The Pandemic Could Be Making Your Hair Fall Out

Here’s what you need to know.

Picture this: you’re washing your hair in the shower and a big clump comes out in your hand (like, bigger than usual). Sound familiar? If it does, you’re not alone. High levels of stress can trigger hair loss, and between the coronavirus pandemic, postponed weddings, and the intense election, it’s a stressful time.

How To-Be-Weds Can Address Stress-Related Hair Loss

Good news: There are many different ways to treat stress-related hair loss. “[Options include] nutritional supplements, topical medications, oral medications and PRP,” says dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD. However, she strongly encourages making sure there’s no other medical cause of the hair loss before assuming stress is the culprit. If, however, you’ve identified stress as the reason for your shedding, read on for nine ways to deal with it.

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Dermatologists in particular are able to provide you with laser therapy (which Hayag says stimulates blood flow to the follicles) as well as a treatment called platelet rich plasma (PRP). “PRP uses platelet-rich plasma full of growth factors that encourage hair growth and promote hair thickness,” Hartman explains. “PRP is helpful for telogen effluvium because it speeds the cycling of hair from the telogen to anagen phase, decreasing the time of rest and shedding.” Sarkar adds PRP doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s a viable solution for many suffering from stress-related hair loss.