What to know about hair loss after COVID

Hair loss after COVID-19 is common and can occur weeks after a SARS-CoV-2 infection has cleared. Three main types of hair loss are associated with COVID-19.

The most common type is telogen effluvium. This condition involves excessive hair shedding and can be experienced after a triggering event like stress or fever. 

The other two types of hair loss related to COVID-19 include alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition) and androgenetic alopecia (a condition caused by genetics).

In order to treat hair loss after COVID-19, it is important to identify the underlying cause. A doctor can then recommend treatment options specific to the condition that is causing your symptoms.

Is there a link between COVID-19 and hair loss? 

People with COVID-19 can often experience hair loss after the SARS-CoV-2 infection has cleared. 

A large cohort study in the UK, published in 2022, compared the symptoms of people with confirmed COVID-19 to the symptoms of people without COVID-19. At 4–12 weeks after the coronavirus infection, hair loss was more common among the people who had COVID-19 than among those who did not.

Many smaller studies have also shown a correlation between COVID-19 and hair loss. A 2022 study found that of 198 people hospitalized with COVID-19, 48 people experienced hair loss. In another 2022 study, researchers surveyed 806 people and found a 52.7% self-reported rate of hair loss after COVID-19.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

What types of hair loss can occur?

Three main types of hair loss are associated with COVID-19. These are telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia. 

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a condition that causes excessive hair shedding. It can occur after a triggering event, such as illness, trauma, physical stress, or emotional stress. It can cause more hair loss than usual when you are showering or brushing your hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), this type of hair loss can develop about 2–3 months after a fever or illness. 

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can lead to hair loss on the body, face, or scalp. A 2022 review of studies concluded that alopecia areata might be caused by COVID-19, with most cases occurring 1-2 months after developing COVID-19. However, further research is still needed to confirm this link.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a hair loss condition that occurs due to your genetics. It happens in up to 50% of all people. A gradual loss of hair begins anytime after puberty.

A 2022 review of studies found having androgenetic alopecia can put you at a greater risk of getting COVID-19, which is why this type of hair loss was found to be higher among those who had COVID-19 than in the general population. It has been suggested that the same biological mechanism that leads to androgenetic alopecia also makes it easier for the virus that causes COVID-19 to enter into cells. 

Treatment strategies for COVID-19 hair loss

Treatment options for some of the main causes of COVID-19 hair loss include the following:

• Telogen effluvium: If you experience hair loss due to telogen effluvium, it is likely to get better without treatment. As you recover from COVID-19, your hair should gradually return to its regular thickness. A doctor may recommend the topical form of minoxidil (Rogaine), which can help to promote hair regrowth after COVID-19. The process of regrowth can take up to 4 months.
• Androgenetic alopecia: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two treatments for androgenetic alopecia, regardless of whether the condition is associated with COVID-19. Those are minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). It’s important to know that finasteride is not recommended for people who wish to conceive.
• Alopecia areata: Treatment for alopecia areata depends on how much hair is lost. If hair loss is patchy, a doctor might recommend topical corticosteroids, such as anthralin (Drithocreme) or minoxidil (Rogaine).

The AAD notes that stress can also cause hair loss even if you haven’t developed COVID-19. Shedding can occur 2–3 months after the stress starts. If you think you may be experiencing hair loss from stress, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to identify ways you can reduce your stress levels.

Need a prescription or refill for hair loss medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks with no video or appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional. Get started here.

How long does Covid hair loss last?

If your COVID-19 hair loss is a result of telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, or androgenetic alopecia, it can take many months for shedding to stop and for hair to grow back. 

In general, shedding can last for 6–9 months before regrowth begins. After the onset of hair loss, it can take up to 18 months for hair to return to its previous level of thickness.  

Summary

Hair loss after COVID-19 is common. Often, this symptom occurs from a type of hair loss condition called telogen effluvium, which starts about 2–3 months after the infection ends.

You can recover from telogen effluvium without treatment, but it can take more than 1 year for hair to fully return. Topical treatments and stress reduction can help to support telogen effluvium recovery.

People with a prior diagnosis of alopecia areata might experience a relapse after COVID-19. Those with androgenetic alopecia might have more severe COVID-19 symptoms. Treatments for these conditions depend on the extent and location of the hair loss.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.