SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination Associated with Post-Acute Alopecia: Prevalence, Clinical Patterns, and Determinants Among Saudi Adults.

Background/

Objectives

SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination have both been linked to post-acute alopecia, yet prevalence, patterns, and correlates remain poorly defined. We aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of alopecia after SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination, and to identify independent correlates among Saudi adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 1261 Saudi adults (≥18 years) was conducted nationwide between March and July 2025 using a structured, self-administered, bilingual (Arabic/English) online questionnaire distributed via social media. Eligible participants had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Data captured demographics, vaccination type and dose history, prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, self-reported alopecia subtype guided by plain-language definitions, comorbidities, and nutritional status. Hair loss and subtypes were entirely self-reported and not clinically or dermoscopically confirmed. Chi-square tests assessed univariate associations, and multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of any self-reported hair loss.

Results

Mean age was 28.0 ± 9.6 years; 62.1% were female, 97.7% vaccinated (76.0% Pfizer-BioNTech first dose, 58.1% three doses), and 53.6% reported prior COVID-19 infection. Overall self-reported hair loss prevalence was 62.4%, with hair loss reported by 57.5% of vaccinated and 49.7% of COVID-positive participants. Self-reported telogen effluvium was the predominant pattern (56.3%), followed by androgenetic alopecia (39.3%) and alopecia areata (2.7%). Independent correlates were female sex (aOR 4.89; 95% CI 3.78-6.32), vitamin/mineral deficiency (aOR 2.31; 1.73-3.09), iron deficiency anemia (aOR 1.89; 1.29-2.78), prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (aOR 1.31; 1.02-1.68), and COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 7.45; 2.51-22.12).

Conclusions

Self-reported hair loss was reported by nearly two-thirds of Saudi adults after COVID-19 vaccination or infection. Female sex and correctable nutritional deficiencies are the strongest modifiable correlates and warrant targeted screening and counseling.