Post Covid Hairfall and Remedies!!

Having hair fall???

Stressed about it???

Don’t know what to do???

Just grab a coffee, sit back and relax, I got you covered.

Many covid-19 patients have reported severe cases of hair loss, studies have confirmed it and even the dermatologists also report so. Hair loss is the most common after effect observed in the covid-19 patients which starts after a month of being infected and will resolve in 2 to 4 months.

This kind of hair fall is known as Telogen Effluvium, which is caused due to viral infections, surgeries or acute stress-if anything, it only adds to the stress and more stress means more hair fall- which in turn resets the hair cycle and after 2-3 months stimulates shedding. What more, changes in diet, weight loss, sudden hormonal changes, and isolation can accelerate this process. If it continues even after 5 months consider seeing a dermatologist.

So, what can we do???

First things first, diet and exercise are the two main things we should concentrate on. They are most important in regaining your immunity and your overall health. Taking iron and vitamin D supplements along side a healthy rainbow diet : with loads of colorful seasonal vegetable and fruits like spinach, lettuce, oranges, figs, and capsicum in your daily diet. Consuming more anti-inflammatory foods such as nuts – almonds, walnuts, boiled peanuts, seeds like chia seeds, green leafy vegetables to help your body recover from the virus. Protein and micronutrients are equally important and do not forget to stay hydrated, water is your best friend always.

You can also take hair growth supplements with amino acids, multivitamins and anti-oxidants that are available in the market, but it is advisable to ask a dermatologist, who will recommend you which supplement will suit your needs the best after analyzing the severity of your hair loss. Even Broccoli seed oil, castor and almond oil can be massaged on hair and scalp as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acid which help in hair growth.

It is also essential to take care of your physical and mental health, by exercising daily for at least 45 minutes. It can be anything like yoga, cardio, strength training or the mix of all (it will keep the workout interesting and improve flexibility, strength and keep your heart happy). The significance of meditation cannot be emphasized enough, it gives you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health and also help you manage stress. Getting at least 8 hours of sound sleep helps the body recover.

Now the fun part!!!

Here are some easy home remedies that can be either used alone or in hair masks and packs.

1. Coconut

Massage coconut oil on you scalp and hair a night or an hour before washing depending on your hair type.It penetrates in the hair shaft and reduces protein loss. Coconut milk can also be applied to hair alone or with aloe vera and yogurt. They can be used once or twice a week.

2. Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin Seed Oil has been a trusted source to successfully treat patchy alopecia areata by promoting hair growth. It is also thought to improve circulation. Apply it on scalp and keep it overnight and shampoo.

3. Celery Seeds

Celery Seeds help in getting rid of hair fall by stimulating your scalp and providing nutrition to the hair follicles. The nutrients strengthen the hair roots and prevent falling by preventing formation of dandruff.

4. Amla

It is a rich source of vitamin C which increases the antioxidant content of the body. It strengthens the hair follicles reducing hair loss. It also gives shine and prevents premature greying of hair. Make a pack with amla powder or massage your scalp with amla hair oil.

5. Aloe vera

It has many benefits and is long known for treating hair loss. It soothes the scalp and reduces dandruff. Apply pure aloe vera gel on scalp and hair a few times per week.

6. Rosemary oil

Rosemary is one of the first essential oils people choose to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil into a carrier oil and massage it into your hair and scalp before rinsing.

7. Geranium oil

You can use geranium oil to promote hair growth and boost circulation. Mix a few drops into a carrier oil and use it to make a hair mask. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo and conditioner. Geranium oil can help to strengthen, hydrate, and restore your hair.

8. Neem & Peppermint Oil

Neem & Peppermint oil can help you to maintain a healthy scalp and encourage hair growth. Apply hair 15 minutes before you shampoo to improve hair quality. You can also squeeze half a lemon in 1 mug of water and use it as a hair rinse after shampoo, keep it for 2 minutes and rinse with cold water.

9. Avoid hair styling products and treatments

Heat styling tools and other permanent treatments can weaken the hair strands as they break the bonds in hair. using them will only worsen the problem.

If you have any scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis or any other related issues treat them accordingly. These are all natural methods so they will take time to regrow your hair back. Make a plan that suits you the best and follow it religiously.