Hormonal changes can cause hair changes.
Pregnancy brings on a lot of changes - and one you've almost certainly noticed is changes to your hair. The hormonal changes that happen naturally during pregnancy can affect your hair throughout your pregnancy and into the months postpartum. Let's take a look at what you can expect during pregnancy, and after -- and why it happens!
Hair changes during pregnancy
Many women experience thicker hair during around 15 weeks of pregnancy. This is because the natural life cycle of your hair changes while pregnant. Normally, your hair grows, rests for two to three months, and then is pushed out by a new hair growing in that follicle. When pregnant, your hair stays longer because of an increase in oestrogen.
However, some women may experience hair thinning. This can be due to a hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, stopping hormonal contraceptives, or due to the experience of miscarriage, abortion, or stillbirth. All of these things can cause a sudden decrease in oestrogen, which can make your hair fall out faster than usual.
Postpartum hair changes
After birth, when oestrogen levels begin to stabilise and return to normal, some women may experience hair loss for three to four months after birth. Don't worry -- it's not the sleepless nights or stress. Postpartum hair loss is totally normal and affects roughly 4 in 10 women. It's nothing to worry about! As your oestrogen levels decrease, the hair that had been in a longer 'resting phase' during pregnancy falls out to be replaced by new follicles.
The total volume of hair loss postpartum is probably not more than what you would have lost in the last nine months if you hadn't been pregnant -- it just feels like a lot, because it's happening all at once.
What to do about hair changes
The good news is, again, that it's nothing to worry about -- and if you're not concerned, you don't need to do anything at all. There are no proven 'cures' or treatments to prevent or slow postpartum hair loss. But if it does bother you, there are steps you can take to improve the overall appearance and health of your hair.
Eat well
Make sure you're getting a variety of fruits, veggies and healthy proteins in your diet to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Collagen supplements can help give your hair a boost!
Skip the styling
Heat treatments and dyes can make your hair appear thinner. Brushing and styling can also cause your hair to fall out in bigger clumps, so be gentle when you brush and limit it to once a day!
Use a volumizing shampoo
These shampoos contain proteins to coat the hair, making your hair appear fuller and thicker. In the same vein, avoid shampoos labelled 'conditioning shampoo', as these contain heavy conditioners that can sit on your hair and weigh it down.
Take your supplements
Key For Menstrual is suitable to take after breastfeeding.
It supports your:
Energy, hormonal activity, brain health and the growth of healthy hair, which may have been lost due to postpartum hair loss.
