How Covid-19 Hair Loss Affected Drake and Here’s What You Can Do to Arrest It

The 34-year-old rapper revealed on Instagram that he suffered hair loss due to Coronavirus when a fan page posted two pictures of Drake that showed a stark difference in the size of the heart shape that is shaved into his hairline. In the first photo, Drake's hairline has a complete heart but in the second, only the rounded top of the heart is visible. The fan captioned the post as "That heart is stressed ??.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ??????’? ????????? ? (@drizzy_drake_vids)

Drake was quick to respond in the comment section. He wrote "I had Covid that s--t grew in weird I had to start again ? it's coming back don't diss.”

However, it’s unclear when exactly Drake had Covid-19. He had shared in March 2020 that he tested negative for the virus after he was exposed while hanging out with NBA player Kevin Durant, who was positive.

Drake isn’t the only star to put a finger at hair loss as a symptom of Covid-19. In August of 2020, Alyssa Milano posted a video to Twitter of her hair coming out in chunks as she brushed it. She captioned the post, “Thought I’d show you what #Covid19 does to your hair. Please take this seriously. #WearADamnMask #LongHauler.”

Thought I’d show you what #Covid19 does to your hair. Please take this seriously. #WearADamnMask #LongHauler pic.twitter.com/H0wCmzYswV

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 9, 2020

Malaika Arora Khan too took to social media to reveal that she suffered from hair loss and shared a home remedy that she resorted to, to arrest the fall.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial)

There are many people across the globe who have faced severe hair loss after being infected with coronavirus. According to a survey conducted by Dr Natalie Lambert from Indiana University School of Medicine and Survivor Corp Facebook group survey, it was found that hair loss was amongst the top 25 symptoms experienced by those diagnosed with the highly infectious disease.

Why does Covid cause hair fall?

Covid can cause hair fall due to stress. Stress has a huge role in releasing certain hormones which lead to hair fall, explains Dr Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, Delhi-based cosmetologist, dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon and the founder of Skin and Hair Clinic. Also “hair fall, hair thinning, frizzy or damaged hairs caused when the follicle inside coils up or gets damaged or shrinks in size,” she adds. 

How can the hair fall be arrested?

“The malabsorption of tryptophan and amino acids which is found in proteins has been commonly noted by scientists globally as a cause for hair loss. So tryptophan supplement helps a lot in stopping hair fall, those recovering from Covid must take it,” advises Dr Deepali. 

Secondly, having a high protein diet helps because we need protein to make antibodies. Dr Deepali recommends a protein rich diet which should include soya, mushroom, lentils, green vegetables, chicken, eggs and seafood.

Besides diet, there are few simple things you can do. “Use a broad tooth comb, wash your hair with a bucket full of water and not the shower, because the pressure of the water from the shower can cause hair fall. Do not forget to massage your scalp with oil as it increases blood flow and triggers hair growth. Wrap your head with a hot towel after a massage to let the oil seep in,” says Dr Deepali. 

Applying onion juice, castor oil and crushed mustard seed powder on the scalp is also an effective way to arrest hair fall. Avoid buying shampoos laden with chemicals, avoid blow dry, colouring or straightening as these can weaken the hair follicles further.