Ask new mothers what they dread most about pregnancy and most of them will speak about after pregnancy hair loss. It is a dreadful problem that most new mothers encounter and often does not have any solution to it. After pregnancy hair loss adds to the stress of a new baby as mothers get worried about their looks. But it is a very common problem and you should not be unduly concerned with it.
Let us first understand normal hair loss and then we will try to understand after pregnancy hair loss.
Why do we experience hair loss?
Actually hair loss is a common phenomenon. About 50-100 hair strands are shed daily. Our hair growth has two stages. Anagen is the growth stage and Telogen is the resting stage. In the Anagen stage the hair grows and in the Telogen stage it rests. After the resting period is over the hair falls off and new hair grows in that place. While the Anagen stage lasts for about 4 to 7 years the Telogen stage is of shorter duration of about 3 months. At any given time almost 90% hair are in the Anagen stage and 10% in the Telogen stage. So we normally experience hair growth along with some hair fall.
After pregnancy hair loss, photo credit - www.healthspablog.org
What is after pregnancy hair loss?
After pregnancy hair loss is also known as Telogen effluvium. It normally occurs after one to five months of delivery. During pregnancy due to high levels of estrogen hormone more hairs go into Anagen or growth phase. So you have less hair in the Telogen phase and hence experience less of hair fall. Thus pregnant women are blessed with beautiful lustrous hair.
But after delivery when hormones return to their normal levels, more hair follicles enter into resting phase and thus more hair falls also.
Why is after pregnancy hair loss so alarming?
Upto 60% of hair that was in the Anagen stage may go into Telogen stage and may fall off at once. Since a greater number of hairs go into resting phase after delivery, hair fall after pregnancy seems very alarming. Moreover, some women get used to thicker hair and may experience balding after pregnancy. After pregnancy hair loss may continue for a few months to a year also. But usually the hair goes back to normal thickness.
What can you do to prevent after pregnancy hair loss?
After pregnancy hair loss occurs due to change in hormonal balance so you cannot stop it. But you can take some measures to reduce hair loss and promote growth of new hair.
- Continue with prenatal vitamins as they will provide the nutrients your body and especially your hair needs. Calcium, zinc and silica promote hair growth so include them in your diet. Try to include fishes, avocados and nuts in your diet as they are good for hair growth.
- Your diet should include fruits and vegetables which contain antioxidants which are necessary for the protection of the hair follicles.
- You can check with your doctor to ensure a proper balance of hormones. Proper hormonal balance will ensure less of after pregnancy hair loss.
- Use herbal hair products to revitalize your hair instead of harsh chemical ones.
- Securing your hair in a loose ponytail while sleeping will reduce friction that further causes hair loss.
- Massage your scalp daily to stimulate blood flow to the scalp. You can use herbal oil. Use your fingers or a broad brush to massage the scalp.
- Avoid hair styles like pigtails, braids and cornrows that cause excess stress to the hair.
- Avoid stressful conditions. Be comfortable during the labor and maintain a strong support system to take care of yourself and your baby.
- Use mild shampoos and avoid using thick creams or other products which may clog up the pores.
- You can sport a new hair style which will help to camouflage the loss of hair and at the same time give you a new look also. You can opt for short hair to manage it better amidst caring for your baby.
After pregnancy hair fall is absolutely normal and there is no need to lose sleep over it. You are not going to lose all the hair and it is a temporary condition. Although you may not like it, but you may lose only the new hair growth that you got during pregnancy. In no time you will get back your normal hair and start flaunting it again.