Can coronavirus live in your hair? For how long?

What we know about COVID-19 is constantly evolving. Researchers across the world are studying the virus and how it behaves, While we know quite a bit about how it gets transmitted and the early symptoms (though varied) it shows, there are still nagging questions about how long it can last on certain surfaces. And despite us following the best hygiene, some surfaces can make us vulnerable to the virus.

A study published in The Lancet revealed that the strain of COVID19 can stay on clothes for a day and on stainless steel and plastic for four days. This also gives rise to the risk of coming in contact with the virus during essential trips outside. All of us are doing the best we can to keep the virus at bay, but what if it is in your hair? EVer wondered how long it can thrive there? And what we can do to reduce the risk of infection?

Honestly, there has not been a single study yet to establish the link between coronavirus on hair. So, it is not clear for how long the virus can stay or survive on your hair or beard. However, there is a possibility that it can stay for a few days or at least some hours. This does not mean you should start washing your hair every time you return from an outside trip. Doing this would be impractical and may harm your hair health.

As per some experts, you do not need to worry about your hair till the time you are practising social distancing. Even if someone sneezes on the back of your hair, the chances of infection are seemingly low for the very practical reason that we do not touch our hair to do necessary things. Hence, the possibility of coming in contact with virus is less.

However, there are other ways that can make you vulnerable - if you are outside and touching public surfaces, thinking you will wash your hands and face once you reach home, you can put yourself at risk if you touch your hair repeatedly with your contaminated hands. When you are out, try not to touch your hair. Even if it is out of place, leave it, and do not to fix it. By stroking your hair repeatedly with your hands, all the virus present in your hands might get stuck in your hair.

Your hair is, in general, safe and cannot cause infection, provided you follow social distancing norms and not stroke it with contaminated hands. If someone sneezes at the back of your head, then it is best to take a bath and clean your hair properly.