Aside from its better-known symptoms, Covid-19 has had some unanticipated effects; one being hair loss. While it hasn’t yet been listed as an official symptom, reported incidents of post-Covid hair fall are simply too high to overlook.
In September 2020, a study from Wuhan, China found cases of hair loss in over 1 in 5 Covid-19 patients. More recently and locally, the Institute of Trichologists (IoT UK) noted how member trichologists witnessed a surge in ‘long Covid’ and stress-related hair and scalp issues; reporting excess hair shedding (telogen effluvium) in 79% of those recovering from COVID-19. The IOT’s Chair put this down to high temperature, acute illness, stress and trauma - all Covid-19 symptoms and known telogen effluvium triggers.
How to overcome hair loss
Hair loss may not be life limiting, meaning it’s easy to dismiss concerns as vanity. Yet for centuries, our culture considers hair a reflection of health and youthfulness; it’s our crowning glory. Take it away and self-esteem can be lost too.The good news is that the hair cycle can recover from the most common type of hair loss, telogen effluvium, within 6-12 months - though only once its cause has ended. More success will come from dietary change (read our article Feed your hair) and a targeted haircare routine.
Our haircare routine for hair loss
Traditional hair shedding treatments tended to be medicinal or very clinical. We changed all this at the beginning of 2019...Years in the making, our award-winning Pitta volumising shampoo and conditioner were our very first formulas, created in response to rising concerns of hair thinning and loss. Formulated in collaboration with a trichologist and Ayurvedic doctor, this 98% natural, concentrated system harnesses a powerhouse of plant-based actives including nourishing Haritaki Fruit Extract, root-boosting Creatine Amino Acid, thickening Potato Starch and antioxidant Gluconolactone. Both our tester panel and countless Pitta converts since - including those recovering from Covid-19 - have reported volume, body and thicker feeling hair from the first wash, with fullness, strength and healthier growth in the forthcoming weeks and months.
“I had Covid and my hair started to come out in handfuls and became even thinner. After using it for a couple of weeks, I started to notice it was looking thicker and I was getting new growth around my temples and fringe! So glad I discovered these wonderful products.”
JK, Chāmpo convert
In 2021, this range grew with our launch of Pitta growth serum. Designed to work in synergy with all our wash and care formulas, but especially complementing Pitta volumising shampoo and conditioner, it too harnesses Haritaki and Creatine alongside Caffeine, anti-hair loss and anti-dandruff actives. Pitta growth serum’s effects are instant and long-term - roots are visibly volumised and, within 12 weeks of daily use, there are noticeable improvements to hair’s thickness, fullness and fallout.
“I had the longest thickest hair which all started to fall out in big clumps during lockdown of 2020. Since using this serum, my hair fall has been significantly reduced, hair does feel healthier, stronger and fuller.”
TK, Chāmpo convert
TK, Chāmpo convert
Further help for Covid-19 hair loss
In addition to dietary nutrition and targeted haircare, there are several other healthy habits to adopt that will help - find them in our article Healthy habits.On a final note, if you feel very concerned with hair thinning, breakage or loss, contact our Customer Care team who are ready to help point you in the right direction.
