Excessive hair loss following a COVID-19 infection is a common experience. Many people find clumps of hair on their pillows, in the shower drain, or on their brush. This phenomenon is a well-documented side effect of the physical and emotional stress the body endures during and after the illness. Fortunately, this type of hair loss is temporary for most individuals, and there are clear, actionable steps you can take to support your hair’s recovery and encourage healthy regrowth.
Why COVID Causes Hair Shedding
The excessive hair shedding experienced after a COVID-19 infection is a condition known as Telogen Effluvium. This form of hair loss is a non-scarring, diffuse thinning that occurs across the entire scalp. It is triggered by a significant shock to the body, such as a high fever or severe infection, which interrupts the normal hair growth cycle.
Normally, about 85% to 90% of your hair is in the active growth (anagen) phase, while the remaining 10% to 15% is in the resting and shedding (telogen) phase. When the body is under the stress of fighting a virus, a much larger proportion of growing hairs is prematurely forced into the telogen phase. Instead of the usual 10%, up to 50% of the hairs can enter this resting state.
This mass shift does not cause immediate shedding; rather, the hair loss becomes noticeable about two to three months after the initial illness. Even those who experienced only mild COVID-19 symptoms can still develop this reaction, as the shedding is a response to the systemic stress, not necessarily the severity of the infection.
Professional Treatment Options
While Telogen Effluvium often resolves on its own, a dermatologist can offer medical interventions to potentially accelerate the regrowth process or manage prolonged cases. A medical consultation is important to rule out other causes of hair loss, like thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies, which may require specific treatment.
The most common over-the-counter medical treatment is topical minoxidil, often known by the brand name Rogaine. Minoxidil stimulates blood flow to the scalp, helping to push hair follicles out of the resting phase and back into the active growth phase. It encourages faster regrowth, though you may need to use it for three to four months before seeing noticeable improvement.
For some patients, low-dose oral minoxidil has emerged as an effective prescription alternative to the topical foam or solution, particularly for prolonged cases. A dermatologist may also order blood work to check levels of iron, Vitamin D, and zinc, as deficiencies in these nutrients can worsen or prolong hair shedding. Generalized supplementation is usually not helpful unless a specific deficiency is identified.
In-office treatments, like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, are another option for those seeking advanced intervention. PRP involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own growth factors into the scalp to stimulate dormant follicles. This therapy is considered a more intensive treatment and requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Daily Care Strategies for Growth
Implementing gentle daily care strategies supports hair follicles during the recovery period. Since the hair is already in a fragile state of shedding, minimizing physical stress on the strands helps prevent breakage and further loss.
Focus on gentle handling techniques, such as avoiding tight hairstyles like high ponytails or braids that pull on the roots. When drying your hair, avoid aggressive towel rubbing, and instead gently blot the excess water. Minimize the use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling wands, which can weaken the hair shaft and increase breakage.
Nourishing your body from the inside is important, as hair is a non-essential tissue that requires adequate resources. Prioritize a balanced diet that includes sufficient protein, the building block of hair. Lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes should be regular components of your meals to supply the necessary amino acids.
Managing stress is a non-medical intervention, as emotional stress can prolong the telogen phase. Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular low-impact physical activity can help mitigate the body’s overall stress response. This creates a more stable internal environment, encouraging the hair cycle to normalize.
What to Expect During Recovery
Understanding the typical timeline of Telogen Effluvium can help manage anxiety and set realistic expectations for regrowth. The peak shedding phase usually occurs around three to six months after the initial COVID-19 infection. Once the stressor has passed and the body stabilizes, the excess shedding will naturally begin to resolve.
For most people, the noticeable shedding phase lasts for approximately three to six months before it tapers off. After the shedding stops, the follicles begin to re-enter the active growth phase. You may start to see new, fine hairs, often called “baby hairs,” around your hairline or part within six to eight months of the initial onset.
Hair grows slowly, averaging about one centimeter per month. Full recovery, meaning your hair returns to its original density and length, can take 12 to 18 months or even longer. If the excessive shedding continues past nine months, or if you notice patchy hair loss rather than diffuse thinning, consult a dermatologist to investigate chronic Telogen Effluvium or another underlying condition.