Our lives have been shaken in different ways this year due to COVID-19. In addition to all the havoc that the pandemic has generated, we’ve been receiving first-hand testimonies and hearing about people recently experiencing hair loss and thinning apparently related to the virus. We decided to dig deeper into the subject and share our findings with our community.
Who is being affected by this?
This situation is not limited to people who were hospitalized and/or treated with any specific medication. It’s also affecting people who experienced mild symptoms or even those who never got sick.
According to the New York Times, “doctors say many patients recovering from Covid-19 are experiencing hair loss — not from the virus itself, but from the physiological stress of fighting it off. Many people who never contracted the virus are also losing hair, because of emotional stress from job loss, financial strain, deaths of family members, or other devastating developments stemming from the pandemic.”
In a recent study carried out by Survivor Corps and Indiana University School of Medicine titled COVID-19 “Long-Hauler” Symptoms Survey Report, 423 out of 1,567 survivors reported hair loss.
Follicles on our scalp go through a three-phase cycle
Hair Cycle Phases
Under normal conditions, most hair is in a growing phase (Anagen), which lasts between 2-5 years. Then the hair detaches from the follicle and enters the transition phase (Catagen) for about 4 weeks. Finally, hair goes into the resting phase (Telogen) during which it falls out. On average every person loses about 100 hairs a day. This cycle occurs multiple times throughout our life.
Stressful situations can trigger two different types of hair loss
TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM:
External events such as situations of shock or elevated stress levels can disrupt this natural cycle pushing more hairs into the telogen phase. A person with Telogen Effluvium can have about 30% of their follicles in the resting phase where the hair is not growing and will eventually fall out within a few weeks. In this case, people will lose about 300 hairs a day instead of 100.
ALOPECIA AREATA:
Alopecia Areata is a common autoimmune skin disease, causing hair loss on the scalp, face, and sometimes on other areas of the body. The most common form consists of one or more coin-sized hairless patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.
Circular bad patches on the scalp characteristic of Alopecia Areata
Is there a direct connection between COVID-19 and hair loss?
Due to the limited research and information currently available, it’s not clear yet how exactly the virus affects hair loss, however, the two types of hair loss described above could be triggered by this virus:
On the one hand, the high levels of stress generated by the pandemic could be altering people’s hair cycles (Telogen Effluvium). Also, given the very aggressive nature of the virus, the strong response of the immune system to this challenge could be taking a toll on our hair (Alopecia Areata).
Something very important to keep in mind is that stressing out over hair loss may worsen the situation. No matter how frustrating it is to notice these changes knowing that they could last for a few months, remember that this is most likely a temporary condition.
A few tips to help navigate this situation
In line with our holistic approach, we’ll always recommend targeting the underlying causes and focusing on restoring the balance. A few tips to support the recovery process:
- Practice relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises.
- Add to your diet nutritional supplements rich in biotin, collagen, and other hair-boosting active ingredients.
- Use safe and effective topical treatments such as our Complete Recovery Complex and Active Botanical Concentrate duo.
The Complete Recovery Complex is a drug-free, alcohol-free and water-based, scalp treatment that supports hair follicle regeneration. It helps to reduce thinning and loss and to promote growth, using active ingredients such as peptides and apple stem cells.
The Active Botanical Concentrate is a 100% natural multi-purpose and multi-benefit hair and scalp oil densely packed with a nourishing blend of vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids that helps to replenish these essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.
HAIELLE Active Botanical Concentrate and Complete Recovery Complex duo
Takeaway
Recent events have been a true challenge for all of us at the individual, family, and societal level. We at HAIELLE express our solidarity to those who have experienced directly the consequences of the pandemic, especially those who have lost their loved ones.
COVID-19 has challenged the world as we knew it and has forced us out of our comfort zone and to adopt new routines. We are facing a rearrangement of the universe from the macro level, all the way down to the micro-level, as micro as a follicle.
Current events can be interpreted in different ways. In tune with our outlook, we understand that everything happens for a reason within a greater universal order. Nothing is isolated or by chance.
Under this approach, we must balance addressing our own needs while also contributing to the common good. We must be patient and trust that the final outcome of all what’s happening will be an improved reality that will bring overall wellbeing for all human kind.
