How to Stop Hair Loss after Covid
- Written by Leo Lordhair
- Jun 28, 2022
- |
- 323 min read
Coronavirus is causing an unexpected but perhaps not wholly uncommon side effect which appears to be causing hair loss. Many people who get the flu or another strain of the coronavirus contract it and recover without developing serious complications. Unfortunately, some patients experience more severe effects, including hair loss. Losing hair after contracting the virus is not just an aesthetic issue.
Although hair loss can be a cause for worry, there are a variety of approaches to prevent or treat it. In addition, many of these procedures are free of side effects and inexpensive or free. Before you rush out and purchase any lotions, potions, or pills, make sure you know which hair loss remedies are most effective.
There are numerous treatment alternatives for hair loss. Your physician may suggest any number of them, depending on your condition. Lordhair, a leading supplier of hair pieces for men and women, is here to discuss the most popular treatments that might be best for you. That is why we are focusing on them here.
What is Covid Hair Loss?
Scientists have found new evidence to suggest that some people have experienced hair loss after Covid, an aggressive virus. Covid may cause hair loss, hair shedding, gut problems, and skin issues, among other things. Your immune system may have been fighting the virus or stress and strain, thereby depriving your hair of important vitamins and minerals. The psychological distress caused by the pandemic, in addition to the common effects of Covid, has caused many people to lose hair.
Covid can cause hair loss in two forms, diffuse hair loss and alopecia areata. If you have these conditions, you might be weakened by the virus or emotionally stressed out by the pandemic and experiencing trouble with hair loss due to Covid.
In contrast, hair shedding or telogen effluvium (TE) can be triggered 2 to 4 months after by things such as infection, shock, trauma, or medication. Hair loss in some areas of the scalp may appear more severe than others.
Some people experiencing covid hair loss noticed a severe effect on hair health, causing thin, fragile hair strands. On the other hand, some users reported significant hair loss as a result of covid.
What Do Dermatologists Prescribe for Hair Loss?
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a chemical solution that’s been around since the late ‘70s, and it’s one of the few hair loss treatments that are clinically proven to work. As a topical solution, it works by boosting blood flow to your hair follicles and helping your scalp regenerate stronger hair. It’s so effective that the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved it as the first and only hair loss treatment for both men and women. In terms of side effects, minoxidil is approved to treat a range of medical issues, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Side effects are rare, but they do occur in around 5% of cases. The most common are mild itching, rash and irritability. It also comes in a few different strengths, so it’s easy to find the right dosage for your needs.
Nutrafol
Nutrafol is a hair loss treatment that uses all-natural ingredients to promote healthier, stronger hair. It contains biotin and iron, which can strengthen hair fibers and Vitamin B6, which can promote cell growth. Nutrafol also includes saw palmetto, a plant extract that can reduce male hormones that can cause hair thinning. It’s convenient to take, as it comes in tablets that are easy to swallow or dissolve in water to make a beverage. While Nutrafol is an effective solution, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t grow hair. Instead, it helps existing hair grow thicker and longer so it’s less noticeable when you lose some.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication that’s often prescribed for men experiencing moderate to severe hair loss. It’s a common treatment for those with a family history of hair thinning, especially if combined with other hair loss treatments. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is believed to be the main cause of hair loss in men. While finasteride is usually only given to men, it’s an effective treatment for women too. It’s important to note that this medication isn’t meant to regrow hair, but it can improve hair quality and reduce shedding. It’s also worth noting that finasteride can have some pretty serious side effects, including decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction and a general decrease in libido.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a common prescription for treating hair loss in women but it’s important to note that spironolactone is only approved to treat hair loss in women. It’s often prescribed alongside other treatments, as it can slow down hair shedding and increase the thickness of existing strands. It’s a diuretic that works to reduce the number of androgens (hormones) in your body. Androgens are male sex hormones, including testosterone. In androgenic alopecia, the progression of hair loss is slowed down by reduced androgen production. Spironolactone may also encourage hair regrowth but while it is effective it can take up to 6 months before you notice any positive changes in your hair.
