Drake Says He Contracted COVID-19, Causing Hair Loss

Music artist Drake recently stated that he previously contracted COVID-19 and that it caused hair loss, but he noted that his hair is returning to normal now.

Drake revealed this development on an Instagram post. The post featured a close-up of the artist’s hair, particularly a heart shaved into the front of his head. “That heart is stressed 💀😭,” the post’s caption read, referring to the patchy nature of the design.

Drake commented on this post, providing a witty rebuttal. “I had COVID that sh*t grew in weird I had to start again 😂 it’s coming back don’t diss.”

Drake was first set to release the Certified Lover Boy album in January 2021. Since then, the project’s release date has been moved to an unannounced time in the future. This delay was due in part to a surgery that the artist received on his leg, which required time to recover from. The album is apparently on the way as Drake puts the finishing touches on the project.

Drake previously stated that he tested negative for COVID in March 2020. He was tested due to being in close proximity to Kevin Durant, who had tested positive for the virus.

Hair loss can occur after sustaining a high fever. Since a fever is one of the most common symptoms, this can explain why the artist might have suffered hair loss.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, this is known as hair shedding. “It happens when more hairs than normal enter the shedding (telogen) phase of the hair growth lifecycle at the same time. A fever or illness can force more hairs into the shedding phase,” their website explains. “Most people see noticeable hair shedding two to three months after having a fever or illness. Handfuls of hair can come out when you shower or brush your hair. This hair shedding can last for six to nine months before it stops. Most people then see their hair start to look normal again and stop shedding.”