Mystery Hair Loss In Women And Long Covid
Hair loss and thinning seem to be rising in women at a record pace. At Noelle Salon, we work with women on an aesthetic level by covering hair loss with hair toppers, and safe hair extensions. This means we are often seen after a client has visited their physician (dermatologist), and when asked what caused the hair loss, many clients shrug their shoulders. After a battery of tests from blood work, to scalp biopsy, most of my clients are left with no diagnosis. Their physician has ruled out autoimmune issues, trichotillomania, and infection and will come to the conclusion that they have Telogen Effluvium which is in the category of "Alopecia."
Telogen Effluvium occurs when hair follicles do not produce hair at the same rate as natural hair shedding. In many cases, hair growth will correct itself within six months to a year, but what is causing so many cases of this "mystery hair loss?"
1). Covid and serious infection can halt hair growth, many of our clients have experienced this phenomenon as a result of long covid. We are slowly discovering the effects of Covid. Many patients are told to wait it out, and that their hair should grow back.
2) Stress -- a seriously stressful event can cause hair to she and not grow back. It is easy to say "chill out," but hair loss tends to intensify the level of one's stress.
3). Weight Loss Surgery -- hair loss after weight loss surgery is very common, but in many cases, the hair never grows back the way it once was. Most patients experience hair loss at the hairline, crown, and part. It is imperative that you address this potential issue with your physician prior to surgery, there are possible medications to help prevent excessive hair shedding.
4) As with weight loss surgery, extreme and quick weight loss wreaks havoc on the hair. Surgery and anesthesia may also cause hair loss since the immune system may be compromised.
I coined the phrase "mystery hair loss," about 3 years ago, as the rate of women with the condition increased. We can help by customizing a hair topper and safely placing it at the top of the head without shaving or gluing. For overall hair loss, our salon offers micro hair extensions and the Veila pull-thru hair system, a safe method of attachment that does not add stress to compromised hair follicles.
Other Options
1) If you have ruled out underlying health issues; then you may consider PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). This is a system of extracting your own blood, obtaining stem cells, and injecting them into the scalp. It is recommended that the procedure is done once a month for 3 to 4 months. It can be costly, but I have witnessed some benefits.
PRP is known to wake up sleepy (slow-producing) hair follicles. If the hair follicle is not alive, the procedure will not work.
2) Scalp Massage, you can not imagine how many people stop brushing and washing their hair when experiencing hair loss and hair shedding. It is imperative to massage the scalp and help awaken the hair follicles. Using specially blended oils containing lavender and rosemary has some added benefits by increasing blood circulation.
3) Adding more protein to your diet will help with skin and hair. This is especially important for those who have issues with meats, etc. Seeing a nutritionist will help to make healthy food choices and improve overall health. Potentially vitamins containing biotins such as Nutrafol, as well as Rogaine, and other topical medication.
I am not a doctor, but I can attest to the fear, insecurity, and stress that occurs when experiencing hair loss in women. To reiterate, consult with your physician first and then visit us -- we will help by adding the best high-quality scalp prosthesis and/or hair extensions.
Hair Loss background
With Alopecia Areata, fungal infections, other autoimmune diseases, thinning hair by Trichotillomania which removes hair follicles by physical means. At Noelle Salon, we cover the various approaches to hair solutions to treat hair loss, female pattern baldness, balding spots, and other conditions to which you lose hair. At Noelle Salon we focus on hair growth techniques. Hair systems and hair extension maintenance is part of the journey while wearing them. For Trichotillomania, as our hair grows they both will loosen, and service is required. The difference between a hair system and hair extensions for Trichotillomania clients varies based on the location of hair loss.
