How I Grew Back My Hair After an Illness

Six months ago, I found myself caught in the grip of a severe bout of dengue fever. As the days stretched on, the fever persisted for a grueling 10 days, leaving me physically and emotionally drained. It was during this trying time that I began to notice a disheartening change: my hair started shedding at an alarming rate. This sudden hair loss was a bitter disappointment, especially since, just before falling ill, my hair had been at its healthiest and most vibrant. It was a classic case of telogen effluvium, a condition that often occurs in the aftermath of a major physical stressor like dengue fever. For the next 2-3 months, I watched in dismay as my once-lustrous locks seemed to abandon me.

But this story isn’t just about hair loss; it’s about resilience and regrowth. In the following paragraphs, I’ll take you through my journey of overcoming the hair loss that dengue brought into my life. From the initial shock and despair to the steps I took to nurture my hair back to health, I hope to offer insight, encouragement, and solutions to anyone facing a similar challenge. So, join me on this path of recovery as we explore how I grew back the hair I lost thanks to dengue.

Steps to Grow Back Hair Lost to an Illness

1. Hydration

One of the first steps I took on my journey to regrow my hair after dengue was to prioritize hydration. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for overall health, and it has a direct impact on the health of your hair follicles. Dehydration can lead to brittle, weak hair. I made a conscious effort to increase my water intake, aiming for at least eight glasses a day. I was also having coconut water and vegetable juices and soups. I avoided fruit juices, because that is just extra calories. Additionally, I incorporated hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into my diet to ensure my body had the necessary moisture to support hair growth.

2. Protein-Rich Diet

Protein is the building block of hair, and I knew that a deficiency in this essential macro nutrient could exacerbate my hair loss. To combat this, I focused on incorporating a protein-rich diet into my daily meals.

Here’s what I ate daily to increase my protein intake:

5 almonds

2 walnuts

2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

3 eggs

Lentils or pulses

Flax seeds or coconut in some form

Occasional grilled chicken

I included lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts to ensure my body had an ample supply of protein to support hair regrowth. Protein not only helps strengthen hair but also encourages the growth of new hair strands.

3. Oils and Massages

Hair oiling and massages became a soothing and effective part of my hair care routine. I used a home-made onion hair oil on my scalp twice a week. I also used shampoo on my hair only twice a week, overuse of shampoo tends to dry my hair and cause more breakage so I avoided that. I also used a leave in conditioner on my hair, especially the tips. After oiling my scalp, I would gently massage it for 3-4 minutes, using the tips of my fingers. Then I would brush the scalp to improve circulation.

Check out the recipe for the home-made onion hair oil.

4. Hair Serums

In my quest to regain my luscious locks, I introduced hair serums into my daily hair care routine. These specialized products often contain a blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and growth-promoting ingredients that can fortify hair and encourage new growth. There are plenty of serums in the market. Two key ingredients to keep an eye out for are Redensyl and Anagain. Some serums are formulated for specific hair types (e.g., fine, curly, or damaged hair), so choose one that aligns with your needs. Because I did not want to wash my hair everyday, I chose a non-greasy formula that I could use at night.

The Takeaway

In my journey to regain the hair I lost due to dengue, I discovered the incredible power of resilience and self-care. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but within 4-5 months of consistent effort and care, the shedding of my precious locks came to a complete halt, and new hair growth began to show.

It’s essential to remember that the journey to healthy hair is not just about external treatments but also about maintaining an optimistic mindset. Stress and worry can exacerbate hair loss, so I made it a point to stay positive and believe in my hair’s ability to bounce back. I found strength not only in the products and routines but also in the resilience of my own spirit.

Every person’s hair journey is unique, and results may vary, but with patience, dedication, and a sprinkle of optimism, you can empower yourself to overcome hair loss and embrace a head of hair that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Here’s to healthier, happier, and more resilient hair days ahead!