Pregnancy and Hair Loss

Many women experience post-pregnancy hair loss. This article will outline the cause of this condition and some possible solutions.

Causes of Postpartum Shedding

During pregnancy, the levels of progesterone and estrogen are very high. The increase in estrogen often stimulates hair growth and reduces the amount of hair shed during pregnancy.

After birth, these hormone levels will drop to their normal state and many women will experience Telogen Effluvium, which is excessive postpartum shedding. This condition is temporary and will usually last one to four months after pregnancy.

When should you see a doctor?

If the condition lasts longer than 6-12 months, check with your doctor. In addition, if you are also experiencing brittle nails, fatigue, prolonged colds and weight gain, consult with your doctor as you may have a hypothyroid condition.

Postpartum Shedding Hair Care Regimen

Here are a few tips to help you retain as much hair as possible.

• Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain vital nutrients to protect and nourish the hair follicles.
• Wash and condition your hair with a garlic shampoo and conditioner, which will help prevent shedding. A good line of garlic based products is called Nutrine. Or, apply garlic and olive oil to the scalp and let sit overnight or for 1 hour prior to shampooing. If you are not using a garlic shampoo, look for products that contain Biotin and Silica.
• After washing, gently detangle with a wide tooth comb and apply a moisturizer or oil. Avoid brushing or using combs with small teeth as they will place unnecessary stress on the hair.
• Using your comb or fingers, gather and smooth hair into a bun or ponytail with a roller on the ends. Alternatively, use your fingers to plait hair in braids or twists and let airdry.

The main goal here is to opt for very easy, low manipulation hair styles that will reduce the need to comb, tug and pull on the hair. In addition, limiting direct heat and airdrying more often will allow the hair to retain thickness and strength. Just remember that the shedding is temporary and your hair will return to normal within a few months.

Comments

[tp]

my hair is shedding it's sooo annoying. (i had a baby 2 months ago) i use warm coconut oil to massage my scalp when it feels tender or before i wash my hair. it really helps my scalp feel better. i'm not worried about the shedding because my hair is reallly super thick. i have yet to meet someone with thicker hair than mine. but i hate hair being everywhere like on the bathroom floor, the back of my shirt etc.

[Rebekah]

Congrats TP!
I'm going to find out in a day or two if we're preggers again (after trying for 2+ years- not long, we're blessed)lol. When I had our son, I didn't know what was happening, I was thouroghly(sp?) freaking out to say the least. I shedded pretty badly, could just easily tug out hair without much effort. Because of it I cut my mid back length hair off until it was nape of the neck because I thought it was damaged. Now that I know what's to come, I'm going to invest in healthier eating habits, and hair habits. Though, I was so irritable during the first pregnancy that I wound up having good hair practices just because I was too exhausted/sick to blow dry my hair- just washed, conditioned, and put into a bun.

[Terry-Ann Scott]

I have two children and both times after giving birth i chopped my hair off also... very short. The next time arround i'll definately not chop if all off thinking it's damaged.

[Stacey]

I just washed my hair today, and the shedding was ridiculous!!! I thought, "man I have to go onto HT's and see if anyone else is having this issue!" My son is now 3months, and as much as I love him, the shedding had be scared. My natural 3c/4a hair is thick, and not really breaking as much as it was before. So atleast I am thankful for that!

[Holly]

Gosh Im kinda scared. I will be giving birth in about 6 weeks and am concerned about shedding. During this pregancny my hair has become so thick and full, I'd hate to lose it and go back to so-so hair! Will definitely be purchasing garlic shampoo and drinking those supplements.