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Hair loss after pregnancy - Guide to stopping hair loss after pregnancy.
This is how much hair you lose after pregnancy
Hair loss after pregnancy, also called "nursing hair", is completely normal and affects many women. Hair loss can occur during pregnancy and the first months after birth. Is your hairbrush full of hair when you comb it? Do not worry! We have created this guide that can help you get healthy and strong hair after your pregnancy.
Many new mothers experience severe hair loss either during or after pregnancy. In most women, it usually occurs around 3 months after the end of pregnancy. Where you normally lose 50-100 hairs a day, you can lose up to 400 hairs a day. It will therefore not be abnormal for your brush to quickly fill up with hair and for you to empty the drain in the bathroom more often.
This is why you lose your hair after pregnancy
The reason you lose your hair is because your hair's growth phase is disrupted by the hormonal changes that occur in your body during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone increase significantly. This leads to an increase in an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT affects the growth cycle of a woman's hair, causing more hair to enter the resting phase, which can result in temporary thinning. At the same time, your stress level for the body can be much higher than normal, which means that the growth phase is shortened or not as optimal as under normal circumstances.
Therefore, you may find that your hair is neither as strong nor as long as before your pregnancy. This is due, among other things, to the fact that your hair follicles switch more quickly to the resting phase, which is the phase where the hair goes to rest and does not grow any longer. This often happens between weeks 12 and 16, here a larger part of your hairs transitions to the which phase. After this, the next phase starts, the rejection phase, where the body rejects the hair and lets it fall out. This is why many women often experience more hair loss after pregnancy.
How long do you lose hair after giving birth?
Some believe that the hair loss is because they have chosen to breastfeed their baby. However, this is not the case. The hair loss is solely due to the change in hormones from before birth to after birth. Here, it is the hormone estrogen in particular that causes the hair to extend its growth phase. After pregnancy, the hormones return to their normal values, therefore approximately 60% of the hairs that were in the growth phase will go dormant. This is completely normal and can last up to a year before your hair is 100% normal again. However, it is normal that hair loss typically only lasts 2-6 months . In addition, some women may suffer from a condition known as telogen effluvium, where more than the normal amount of hair goes into the resting phase at once and therefore falls out months later. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to get your hair back quickly.
Breast hair is not permanent
When your hair starts to fall out in large clumps, it's natural that you start to get a little worried. Because what if your beautiful hair never grows back? However, you can be quite calm - this is completely normal. About 90% of all new mothers experience increased hair loss three to eight months after their birth. Fortunately, the vast majority of people get their hair back.
In rare cases, however, pregnancy can help to trigger permanent hair loss. In this case, it is a genetic defect that has been stored in your body and which is triggered by the hormones during your pregnancy.
If you experience that hair loss does not begin to decrease after approx. six months after your birth, we recommend that you contact your doctor for a possible consultation.
You can read our guide to hair loss in women right here, where you can find general advice.
Psychological Effects of Hair Loss after Pregnancy
Hair loss after pregnancy can be an emotionally challenging experience for many women. While it is a common physiological response to the hormonal changes that occur after giving birth, it can have significant psychological consequences.
For many women, hair is an important part of their identity and self-confidence. When hair begins to fall out in large quantities, it can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. New mums who are already navigating the physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn baby can find this added challenge particularly overwhelming.
Stress and worry about hair loss can further exacerbate the situation, as stress can contribute to further hair loss. This can create a vicious cycle where worrying about hair loss leads to more stress and thus more hair loss. It's important to find ways to manage stress, such as practising mindfulness, participating in relaxation exercises, or talking to a therapist.
Social anxiety is another psychological effect that hair loss can cause. Women may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their changed appearance, which can cause them to avoid social situations or public events. This can further isolate them and worsen their mental health.
Talking to others who have experienced the same thing can be very helpful.
Support groups and online forums can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences and solutions can alleviate some of the emotional burden and provide practical advice on how to manage hair loss.
It's also important to focus on positive self-care. This can include finding new hairstyles that make hair look fuller, using volumising hair products, and considering supplements that promote hair growth. Taking time for yourself and your own wellbeing can help rebuild self-confidence.
Overall, hair loss after pregnancy can have a profound impact on a woman's psychological wellbeing. By understanding the emotional challenges and taking proactive steps to manage them, women can find ways to maintain their self-esteem and mental health while their body slowly returns to its normal hormonal balance.
