Khloe Kardashian’s experience with COVID-19 feels like a lifetime ago. It was March 2020, when Khloe Kardashian was diagnosed. This is a frightening time for all people in the world and even more for those directly affected.
“When COVID was first introduced, it was a new concept,” Kardashian recalls from our Zoom call. We are in the virtual meeting for Dose & Co, a collagen supplement manufacturer that has the star of reality TV as its spokesperson. Dose & Co is releasing a new variety of collagen supplement: Marine Collagen, which Kardashian says “is basically the exact same thing as the Pure Collagen we already produce, but for a wider range of people, like vegans and pescatarians, who can’t take bovine collagen.”
Kardashian claims she uses both the Pure and Marine collagen. She also says that the routine has helped with the hair loss and other issues she experienced after receiving COVID. The mention of COVID immediately feels familiar. Kardashian was willing to share my symptom stories, having just been through a breakthrough case.
Kardashian explained that she lost a lot of her hair after COVID. She describes the hair loss as being late-onset. “It happened in small chunks and took two to three weeks for me to notice it. It was very disappointing. You don’t feel good about your self. My doctor, who is a great friend, said that he had seen many women lose a lot of their hair, and that they believe it was due to COVID.”
American Academy of Dermatology confirms that we now have significant evidence to support the claim that COVID survivors may experience hair loss. According to board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Annie Chiu explains that this is caused by “acute Telogen Efluvium,” a condition at the cellular level that occurs when there is a shock to the body like a fever Dr. Chiu says that the virus causes prominent hair loss by turning anagen hairs into Telogen.
Kardashian said that the shedding was only a temporary problem. Kardashian says that her hair is strong and healthy again today, even though she dyed it platinum blonde. She says, “It’s amazing that a year later, I have seen such a big difference in my hair. It’s incredible to see the growth and thickness of my hair, as well as the ability to bleach it.”
What can you do to encourage hair growth?
Kardashian believes patience and a consistent collagen routine were key factors in her success. She also uses DIY masks with pantry ingredients, such as mayonnaise, to treat her hair.
She explains that she was a brunette for a while because her hair was wilted and she wanted to preserve it. It is important to do things from the inside. “My routine is very strict. I take Dose & Co Pure Collagen every day before I start my morning. It dissolves quickly and tastes great. Hair masks are something I love to do, regardless of whether it’s avocado oil or any other product from the pantry. I just put mayonnaise on my hair and let it sit for a while.”
Although there is some evidence that collagen may be beneficial for hair growth, it is not supported by scientific data. “While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of ingestible collagen improving skin, hair and nails, there is still little scientific data,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. The problem is that collagen once it has been ingested in the stomach is broken down into smaller proteins or amino acids. It is not clear how many of these amino acids travel to the scalp and hair.
You won’t see any improvement in regrowth if you apply mayonnaise to your ends. The condiment is made with olive oil and eggs yolk and can help to condition your ends. If you don’t have Olaplex, this is a quick and messy alternative.
While Kardashian’s hair-loss-and-re-growth experience worked for her, you should first talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing hair loss of any kind. Regardless of what route you go – collagen, mayonnaise, or even PRP – find solace in the fact that like Khloe Kardashian, your hair can fall out “in chunks” and still grow back healthy.
