Massive Covid-related hair loss... less than a year until wedding day!

First of all, you're going to be beautiful regardless of your weight. Everyone will be there to support you on your big day, no one is going to think you look like a chunky Gollum. I know it's hard, but try to be nice to yourself. Weight loss is hard, especially with the stress of wedding planning.

I lost a lot of my hair before a thyroid issue was treated. I get how upsetting it is. It'll grow back! You have a good amount of time before your wedding, so you'll have plenty of options. I know people who have had platelet transfusions to their scalp to help stimulate hair growth and the results are amazing. If your doctor doesn't bring it up, I suggest you do. Wigs are a good alternative, too. Your hair stylist might have suggestions on where to go to get a good one.

Agree with other poster, you will be beautiful regardless of your weight. A good metaphor to think about is that there are so many flowers out there…all different shapes, but all beautiful.


I know it’s so tough losing hair. I have gone through that with other health challenges. A few tips for growing it back - lots of protein, biotin, and hair products without silicone. Also, lace front wigs can be very beautiful and look very real.

Thank you both!! I found my dress this weekend which helped to alleviate some of the weight anxiety, but my hair concerns are just getting worse as the clumps continue to fall and my hairline looks more and more jagged. I may start researching full wigs soon just in case, but I'm trying to woo-sah at least until my appointment with the dermatologist on Thursday! Biotin and collagen supplements both make me break out in horrendous cystic acne, so unfortunately I can't start those back up without sacrificing my face and neck. Go figure!! I've heard of PRP transfusions but haven't researched thoroughly yet; sounds painful and expensive, but at this point I won't count anything out until I've discussed with the "pros." Fingers crossed for SOME kind of answers this week!

Hey Stephanie. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing what you're going through. You are not alone in this! Your dermatologist should be able to help assess the root cause of the hair loss and if it's not evident from the history, they should order blood work, potentially do a hair biopsy to determine the cause. When hair is lost because of a stressor on the body (telogen effluvium) it does return; however, if there is a separate issue going on outside of stress on your body from COVID-19, the doctor should work to identify it. Depending on the cause, there are proven options that can help, namely minoxidil (Rogaine); however, it wouldn't be good to use if your hair loss is telogen effluvium. PRP, microneedling, and some types of laser therapy have shown promise as well. For me, liquid generic minoxidil in a hair serum applicator is really easy to use and has gotten me good results for my genetic-related hair thinning.

For your wedding day hair needs, I am hopeful you'll be able to get answers from the derm and some potential treatments/solutions. If the derm is unable to provide answers, some direction, and some treatment options, I would try to find a new provider. In the mean time, a high quality, full wig is totally an option: I came across Highline Wigs on instagram and they seem to be the best around and look great! They do toppers as well, and it sounds like you already have one.

I recognize hair can be a huge part of our identity as women, and I'm sorry you are going through this as you plan your big day. You will be the most beautiful woman in the room on your wedding day, regardless of anything else, I promise.

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Thank you, Nicole!! I so appreciate your kind words and encouragement!

The derm did indeed diagnose as telogen effluvium, and confirmed I've lost about 75% of my hair... the bad news is it will likely continue to fall until March-ish. The good news is it will indeed grow back, although it will take quite a few years to get back to the current length and original density. She prescribed an oral medication (which actually may help with my PCOS issues like excess facial hair and hormonal cystic acne as well), minoxidil, and a medicated shampoo. I started the meds last night and should receive the minoxidil this week!

Thank you as well for the wig recommendation; I will definitely check them out just in case! I'm hoping I can get enough strong healthy growth to consider K-tip extensions later in the year (closer to our wedding date/bridal portraits etc.). Shew!!!

Baldie bride here! I've had Alopecia since 2004 and it's been a journey getting to where I am with my feelings about not having hair.


In terms of wigs, have you asked your hairstylist if they have any recommendations? For my first wig I went to a local wig shop to try on different styles and figure out what I liked interns of cap, lace front, not lace front, real vs synthetic hair - it's A LOT!! After I leaned what I liked in a wig I now buy from wigs.com and they're excellent to deal with! You may want to browse online to see what's out there.
For me personally I bought myself new wedding hair with a bit more length than I usually wear. I went with human hair but there are lots of great heat friendly synthetic wigs out there! I know the Raquel Welch line on wigs.com has some great ones which I've worn in the past!
If you have any questions feel free to reach out! Hairless can feel lonely, but know you're not alone!

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Hi Emily!! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

I actually got my Jon Renau topper from wings.com! I am still such a noob though, so I'm not entirely sure it's the best fit... but now with so much loss, it hurts to wear it, so the poor thing is just hanging around in my closet! I have struggled to find reputable wig shops in my area, but I may make a short day trip out to some other major cities over the next few weeks to see if I have better luck. If I get enough growth over the next few months using minoxidil, I *might* be able to go for K-tip extensions, but I'm not holding my breath and really want to have a backup plan just in case. Shew!!

Hey! I have suffered from Telogen effluvium for awhile. I finally started recovering and it just started back up so waiting for the dread shed. My wedding is in June. I’m devastated. Your story makes me feel like I’m not alone. So hopefully this helps you realize you aren’t either! I’m looking into getting extensions for my day to give me that extra confidence. Hair loss is not something that’s talked about but it’s real and it’s tough! I hope you find some comfort in knowing that you’ll notice it more than others and there are options to make you feel your best!