Hair loss during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Read this before you purchase hair loss treatments.
Hold on to your pennies! This article might help you save a few dollars.
I take great pride in being a licensed cosmetologist but I am no expert when it comes to hair loss. Although it do know that hair loss does not come in one-size-fits-all remedies.
What triggers hair loss?
Many of the women in my life including myself have gone through different stages of hairloss. In most cases the cause of hairloss is triggered by stress. In other cases, it’s hereditary.
If extreme shredding has troubled you recently (pandemic) the cause of hairloss may be Telogen Effluvium.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
When a stressful event causes your body to prematurely stop the hair follicle from going about its normal routine (growing). This causes up to 70% of you individual strands to die off; on nicer terms let’s say “rest”. During the “resting” stage your hair follicle is prone to fall out from any scalp manipulation, hair brushing, or combing.
My experience with Telogen effluvium lasted approximately 5 months. I had a quarter size patch of hair missing right on my middle part. I was smooth as a dolphin with no hair growth in sight for 4 months.
Prior to my discovery I went through rough job displacements as well as having to cancel my wedding date multiple times due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
How long does Telogen Effluvium last?
The effects of hair loss from Telogen Effluvium will occur at least 2-3months after traumatic life event lasting no more than 3-6months.
Events may vary from:
•Loss of job
•Big Moving (out of country/across state lines)
•Illness/Infection
•Caretaker for someone critically ill
•Pregnancy
•Covid-19/year of 2020
•Loss of loved one
Is there a cure for Telogen Effluvium?
Luckily, the problem seems to be self resolving for most which is why you shouldn’t rush to buy treatment unless necessary. As soon as you experience symptoms avoid vigorous scalp massages, tight heavy ponytails, and please be gentle when detangling.
Recovery ranges between 3-6 months. However, for those who naturally have thin hair, I recommend seeking professional treatment immediately to slow the process.
What are some natural ways to recover from Telogen Effluvium?
Stress, weight loss, Iron deficiency, and thyroid problems are the usual causes for Telogen Effluvium but 2020 has taken a toll on everyone’s health. Whether it’s mental or physical our bodies will know when it’s under attack and it will do its best to send signals like loosing abnormal amounts or hair.
If you are in a bad place emotionally, try seeking a spiritual outlet. Invest in a few singing bowls for meditation, attend Saturday mass, or even embark on a sacred journey with muay thai if you’d like to be more hands on.
Apart from emotional healing, be aware of your diet.
Balanced whole foods are a must. Organic, high in iron, and protein will be essential during your months of recovery. I’m guilty of binge eating processed foods when I’m stressed. This was a hard habit to kick.
If you continue to let stress consume you, you’re likely to trigger another unwanted cycle of Telogen Effluvium.
And if that does happen please remember, it’s only Temporary!
