Over the past year, Spate—a trend analysis firm founded by two former Google engineers—has tracked an 8% rise in U.S. Google searches for hair loss. Leading dermatologists link this spike directly to pandemic-related stress.
Hair loss affects both women and men, but it's surged recently, as detailed in The New York Times article from February 18, 2021. The piece draws on Spate's expertise in Google search trends.
Spate data shows hair loss searches up 8% over the last 12 months, averaging 829,000 per month in the United States.
Dr. Abigail Cline, a dermatologist at New York Medical College, notes that any severe stress—from illness or emotional events—can trigger it. Experts widely agree the COVID-19 crisis has amplified this.
This temporary shedding, called telogen effluvium, follows illness, fever, or intense stress—and it's now tied to SARS-CoV-2, often emerging 3-4 months post-infection.
The New York Times profiles Misty Gant, 35, infected in March 2020. Weeks after recovery, she lost handfuls of long hair in the shower, developing temple baldness. Her regimen—a gluten- and dairy-free diet, omega 3-6-9 supplements, and scalp massages—sparked baby hair regrowth.
Celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan recommends shorter styles, as long hair weakens at the tips. Match your hair color with eyeshadow or spray for camouflage. She assures affected hair will regrow with time—patience is key.