Laser Hair Therapy
Laser hair therapy is a non-invasive hair loss treatment that uses light energy to promote hair growth. It’s designed to be used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil, and is usually used on the scalp. It doesn’t actually regrow hair, but it can stimulate growth to make it appear thicker and stronger. While laser hair therapy is effective, it can take up to 6 months to see results. There are a few different manufacturers of this product, so it’s important to do your research and find a model that’s FDA-approved.
Shampoos and Conditioners
Shampoos and conditioners are often marketed as hair loss treatments, but they’re just products that are designed to make your hair look healthy. There are a few shampoos and conditioners that can help your hair grow, but it’s important to note that these products don’t actually regrow hair; they’re designed to make existing strands thicker and healthier. If you want to try a shampoo or conditioner as a hair loss treatment, it’s important to pick one that’s designed for people with thinning hair.
Other Ways to Deal with Hair Loss
Get a new hairpiece system
Hairpiece systems, such as from Lordhair, can assist you to disguise your hair loss and protect your scalp more effectively. You can find many hair systems designed for men and women that suit your colour, style, and hair type at a bargain price.
Carefully wash your hair to stop taking out clumps
Washing your hair forward instead of backwards and combing it towards your face is less stressful on the follicles and helps you keep more of your hair. Shorter hair might also reduce the pulling on the follicles and cut down on the amount that falls out. The hair itself is heavier if it’s longer, so on its own, it might pull on the follicles more. There are four things you should do to keep your hair healthy: avoiding heat tools like a blow dryer, ensuring your hair is clean, avoiding products that contain harsh chemicals and keeping your hair healthy.
Treat other health problems that may be contributing to hair loss
Hair loss due to the stress of COVID-19 can be aggravated by hormonal imbalances, low thyroid, and iron or iodine deficiency. Getting medical treatment for them can speed up the restoration process. The excessive use of supplements and medications can cause hair loss and thinning, such as whey, DHEA, testosterone and the human growth hormone.
Apply oils to your hair
Peppermint oil may help hair growth, according to a 2014 mouse study. Rosemary oil has also traditionally been used to increase blood flow to the scalp. Rosemary leaf extract was also found to improve hair regrowth in mice. Despite being widely recommended, coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil have limited research on hair growth.
Reducing your stress levels
No matter how hard you try, you will suffer from tension at some point. What's critical is learning how to manage it in a way that keeps you as healthy as possible and preserves as much of your hair as possible.
You must identify which source of stress is contributing to your condition in order to handle it effectively. Is your work or school pressure growing? Do you have financial concerns? Is your health or wellness declining? Are you enduring an injury or complication?
Lowering your stress levels may also help in dealing with COVID-related hair loss. By practising self-care and engaging in activities such as meditation and breathing exercises, you may improve your mental health and reduce your stress levels.
Regular hair function can be aided by breaking long-term stress. Although, lowering stress levels might be challenging in the current world or personal circumstances, so if self-care isn’t helping, please contact a therapist if available.
Avoid fad diets and nourish your nutritional needs
Avoid fad diets that may be cutting out key nutrients that are important for your hair to remain healthy and intact. Instead, keep an eye on what you're eating and make sure to get the right amount of nutrients. It is important to include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins in your diet. Limit your consumption of sweets to ensure that you are adhering to your diet.
Avoid areas where people are smoking
Smoking has been linked to lung cancer in addition to a variety of other health problems. However, hair loss may also be a result of smoking. When it comes to hair loss, staying away from places where people are smoking is really important. It is not just harmful to your lungs, but it can also damage your hair.
PRP for hair loss
A blood platelet injection is used to increase the chance of hair growth for people who suffer from hair loss. A patient's blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp as part of the three-step PRP (platelet-rich plasma) hair loss treatment.
Final Points
Hair loss can be a serious issue for many people, but luckily there are treatments available to help reverse the effects. Many dermatologists recommend using a combination of treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, to prevent hair loss and stimulate regrowth. With the right combination of treatments and healthy hair habits, it’s easy to grow your hair back and keep yourself feeling confident.
Hair loss is a common condition that can be painful and frustrating. A board-certified dermatologist can provide you with insight into why you're losing hair and the best course of treatment. They've also taken an additional exam to demonstrate their expertise and you may completely trust their recommendations.