Hair Loss After COVID-19: Patterns, Causes & Treatments

COVID-19 has proven to affect various organs and systems in the body, including the hair and hair follicles. Both hair loss after COVID-19 infection and hair thinning following vaccination have been reported by many patients, which has now been acknowledged by health experts worldwide. At Turkeyana Clinic, we have observed an increasing number of patients presenting with hair loss linked to either a COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

In this article, we will dive into the relationship between COVID-19 and hair loss, explore the causes, common patterns of hair loss after infection, and provide insights into the treatments that have shown success.

Key Insights:

• COVID-19-related hair loss is now recognized as a post-infection symptom and can also follow vaccination.
• Patterns of hair loss include diffuse thinning, circular bald patches, and scarring alopecia.
• The underlying causes are related to vascular damage and autoimmune reactions triggered by COVID-19.
• Early treatment is crucial to prevent complete hair loss and encourage recovery of affected hair follicles.

Patterns & Course of COVID-19-Related Hair Loss

The patterns of hair loss following a COVID-19 infection or vaccination are varied, often resembling other well-known forms of hair loss. The most common patterns we observe in patients are:

1. Diffuse Hair Loss: Hair thins all over the scalp, making the scalp more visible. This type of hair loss is widespread and can lead to noticeable thinning.
2. Alopecia Areata (Circular Hair Loss): Round or oval bald spots appear, which can affect not only the scalp but also other areas such as the beard, eyebrows, or body hair.
3. Scarring Alopecia: This severe form involves inflammation and scarring around the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss in affected areas.
4. Mixed Patterns: In some cases, patients experience a combination of these hair loss patterns, creating a unique presentation of symptoms.

Causes: Why Does COVID-19 Lead to Hair Loss?

COVID-19 causes hair loss in several ways, often manifesting through a combination of factors:

1. Vascular Damage: COVID-19 has been found to damage blood vessels, impacting the supply of nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. When the hair roots are deprived of these essential resources, they become unable to function correctly, leading to hair shedding. This phenomenon is known as anagen effluvium, where hair falls out during its growth phase.
2. Autoimmune Reactions: COVID-19 can trigger or reactivate autoimmune disorders. In such cases, the body mistakenly targets its own hair follicles, attacking them as if they were foreign invaders. This immune reaction can lead to alopecia areata, causing the development of bald patches on the scalp or face (for men).

When Does COVID-19 Hair Loss Begin?

Hair loss linked to COVID-19 typically starts 4 to 6 weeks after infection or vaccination. In severe cases of scarring alopecia, hair loss can take up to 3 months to appear. Though less common, some individuals may notice hair thinning after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, although these cases are usually milder than those associated with infection.

Treatment Options for COVID-19-Related Hair Loss

The good news is that hair loss resulting from COVID-19 can often be treated successfully, particularly with early intervention. Turkeyana Clinic offers a range of treatments tailored to address the underlying causes of hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth:

1. Diagnostic Evaluation: Our first step is a comprehensive evaluation to exclude other causes of hair loss. This includes an in-depth consultation, blood tests, scalp examinations, and family history analysis to determine if there are any nutritional deficiencies or genetic factors at play.
2. Immunosuppressive Therapy: For cases where hair loss is driven by an autoimmune response, we use immunosuppressive treatments, such as corticosteroids, to calm the immune system and prevent further attacks on the hair follicles.
3. Regenerative Therapy (PRP): Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has shown great success in restoring hair affected by COVID-19. In this treatment, we inject a concentrated solution of your own blood plasma—rich in growth factors—into the scalp to stimulate hair regrowth and repair damaged follicles.
4. Hair Transplantation: In cases where hair follicles have died due to scarring or inflammation, hair transplantation can be an effective solution. We offer advanced techniques such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) to restore a full head of hair and improve hair density in areas where hair growth cannot be naturally revived.

COVID-19 and hair loss have become increasingly intertwined, particularly in severe cases of the virus. Though the exact mechanisms behind post-COVID hair loss are still being researched, vascular damage and autoimmune responses appear to be the primary causes. While the hair often regrows on its own within a few months, professional treatment can expedite recovery and prevent long-term damage.