Cat Deeley on Post-COVID Hair Thinning: What Stylists Recommend

TV presenter Cat Deeley has shared that her hair “thinned” after she contracted COVID-19, and that she has been attending specialist appointments to address the change. While celebrity hair stories often read like quick fixes, Deeley’s comments reflect a reality many people in the UK have quietly navigated since the pandemic: noticeable shedding or reduced density following illness and periods of stress.

It’s important to keep perspective. Hair can look and feel dramatically different after a major health event, but many stylists and dermatologists note that shifts in shedding patterns are often temporary and can improve with time, gentle care, and (where appropriate) professional input. If your hair has changed since illness, the most useful next step is to track what you’re seeing and take a calm, structured approach rather than switching products weekly.

Why hair can look thinner after illness (and why timing matters)

Deeley’s experience—hair thinning after COVID—echoes a commonly discussed pattern: shedding that appears weeks to months after the body has been under strain. In salon terms, clients frequently describe it as:

• More hair on the pillow or in the shower drain than usual
• A ponytail that feels slimmer
• Less volume at the crown or around the temples
• Hair that feels finer or more “see-through” in certain light

Hair growth occurs in cycles. When the body goes through a significant stressor—such as fever, infection, disrupted sleep, nutritional changes, or emotional stress—some follicles can shift into a resting phase. That can mean the shedding becomes noticeable later, rather than during the illness itself. This “delayed” element is often what makes the change feel confusing or sudden.

In UK salons, professionals often encourage clients to note when they were unwell, whether they had a high temperature, and what their energy levels and appetite were like in the weeks that followed. It’s not about dwelling on the illness; it’s about giving your hair timeline context so you can respond logically.

What “specialist appointments” might involve in real life

Deeley mentioned attending specialist appointments, which—depending on the provider—could mean anything from a scalp assessment to a broader hair-loss consultation. In the UK, structured support typically falls into a few categories:

• Trichology (hair and scalp practitioners): Often offers detailed scalp analysis and lifestyle review, sometimes with imaging.
• Dermatology: Particularly relevant if there are scalp symptoms (itching, redness, scaling) or patchy loss, or if shedding persists.
• GP support and onward referral: Useful if you’re concerned about broader health factors or you need baseline checks.

While we can’t infer what Deeley’s appointments specifically involve, the broader takeaway is sound: if hair changes are worrying you, it’s reasonable to seek a professional assessment rather than speculating at home.

Practical next step: If you book a consultation, bring a simple hair diary: when shedding began, any illness date, photos of your parting/temples under the same lighting, and a list of recent hair services (bleach, colour corrections, extensions, keratin treatments).

Salon-friendly care: how to treat hair gently while density recovers

When hair feels thinner, the instinct is often to “do more”: stronger shampoos, frequent oiling, aggressive scalp scrubs, or over-brushing to “stimulate” growth. Many stylists recommend the opposite—support the scalp barrier, minimise breakage, and keep your routine consistent for long enough to judge results.

Here’s a sensible, hairdresser-approved framework that suits most hair types:

• Keep cleansing balanced: Wash as needed, but avoid harsh, stripping routines. A clean scalp supports comfortable, healthy-looking hair.
• Condition for slip, not weight: Use conditioner through mid-lengths and ends to reduce friction (which can make shedding look worse through breakage).
• Handle wet hair with care: Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb; avoid yanking at knots, especially at the crown and nape.
• Reduce heat intensity temporarily: Lower temperatures and fewer hot-tool passes can protect fragile ends while your density feels in flux.
• Re-think tight styles: If you’re relying on slick buns or tight ponytails daily, consider looser alternatives to reduce tension at the hairline.

For colour clients: if you’re noticing thinning, speak to your colourist before your next appointment. Many UK colourists can adjust placement (think softer root shadows, less aggressive lightening, or more strategic dimension) to maintain confidence without over-processing hair that may feel more vulnerable.

Confidence boosters while you wait: cuts, styling and optics

Hair density changes can feel emotionally loaded—especially when they’re tied to illness recovery. The good news: there are immediate, non-invasive ways to make hair look fuller while you give it time.

• A density-friendly cut: Blunt or softly blunt ends can make hair appear thicker than heavily thinned-out layers.
• A parting reset: Switching your parting (or gently “training” it over time) can reduce the focus on any one area.
• Root-lift styling: Light mousse at the roots, blow-drying with lift, or velcro rollers can create the illusion of more hair without stressing lengths.
• Scalp-friendly coverage: Some people use hair fibres or root powders for special occasions; apply sparingly and cleanse well to avoid build-up.

Most importantly, keep expectations realistic. Hair cycles don’t change overnight, and chasing instant volume with constant switching can add stress and mechanical damage. A steady routine, supportive styling, and expert assessment where needed is usually the most constructive path.

Key Takeaways

• Cat Deeley has said her hair “thinned” after COVID-19 and that she’s been seeing a specialist—an experience many UK clients have reported post-illness.
• Hair shedding can appear weeks or months after a stressor, because hair growth works in cycles and often reacts with a delay.
• A professional consultation (trichology, dermatology, or GP-led support) can help rule out other factors and reduce guesswork.
• Focus on gentle handling, consistent cleansing, and breakage prevention; avoid over-brushing, aggressive scrubs, and too-tight hairstyles.
• In the short term, a fuller-looking cut, strategic styling, and subtle coverage techniques can restore confidence while hair recovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is post-illness hair thinning always permanent?
Not necessarily. Many stylists and dermatologists note that shedding patterns can be temporary, particularly when linked to a short-term stressor. If you’re concerned or it’s not improving, professional assessment is sensible.

How long after an illness can shedding start?
Hair changes can become noticeable several weeks to a few months after a major stress event. This delayed timing is common with cycle-related shedding.

Should I stop colouring my hair if it looks thinner?
Not automatically. However, it’s wise to tell your stylist what you’re noticing. They may adjust strength, spacing, or technique to reduce stress on the hair while still achieving a flattering result.

What’s the difference between shedding and breakage?
Shedding is hair releasing from the root (often seen as a full-length strand). Breakage is snapping along the length, often leaving shorter pieces. Your stylist can help you identify which is happening, as the solutions differ.

When should I seek professional help?
If you have patchy loss, scalp soreness, redness, scaling, or shedding that feels severe or ongoing, consider speaking with a GP or a qualified specialist for a tailored assessment.