Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there have been several studies demonstrating the relationship between increased hair shedding (medically known as telogen effluvium) and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Christine Shaver explains: “Covid is a significant medical illness that is a common cause for telogen effluvium (shedding). A sudden increase in hair loss may also result from stressors such as job loss, the death of a loved one, or major changes in lifestyle, such as extreme dietary or exercise changes. Unfortunately, during the Covid epidemic, people have experienced all these stressors in addition to the stress of the actual infection.

Hair shedding often begins about three months after the stressor. Once the stress has resolved, hair shedding slows, and regrowth can begin. It will often take 1-2 years for full return of the original hair volume. Medications are not the solution for TE. Instead, the condition self-resolves after the stress has been managed. Practicing a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle is important to promote successful recovery.”