Beauty

post pandemic hair loss

Written by Lauryn Rogers | Owner of The Copper Label | Photo by Amy Lynn Photography

I can’t count how many women have sat in my chair

over the last two years who’re dealing with the after effects of COVID-19. Post pandemic hair loss has become increasingly common unfortunately. it’s not COVID-19, that is causing hair loss, but rather the stress your body is under when fighting it. To truly understand what’s happening, it’s important to understand the hair growth cycle. Hair follicles go through three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen, also known as the growth or transitional cycle, and resting or shedding phases. At any given point in time, all the hairs on your head are in different phases. Let’s dive into exactly what is happening and what you can do to help support your body and hair during this time. The reason so many people are experiencing post pandemic hair loss is because of Telogen Effluvium or “shock” hair loss. Stress that triggers telogen effluvium can be physical or emotional. Postpartum hair loss is a common example of telogen effluvium. When our bodies experience a major shock like this it prematurely shifts up to 80% of our hair follicles into the telogen (rest)phase of the hair cycle. The Telogen phase is when our hair starts to shed. Normally our hair is in this phase less than 10% of the time. This process is usually delayed and can take up to 3 months after the initial “shock” for your hair to start shedding longer than usual which can feel like hair loss.

Covid-19 presents a a double blow because the body is dealing with not only the physical stress the of the illness but also the emotional anxiety that comes with it There are so many potential stressors brought on by the pandemic, whether it’s finances, school shutdowns, loss of employment, health issues and the generalized fear and anxiety felt by so many. The great news is this isn’t permanent, but it can last up to 6 months.

As a hairdresser, I see every kind of hair loss from internal disruption, hereditary or environmental factors. First, I was to clear up some misconceptions around hair shedding related to COVID-19. Hair loss, also known as alopecia, typically refers to baldness in certain areas because of hair no longer growing. This can be permanent. There are many different types of hair loss and a multitude of factors that can

contribute to the issue. Shedding doesn’t always necessarily mean balding or permanent alopecia. The hair loss that’s seen post COVID-19 is usually Telogen Effluvium and is not only triggered by viruses, it can also be a side effect of certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal abnormalities, and stressful events. Shedding is a result of a bodily stressor, in COVID-19’s case, usually from a fever.

This is good news! If you’re experiencing abnormal shedding after an illness, stress, hormonal imbalance, or even a trauma, you will most likely see a full return of your hair as the follicle remains able to produce more hair. This doesn’t mean you’re off the hook though, your mane still needs some hand holding to get through this tough time. The mental game that hormones already play on us hard enough, let alone when you add what hair loss can do to us. You need to continue, if you have not started already, using high quality products that are right for your scalp and mane needs. This coincides with brushing your hair, drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest. Be gentle with your body when it’s healing. Recovering from an internal trauma can take much more time than the illness itself unfortunately. You may be completely recovered from your COVID-19 infection, feeling back to normal, and then a few months later your hair may start falling out. Ignoring it and thinking your body will “figure it out” on its own will only prolong the recovery.

I see firsthand what works with clients when recovering from hair loss. I only share products or methods that I have seen actual results with a large number of my clients.

Drink Your H2O // Keeping your body well hydrated is vital for a healthy scalp, a dry scalp halts your hair growth. Water also stimulates the nerve endings on your scalp making your roots more active and able to grow.

Diet // Eating nutrient dense food will give your body the extra support it needs. Your gut health affects everything, and it’s close to impossible to have balanced hormones without it. Eating clean and local isn’t difficult in a community like ours. Local markets like Pilgrims and Super1 offer an abundance of foods made by local and regional farmers and makers. Increasing the amount of protein in your diet is important to helping support your hair follicle that is made up of mostly protein. Also, L-lysine is an amino acid that is found in eggs and meat that is present at the hair’s root and is responsible for the shape and volume of your hair.

Products //

+ Washing your hair less but also not going too long because this can create build up and clog your hair follicles. + Overuse of aerosol dry shampoos in lieu of washing can also cause buildup and eventually hair loss. + Using high quality and clean products that will heal and protect your hair should be your priority and styling secondary. + Oribe’s Alchemy and Goldlust collection are the perfect foundation to have healthy, strong hair. The Serene Scalp thickening treatment spray works wonders for stimulating hair growth and halting hair loss.

Styling //

+ Try heatless hairstyles (The Sway by Mane Label Hair Co.) unless you have a high quality styler that won’t contribute to cuticle damage (Beautytech Bioprogramming devices can be ordered at The Copper Label). Dyson devices are also a great option if using styling devices. + Use a quality brush! This is a must for me and why I swear by the VujaDe V1 Detangle (I carry these in the salon). + DO NOT use regular hair ties or pull your hair up in tight buns or ponytails. Anything that creates tension on your hair and scalp can cause Traction Alopecia which affects those who have chronic follicular tension from wearing hightension hairstyles consistently or for long periods of time. Only use scrunchies and clips being mindful of any tension (I carry a variety of both in the salon).

Vitamins + Supplements //

+ One of the best all around collagen supplements on the market is Modere’s Liquid Biocell. I have personally been taking the Biocell ``Life” for two years. The science and technology they’ve patented is beyond the collagen powders and other filler supplements that go in and out of trending. + The other supplement line I would recommend is Nutrafol Hair growth Nutraceutical. This company is amazing and specifically targets the six main reasons women lose hair. I have seen countless clients and friends see success using their supplements.Many women find success with stopping the shed, when using supplements with ingredients like Cynatine HNS among many others. Cynatine is Keratin, which is the protein that your hair is made up of and it is clinically proven to shorten the time the hair follicle spends in the telogen or rest phase. +I also suggest and personally supplement with extra Vitamin C, D, and a good probiotic. All of these are supplements made by Thorne.(Best local spots for supplements: Pilgrims + Sarah Hamilton FACE) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Copper Label is always researching and testing new products, resources and lifestyle improvements to help best serve our clients and community. Always remember scalp and hair health is part of your overall health and wellness.