Pregnancy, a time of glowing skin, an ethereal aura, and hair so thick and lustrous you could be mistaken for a shampoo commercial model. Pregnancy can indeed turn you into a radiant goddess, but no one really warns you about what happens next. What happens when the magic fades, and your hair starts shedding faster than your little one can throw a tantrum? Welcome to pregnancy and postpartum hair loss. This post is here to break down the hairy truth, with a sprinkle of science.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
Pregnancy is the hormonal rollercoaster. Estrogen and progesterone peak in pregnancy. These hormones are essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, but they also impact other parts of your body, including your hair.
The Pregnancy Glow (And Hair Bliss)
Many pregnant women notice their hair becoming thicker and shinier. This is because the increased level of estrogen prolonged the growth phase of the hair cycle. Normally, hair grows for a few years, then stops growing, falls out and is then replaced by new hair. During pregnancy, the hair life cycle extends, meaning less hair falls out than usual. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
The Postpartum Plunge: The Shedding Begins
After you give birth, your hormones drop rapidly, and your hair enters a shedding phase. This phenomenon is known as telogen effluvium. It typically peaks around three to six months postpartum. Suddenly, all that hair you held on to during pregnancy starts falling out, seemingly all at once. It’s not uncommon to lose clumps of hair, which can be alarming. But don’t worry; this is a temporary phase. Postpartum hair loss is an experience shared by many but often shrouded in secrecy.
The Science Behind the Shed
Let’s dig a little deeper into the science of it all. Hair growth occurs in cycles: the anagen (growth) phase can last from 2 to 8 years, the catagen (transitional) phase takes about 2 to 3 weeks and the telogen (resting) phase. Normally, 85 to 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any given time. While the remaining 10 to 15% is in the telogen phase, which lasts about 2 to 4 months before the hair falls out.
Your shorter hairs like eyelashes, arm and leg hairs, and eyebrows have a short anagen phase (about one month).
During pregnancy, elevated estrogen levels keep more hair in the anagen phase, resulting in less daily shedding. Once you give birth, the hormonal shift causes more hair follicles to enter the telogen phase simultaneously leading to noticeable hair shedding a few months later.
How Long Does Postpartum Hair Loss Last?
Before you start picturing yourself bald, take a deep breath. Postpartum hair loss is only temporary, the shedding lasts less than 6 months. Your hair should regain its fullness by the time your child turns one.
Coping With Pregnancy and Postpartum Hair Loss
While you can’t completely stop postpartum hair loss (it’s a natural process, after all), there are ways to manage it and keep your hair looking its best:
- Keep it healthy: healthy hair starts from within. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help support her health.
Key nutrients include:
- Biotin: found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains. Biotin support hair strength.
- Iron: essential for hair growth. Iron is found in lean meats, organ meats, spinach, and lentils.
- Omega-3 fatty Acids: found in fish and flax seeds, keep your scalp healthy.
- Gentle hair routine: treat your hair with kindness, especially during the postpartum shedding phase. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle and avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair like tight braids, buns, and ponytails. Use a gentle shampoo containing biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, or amla oil, followed by a moisturizing conditioner. Avoid using heat on your hair. Ditch your hair dryer, straighteners, and curling tongs, when possible, opt to air dry your hair instead.
- Scalp massage: regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting healthier growth. Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions. You can also use nourishing oils research suggest show promise in hair growth, like Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, or Amla oil, mix with carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, olive, or grapeseed oil, for added benefits. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind after a long day of baby care.
- Volume tricks: if your hair is looking thin, embrace some volumizing tricks. Blow drying with a round brush can add volume at the roots and styling products like moose can give the illusion of thick hair. Embrace hairstyles that make your hair look fuller. Layers, curls, and voluminous styles can help camouflage thinning hair. And hey, if you’ve ever wanted to experiment with extensions, now might be the perfect time.
Embracing the Change: A New Hair Perspective
Hair is often tied to our identity and self-esteem. Watching it shed can be a blow to your self-confidence, especially when you are already navigating the challenges of new motherhood. Here is how to embrace and adapt to your changing hair.
- Accessorize: headbands, scarves, and hats can be chic and practical. They not only disguise thinning areas but also add a fashionable touch to your look.
- Rock a new hairstyle: postpartum can be the perfect time for a fresh start. Consider a wig or a new hairstyle that complements your current hair density.
- Focus on self-care: remember, you are more than your hair. Focus on self-care routines that make you feel good, whether it’s skincare, a relaxing bath, or indulging in a hobby.
When to See a Doctor
While pregnancy and postpartum hair loss is usually nothing to worry about, there are times when it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional.
- Excessive shedding: if you are losing large amounts of hair and it’s not slowing down after a few months, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.
- Bald patches: if you notice bald spots or significant thinning, it could be a sign of an underlying condition like alopecia areata.
- Other symptoms: if you are experiencing other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or changes in menstrual cycle, this could be signs of a thyroid issue, hormonal imbalances, or iron deficiency.
Your doctor can help determine if there is an underlying issue and recommend treatment or lifestyle changes to help manage it.
Treatments for hair loss include:
- Minoxidil
- Vitamins or supplements for a vitamin deficiency
- Low-light laser therapy
- Protein-rich plasma (PRP) hair loss treatment
- Micro-needling of the scalp with or without the application of minoxidil
- Hair transplant surgery
Conclusion
Pregnancy and postpartum hair loss is all part of the beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes hair-raising journey called motherhood. It’s a temporary phase, and while it can be unsettling, it’s a sign that your body is adjusting and recovering. Embrace the changes, take care of yourself, and remember that you are not alone – millions of women go through this and come out on the other side with hair just as beautiful as before.
In the end, your hair will grow back, but the memories and experiences of motherhood will last a lifetime. So, wear that messy bun with pride, rock those headbands, and know that you are doing an amazing job. Here is to you, your beautiful baby, and the hair journey you’re on together. May it be filled with patience, style, and lots of love.
