falling out in large clumps.

And while hair loss is one of the lesser known effects of COVID-19, it’s not unexpected.

In fact, temporary hair loss is normal after a fever or illness, and fever is a common symptom of COVID-19. A few months after having a high fever or recovering from an illness, many people see they have noticeably less hair.

While this is usually thought of as hair loss, it’s actually hair shedding, the AAD says. The medical name for this type of hair shedding is telogen effluvium. It happens when more hairs than normal enter the shedding (telogen) phase of the hair growth lifecycle at the same time. A fever or illness can force more hair into the shedding phase.

But, the AAD says, hair shedding is all you should experience. If you have other symptoms such as a rash, itchy scalp, or burning, something other than telogen effluvium is likely causing your hair loss. It’s time to see a dermatologist.

Buy even if you never developed a fever or COVID-19, you may still see hair shedding. Emotional stress can also force more hairs than normal into the shedding phase. And who isn’t feeling more stressed and anxious during the pandemic?

Again, the hair shedding begins about two to three months after the stress starts.

While seeing your hair fall out in clumps can add to your stress, it’s important to try to de-stress. Only when the stress ends will the excessive hair shedding stop.

When the cause of your hair shedding is due to a fever, illness, or stress, hair tends to return to normal on its own. You just need to give it time. As your hair grows back, you’ll notice short hairs that are all the same length by your hairline. Most people see their hair regain its normal fullness within six to nine months.

If you suspect that your hair loss is caused by something more than telogen effluvium from stress or a fever, talk with a hair-loss expert, a dermatologist. Click here for an AAD resource on finding a dermatologist.