One of the best things about being pregnant is the glow and the luscious hair locks. Due to changes in the hair growth cycle, many women notice their hair getting thicker, especially around the 4th month of pregnancy. However, just like everything, all good things must come to an end. Many women lose their hair in clumps after giving birth. This hair shedding can peak around the 4th month after childbirth. If you’re looking for different treatments, you can consider getting PRP injections for your hair loss.
There’s nothing more joyful than looking at the angelic face of your baby, especially when they’re sleeping! Becoming a mother may feel like the best thing in the world, but it can also leave many overwhelmed and stressed.
Sometimes it’s just the “baby blues”, which is marked by anxiousness, loneliness, sadness, irritability, and tiredness, among other symptoms. However, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression. Depression itself can cause hair thinning, which can, in turn, make a person anxious about their hair loss. There are many causes of postpartum hair loss. Let’s take a look at them.
What Makes the Hair of Pregnant Women So Beautiful?
The reason why many women have thicker, stronger, and shinier hair during pregnancy is that their hormone levels change. The oestrogen needed to maintain pregnancy ends up causing a change in the hair growth cycle. More of the hair stays in the anagen phase of hair growth for a longer period than usual. This means that you won’t be losing as much hair.
Other than that, with the increase in blood circulation and metabolic rate, your hair is getting ample nutrients for healthy growth. That is why many women find their hair getting healthy when they’re pregnant.
Many women also take prenatal vitamins to make sure that they don’t fall short on the vitamins and minerals that they need for a healthy pregnancy and the growth of their baby. Together these factors play an important role in making a woman’s hair look beautiful while she’s pregnant.
However, keep in mind that’s not always the case for everyone. Some women experience hair loss during pregnancy because of a shock to the body or other health issues that can develop as a result of the pregnancy.
Why Excessive Hair Shedding Occurs After Childbirth?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), many women experience excessive hair shedding after giving birth. The reason for postpartum hair loss is hormonal fluctuations. Oestrogen and progesterone will drop to their pre-pregnancy levels a day after the birth.
With the drop in oestrogen, the hair growth cycle also goes back to its normal state. The hair won’t overstay its welcome in the anagen phase of growth anymore. It’ll be growing, resting and shedding, again. Postpartum hair loss can occur mainly due to this. Most of the hair enters the resting phase, which is then followed by shedding a few months later. Many women will notice excessive shedding around the 4th month after childbirth.
You may notice that your hair is shedding in clumps. This is, of course, distressing. The stress from this kind of hair loss can make you lose your hair even more. However, this kind of postpartum hair loss is normal. Moreover, fortunately, postpartum hair loss is not permanent. Your hair will start growing back and will be back to full strength a year after the birth of your child.
Other than that, taking care of a newborn is also quite stressful. Many mothers worry constantly about the baby, and it can take a toll on their bodies. Telogen effluvium, stress hair loss, can make you lose your hair a few months after the traumatic event. However, it is also temporary, and your hair will start growing back.
What Can You Do to Treat Postpartum Hair Loss?
There’s no way you can stop postpartum hair loss from happening. However, you can do a few things to take good care of your hair during this time.
PRP Injections
PRP injections to the scalp are suitable for those who are experiencing excessive hair shedding. These injections increase blood flow to the hair roots, helping strengthen them. They can help promote hair growth, and since the treatment makes use of the patient’s blood, they don’t have to worry about any side effects.
Hold Back on Hair Styling
Using harsh chemicals on your hair at this time is probably not a good idea. They are fragile already, and the use of some products can increase breakage. Similarly, avoid using any hot curling irons or straighteners as the heat can also cause damage to your hair. Lastly, try wearing your hair losely.
Eat Nutritious Foods
Not just for your hair, but after giving birth, you must consume nutritious meals so that you can recover your lost strength and heal quickly. A poor diet can also make you lose your hair. Foods rich in iron and zinc can help you with postpartum hair loss.
Postpartum hair loss is inevitable, however following these tips will help you suffer less from it, and recover more quickly.