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- Dr Suhail Alam
- Reading Time: 5 Mins
Pregnancy can influence the biggest hormonal changes a woman will experience in her life. During the hormonal rollercoaster of pregnancy, oftentimes side effects will occur one of them being hair loss. Every pregnancy is unique, and the hormonal changes and side effects can be different for all women. Read on as we discuss if your hair loss is normal, what happens to your hair during pregnancy and the treatments available to you.
Key Takeaways
- Pregnancy causes a swing in your hormones, hair loss experienced is usually only temporary.
- Everyone’s experience during pregnancy is different, with each woman having different fluctuations in their hormones.
- To help your hair loss, be gentle with your hair where possible by avoiding tight hair styles and heat products.
Table of Contents
What Happens To Your Hair During Pregnancy
Every woman will experience slightly different effects on their hair during pregnancy. Our bodies and our hormones are unique to us. We do all have the basic mechanics, but our systems behave differently and each woman while pregnant will have a unique experience.
Some women will experience thicker and fuller hair, and this is largely down to the rising estrogen levels. Estrogen slows down the hair cycle resulting in the appearance of thicker hair. With higher estrogen levels, you may experience shinier hair and this is down to less oil (also known as sebum) production in your hair follicles.
Another common experience is the feeling or look of brittle hair, this is due to the increased levels of a hormone called progesterone. This hormone can cause symptoms such as brittle hair, causing your hair to break at the roots resulting in an appearance of thinner hair.
As we have spoken about, each pregnancy is different and every case of hair loss is unique to you. Most symptoms of hair loss during pregnancy will resolve itself with time.
Can Pregnancy Cause Hair Thinning & Hair Loss
Pregnancy related hair loss can happen at any stage of your pregnancy, with the fluctuations of your hormones. However, most women experience hair loss at the early stages of pregnancy and postpartum.
Female hair loss during the early stages of pregnancy can sometimes be caused by telogen effluvium which is also known as shock hair loss. Telogen is caused by metabolic stress and hormonal changes such as those that happen when you become pregnant.
Postpartum hair loss is often associated with excessive hair shedding or hair thinning. This has been linked with falling estrogen levels once your child has been born. Unlike female pattern baldness, hair loss experienced during or shortly after pregnancy usually resolves itself within a year.
How To Stop Hair Loss During Pregnancy
Most women will not experience significant hair loss during pregnancy. There is a chance of hair loss at the early stages, and postpartum however this usually resolves itself.
Our goal here should be to keep our hair as healthy as possible during pregnancy. We hold our hair highly, in regards to what makes up our beauty. To keep your hair as healthy as possible we recommend the following.
Healthy Diet
As we have all been told many times, beauty comes from within. And this remains true for our hair! Try not to over complicate this part, just be mindful of what you are consuming and opt for the healthy option where possible.
Avoid The Harsh Chemicals
If you want to keep your hair healthy during your pregnancy, we recommend avoiding those harsh chemicals. Check the labels on your favourite hair care products and ensure they are as natural as possible, and nourishing for your hair.
De Stress (Where Possible)
If you find yourself having a spare 5 minutes, and the house to yourself. Break out your favourite meditation app and unwind! Stress is a hormone you should actively try to avoid if you want to keep your hair healthy.
What You Can Do For Pregnancy Hair Loss
As we have discussed, most cases of hair loss involving pregnancy resolve itself with a little time! Although it can be extremely stressful watching your hair thinning, in most cases it is normal.
Treatments available for hair loss are often not suitable while you are pregnant. With most experts agreeing that you are always far safer waiting until after your pregnancy for hair loss treatments.
If you are suffering from hair loss while you are pregnant, or your hair loss has not stopped after your pregnancy. Reach out to our friendly team via our Free Online Assessment, and we will be happy to provide the support and advice you need.
Summary
Pregnancy and the hair loss it causes are unique to every woman who experiences it. While most cases will resolve themselves in the following 6-12 months postpartum, some take a little longer. You can give your hair the best chance to remain healthy by eating a healthy diet, and avoiding those harsh chemicals. Should you still be suffering from hair loss after pregnancy our hair loss experts are here to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go bald from postpartum hair loss?
While you might experience relatively severe thinning or hair falling postpartum, it is extremely unlikely you will go bald. In most cases the hair loss experienced will resolve itself within 6-12 months postpartum.
Does postpartum hair loss grow back?
Yes hair loss experienced postpartum, in most cases will grow back to the same volume it was before you experienced the hair loss. This normally happens in around 6 to 12 months with most women reporting they are satisfied with the condition of their hair 1 year postpartum with normal hair growth resumed.
How to stop hair loss after pregnancy?
If you are experiencing hair loss after your pregnancy, firstly try not to stress. It is totally normal and a lot of women will experience this. To help your hair, be extra gentle with it where possible by avoiding excessive brushing or tight hairstyles. Turn down the heat and skip the blow dryers and straighteners. Eat a balanced healthy diet full of vitamins, and live a healthy lifestyle while you remain calm and remember what you are experiencing is not usually permanent hair loss.
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