One of the more surprising and common side effects of Covid-19 is hair loss. This can
be an incredibly distressing experience for the sufferer, knocking confidence and self-
esteem. Before we explore ways we can manage hair loss following Covid-19, let’s
understand the underlying causes.
This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. It’s a temporary shedding of hair
after a shock, virus or stress. In response to these conditions, the body directs its
resources to more vital areas. The hair enters a resting phase and other areas such as
the digestive and reproductive system go to the bottom of the priority list when the body
is in this fight or flight mode. When the body comes back into balance all of these
systems return to normal. However, if there is ongoing stress, worry or illness, this can
be difficult for the body to manage.
Here are some ways you can support your body as much as possible to repair and
return to homeostasis...
1. Get 8 hours sleep. This is a top priority to heal and restore. Without sufficient
sleep, the body doesn’t get time to work its magic and repair.
2. Eat a whole foods diet. Avoid caffeine, sugar, cigarettes etc. These substances
are nutrient scavengers, using up vitamins and minerals from the diet to detoxify and
avoid free radical damage to the systems of the body. Reduce your intake of processed
foods. Whether you’re vegetarian or a meat eater, making sure you’re getting enough
protein, fat and healthy carbohydrates will support the body to build, function properly
and heal. An imbalanced diet can result in energy and hormonal imbalances, digestive
issues and the list goes on.
3. Use a hair stimulating and strengthening shampoo, conditioner and
treatment. Aveda Invati and Kerastase Genesis are designed specifically to deal
with the issues that may contribute to hair loss. These products exfoliate and
nourish the scalp, as well as strengthen the hair fibres. The skin of the scalp is cleared
of build-up, bacteria and toxins, promoting thicker growth and stronger strands. The hair
is also strengthened with protein to reduce breakage, keeping the hair strong so it can
grow.
4. Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day. A hydrated body is vital for supporting the
above processes.
5. Take supplements. Many people would say that we get everything we need from a
good diet. Although this was true many years ago, it is no longer the case. In the
modern world, we are exposed to an overpowering amount of toxins and the food we
consume is less nutrient rich as a direct result of over farming. Therefore, we can no
longer rely on food alone, especially if we are trying to recover from an illness. Below is
a list of supplements recommended to take until hair regrowth begins.
Multi vitamin
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Zinc
Quercetin
Curcumin
Omega 3 fatty acids
5. Reduce stress levels. If the body is constantly in fight or flight mode it will not be
able to switch back and return to balance. Explore different techniques to find what
works for you. Popular solutions include meditation, slow restorative yoga, walking in
nature and breath work. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce the stress hormones,
adrenaline and cortisol, that are running around the body to allow the immune system to
mop up the left-over damage from the virus.
6. Use essential oils. These are great little gifts from nature we can use to support
our body’s needs. Whether it’s for stress reduction (lavender), anxiety (copaiba),
renewal and repair (frankincense) or immune support (oregano/tea tree) there is an oil
for everything. Essential oils really are both emotional and physical helpers.
These are some of the ways you can support your body to give it the helping hand it
needs to recover and grow strong, healthy hair. Whether you have suffered with Covid-
19 or not, these tips are the foundations for optimal health and well-being which leads to
luscious hair.
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