COVID-19, Stress & Hair Loss: What You Need to Know
Since the start of lockdown in the UK, uncertainty has affected nearly every aspect of life — health, work, and overall wellbeing. Alongside concerns about infection, many people have noticed unexpected physical changes, including increased hair shedding.
Because COVID-19 presents differently in different individuals, it has understandably created confusion around what is — and isn’t — directly related to the virus.
What Are the Official Symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the National Health Service (NHS), the primary symptoms include the following:
First, a high temperature — meaning you feel hot to the touch on your chest or back. Notably, you do not need to measure your temperature with a thermometer to recognize this symptom.
Second, a continuous dry cough — this refers to frequent coughing episodes within a 24-hour period or prolonged coughing lasting over an hour.
Third, a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell — specifically, a noticeable reduction or complete loss of these senses.
In addition to these core symptoms, some individuals may also experience fatigue, muscle pain, or stomach discomfort. Although these are less common, they can still occur and may vary in intensity from person to person.
Hair loss is not listed as an official symptom of COVID-19.
Is COVID-19 Causing Hair Loss?
While hair loss is not a recognised COVID-19 symptom, many people have reported increased shedding during and after lockdown periods.
Clinical evidence suggests this is most commonly linked to stress-induced hair shedding, medically known as telogen effluvium. Elevated stress levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing more follicles into the shedding phase.
This can occur:
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After periods of high anxiety
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Following illness
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Due to major lifestyle disruption
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During seasonal shedding cycles (often March–May)
In many cases, the shedding is temporary and resolves once stress levels stabilise. However, for those with pre-existing hair thinning, stress can accelerate visible loss.
Managing Stress-Related Hair Loss
If you’ve noticed increased shedding:
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Prioritise sleep quality
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Maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
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Reduce psychological stress where possible
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Avoid panic — temporary shedding often corrects itself
That said, visible hair loss can affect confidence long before regrowth occurs.
A Long-Term Solution: Skalp® Micropigmentation
For anyone looking for a fast and long-lasting way to improve their appearance, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a proven, non-surgical treatment.
At Skalp®, trained specialists use advanced techniques to carefully place tiny pigments on the scalp. As a result, it looks like real hair follicles and creates a natural finish.
With SMP, you can:
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Redefine and restore your hairline
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Add the look of more density to thinning areas
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Hide patchy hair loss
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Achieve the look of a sharp, clean buzz cut
In addition, SMP is:
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Non-invasive
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Low maintenance
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Long lasting
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More affordable than hair transplant surgery
Whether your hair loss is caused by stress or has been ongoing for years, Skalp gives you full control over your hairline and the final look you want.
Book a Free Consultation
To help you make an informed decision, we offer a complimentary consultation that includes:
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A personalised assessment, so we can fully understand your concerns and goals
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A virtual hairline mock-up, allowing you to visualise your potential results in advance
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A clinic walkthrough, so you feel comfortable and confident in our environment
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Transparent treatment planning, ensuring you clearly understand every step of the process
Whether your hair loss is temporary or permanent, and regardless of the underlying cause, it can significantly impact your confidence. Therefore, we are here not only to provide clarity, but also to guide you toward a tailored and effective solution.
We have clinics in London and Manchester
Book an appointment for a complimentary consultation today
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