Hair care during COVID or a flu: personal experience
It’s that time of year when COVID and other flu viruses are circulating widely. I want to share my experience on navigating this season without compromising the quality of your hair.
Leading a healthy lifestyle can help support your body and immune system during flu and virus season. But what happens if you’ve already fallen ill and are now wondering how to recover without compromising your hair’s health? Let’s explore ways to manage this period effectively and keep your hair in top condition.
Hair care hacks
When you are ill it is hard to think about anything but rest. But, afterward the hair can become a crazy mess and it is really hard to get it back into original shape. I would like to share a few tips and tricks based on the hair care and washing routine.
If you're feeling completely drained, it's best to avoid touching your hair altogether. The weaker you feel, the less you’ll want to do, and you might find yourself in a situation where you’re mid-wash, applying a pre-shampoo and mask, only to realize you don’t have the energy to finish. For me, the best approach during those tough first days is to simply put my hair in a bun and leave it alone. That way, I can focus on getting through the day without worrying about my hair.
A bun is a much better choice than a braid. Unlike a braid, which can rub against the pillow and lose its shape quickly, a bun stays securely in place at the top of your head. It keeps the hair stable, prevents tangling, and protects the ends effectively. It’s the perfect low-maintenance option for keeping your hair tidy without much effort.
Brushing your hair at least once a day is essential. I recommend doing it in the morning and, if possible, before bed at night (or whenever you're trying to wind down). This simple routine helps keep tangles at bay while providing a gentle scalp massage to stimulate blood flow. My go-to brush is the Tangle Teezer—it's effective, easy to use, and gentle on the hair.
It's best to keep your hair care routine as simple as possible. Skip complex multi-step regimens and focus on the basics. A good shampoo and mask, plus a little hair oil for the ends, are all you need for now. Save more intensive treatments and nourishing care for when you’re feeling stronger and have the energy to invest in a full routine.
If you're still dealing with a high fever and lack of strength after several days, it's crucial to prioritize your health and energy levels above all else. The hair must have become oily or messy by this time, but a quick fix can help tide you over until you’re ready for a proper wash. Mix some fresh lemon juice with warm water and apply it to your scalp. The lemon’s natural acidity helps dissolve excess oils while soothing itchiness, offering a light, refreshing cleanse.
Alternatively, dry shampoo is an easy solution for 1–2 days. It absorbs oil and refreshes your hair, giving you a little more time before you need to shampoo properly. These simple tricks can help you feel more comfortable until you’re ready to hop in the shower and clean your hair thoroughly.
A cotton pillowcase now is a better choice than a silk one. While silk pillowcases are known for their smooth surface, which is great for reducing frizz and preventing hair breakage, they can also spread oils from your hair across the pillow. This can make it harder for your hair to maintain its freshness between washes.
A cotton pillowcase, on the other hand, has a more absorbent surface that will soak up excess oils, keeping your hair more balanced. At the same time, the ends are protected by the bun.
Hair loss after an illness can be a major concern and a frustrating experience. It’s often unpredictable, and no one knows if or when it will happen. That’s why I believe prevention is key to maintaining healthy hair. To help minimize the risk of hair loss, I recommend starting to apply a strengthening serum as soon as you start feeling better and resume your hair care routine. This will help nourish and protect the hair, promoting recovery and strengthening it for the future.
Deep cleansing ritual after feeling better
So, you've reached the point where you're feeling better and have the energy to give your hair and scalp a deep cleanse to remove any build-up. But where to start?
I recommend a quality scalp scrub or peeling product to effectively remove buildup from your hair and scalp. Follow this with two rounds of regular shampoo to ensure a thorough cleanse. Next, apply a deep treatment: use a nourishing mask on the lengths and ends and a hydrating mask on the scalp. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to maximize the benefits:
Finally, finish with leave-in products tailored to your hair type for added protection and care:
Hair loss
When I had COVID, these tips helped me avoid cutting my hair afterward. Unfortunately, I did lose some hair due to post-illness shedding, but using anti-hair fall serum helped me recover more quickly. My go-to is the Kérastase: Genesis Ampoules, which contain Aminexil and peptides. These not only reduce hair fall but also help soothe scalp sensitivity.
My favorites for reducing sensitivity even more are Kérastase: Rehydrant mask (if you have a dryer scalp that tends to irritate or needs moisture) and the 2% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. These products keep the microbiome in check and work together in synergy to prevent and stop hair loss.
I apply the ampoules three times a week along with mask and serum after washing my hair. During challenging times like illness, antibiotic treatments, or stress, this routine helps me minimize or even prevent hair loss. For best results, a minimum three-month course of Aminexil is recommended, but in more serious cases, it can be extended to six or even twelve months.
Like Optimus Prime said: “I know that this is not the end, but merely a new beginning. Simply put, another transformation”.
I hope you never need these tips, but if you do, I wish you a speedy recovery and success in overcoming the challenges. If you have any advice or personal tricks for keeping hair healthy during tough times of illness, please share them in the comments below!