Hair Loss After COVID-19: Causes, Duration, and How Wigs Can Help
With the rising number of people recovering from COVID-19, various aftereffects are frequently making headlines.
Following symptoms like coughing, fatigue, decreased concentration, insomnia, and loss of appetite, hair loss has now become a new focus of public concern.
One woman reportedly washed her hair nine days after recovering from COVID-19, only to find clumps of hair falling out like little balls—an alarming sight.
Excessive hair loss adds insult to injury for those who already have thinning hair.
Of course, the most pressing question is: how long will hair loss after COVID-19 last? Can it recover?
Experts explain that hair loss occurs because the virus triggers an inflammatory reaction around the hair follicles. Combined with high fever, poor rest, and psychological stress, this can lead to telogen effluvium—a condition where hair prematurely enters the resting phase.
Normally, our hair growth cycle consists of three phases: the growth phase (anagen), the transitional phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen).
COVID-19 can disrupt this cycle, causing hair follicles to shift prematurely into the resting phase, which results in significant hair shedding.
Studies indicate that approximately 31.3% of people recovering from COVID-19 experience telogen effluvium, losing over 100 hairs per day, with women accounting for 73% of cases. Hair shedding typically peaks around 45–60 days after recovery.
However, most cases of telogen effluvium resolve naturally once the trigger is removed, as hair follicles gradually return to their normal growth cycle. This means that excessive hair loss usually stops on its own.
Generally, hair loss may continue for 2–3 months but will eventually stabilize. By the time spring arrives, hair loss caused by COVID-19 should have largely subsided.
During this period, excessive anxiety can worsen the condition, so it’s important to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset.
While it’s reassuring to know hair can recover, the worry is that thinning hair may appear even before it regrows.
With the Lunar New Year approaching, this holiday season is expected to coincide with the peak of hair shedding, making it a critical time to cherish what hair remains.
A thinning scalp could affect your confidence when visiting relatives. After all, appearing older than you are—or even more senior than your elders—can be frustrating.
Since there’s barely enough time for hair to regrow before the festivities, wearing a wig is a practical solution.
Don’t underestimate a wig—it can not only cover thinning hair or gray strands but also add volume and fullness.
Simply secure the wig with the small clips provided, and it will stay firmly in place. Wigs are realistic, stylish, and come in a variety of designs.
Men can benefit too. Wearing a wig can instantly make you look ten years younger, allowing you to hold your head high and walk with confidence.
Even if you don’t need it yourself, gifting a wig to an elder family member is a thoughtful gesture that shows care and consideration.
This way, everyone can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about thinning hair.