Can I wash my hair after testing positive?
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, testing positive refers to being infected with the novel coronavirus. Whether or not one can wash their hair after being infected mainly depends on the severity of the illness. If the individual's condition is relatively stable, washing the hair is generally acceptable; however, if symptoms such as dizziness or chest tightness occur, it is not recommended to wash the hair. During the infection period, it is important to rest adequately and maintain a balanced diet to promote recovery.
Generally, "testing positive" refers to being infected with the novel coronavirus. Whether one can wash their hair after contracting the virus mainly depends on the severity of the illness. If the individual's physical condition is good, hair washing is usually permissible; however, if symptoms such as dizziness or chest tightness occur, washing hair is not recommended. If discomfort arises, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If a patient's physical condition is relatively good after being infected with the novel coronavirus, without experiencing symptoms such as high fever or extreme fatigue, washing hair is acceptable. Maintaining personal hygiene can help improve comfort and mental well-being, but it is important to stay warm and avoid catching a chill.
If the patient's symptoms are severe—for example, high fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, weakness—or if the patient has underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or hypertension, washing hair is not recommended. At this stage, the patient should focus on rest and avoid excessive physical activity to prevent worsening of the condition or the development of other complications.
When washing hair, follow medical advice, pay attention to water temperature, duration, and warmth preservation measures, to ensure adequate rest and recovery for the body. If any discomfort or questions arise, consult a doctor promptly.
