Losing your hair? The pandemic could be to blame

Hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons- hormones, illness, genes, diet.

And while research is ongoing into hair loss as a possible symptom of Covid 19 - experts say the stress of lockdown has led to an increase in the number of people losing their hair.

Lesley Walsh lost all her hair in the first three months of lockdown

Lesley Walsh, from Preston, lost all her hair within the first three months of lockdown.

The mum of two has Alopecia Areata- an autoimmune disorder that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles.

While hair loss has been reported as a possible symptom of Covid 19, Lesley thinks the pressures of a pandemic lead to hers. 

Lesley Walsh says she doesn't let Alopecia affect her life

Tracy Potter from Liverpool has lived with Alopecia for more than 30 years.

Her wig salon, Hair Fairy Wigs, is one of only two in the UK contracted to supply the NHS.

While anyone experiencing sudden hair loss should seek medical advice- lockdown's lead to lots of people wanting help to hide it.

Tracy Potter who owns a wig salon in Liverpool says they've seen a steep increase in clients experiencing stress related hair loss

Tracy knows from personal experience how hair loss can have a huge psychological impact.

She thinks wigs and hairpieces can be a solution for something that's often a temporary problem.

Eva Proudman, Chairman of The Institute of Trichologists

Consultant trichologist Eva Proudman, chairman of The Institute of Trichologists, says she's seen a significant rise in patients presenting with hair loss, including children.

And while there are signs Lesley's hair is starting to grow back she's refusing to let her lack of hair affect her life.


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