Hair shedding after having Covid is a real thing.
This is called TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM (TE).
I have seen more clients with TE in the last year than in the last 3 years combined.
The shedding usually starts 2-3 months after having symptoms of Covid 19 and will last 3-6 months.
Why is this happening?
During infection & high fever the body is working overtime to fight.
Covid specifically lowers oxygen levels in the blood. This is how our hair gets its nutrients to grow & be strong. It is literally taking away our hairs food for a period of time.(curse you covid...)
If you are adding medications during this time than you are also depleting your gut of good bacteria that the hair needs as well. Our gut produces Biotin which makes our hair fibers.
Stress during this time is an understatement. This will contribute to hair shedding as well.
So what do we do about it?
The top 3 things we need to do is...
Eat clean and eat foods that the hair really likes. Make sure you are getting enough protein & eating foods high in vitamin B's, Iron & Zinc. A hair, skin & nail vitamin are a great way to boost these nutrients that your hair is lacking.
Keep that stress low. If the body is trying to calm down from stress, it is taking away a lot of energy it needs to grow hair.
Keep hair styling to a minimum. Be Gentle and use Hair Loss shampoos that will balance the scalp. Use wide tooth combs/brushed and be gentle. We do not want to be breaking off hairs that we are trying to grow.
For more info including all the foods, gut health, stress helpers & styling tips when you have TE,
click this link for a full e-book on Telogen Effluvium.