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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.
How to reduce your hair loss after pregnancy
Get a hairstyle that suits your hair
When your ponytail starts to get thin and limp, it might be a good idea to get a new hairstyle instead of sticking with the old one. When you have the same hairstyle as during pregnancy, you will be constantly reminded of how thick and shiny your hair was before. Maybe you find it difficult to feel as beautiful as before and you will constantly resent your now thinning hair. Therefore, it can be a super good idea to go to the hairdresser and let them work their magic, as they now do best. A hairdresser knows which hairstyles suit various hair types and will usually be able to create a hairstyle where thin hair or even bald spots on the scalp are covered, or at least not nearly as visible. This will help you to like your new self so that you too can be confident and think you look good again.
Avoid styling with hair loss
Avoid or reduce as far as possible your use of straighteners or curling irons, blow dryers, hair spray and other styling products for the hair. The straightener and curling iron puts extra strain on the hair by pulling on it and dries it out with heat treatments. In general, hair styling products help to wear down the structure of your hair and therefore make the structure even more fragile than it already is. For all intents and purposes, avoid styling products or, for that matter, hair care products with harmful chemicals.
Another good piece of advice can be to avoid hair elastics with metal in the joint. The metal is hard and breaks the hair, especially if the hair is already fragile and will therefore worsen your hair loss.
Nutritional supplements for the hair
In addition to a new hairstyle, there are also many other measures you can take to avoid hair loss after pregnancy. First of all, make sure your body gets the vitamins and minerals it needs. Zinc and biotin play, among other things. both play a role in helping the body maintain normal hair.
With a small baby under your arm and probably minimal sleep, it can quickly become a difficult task to get the vitamins and minerals your hair needs through your diet. That is why we have developed Hair Vitamins , which i.a. both contain zinc and biotin, which maintain normal hair.
Hair vitamins
Eat a varied diet
In the ideal world, you can ensure that you get the right vitamins and minerals through a healthy and varied diet, so that you do not need to take supplements. With a small new baby, however, it is often a utopia that you have the time and energy to go into your own diet. There is full focus on the baby – and not as much on yourself for a period of time.
If you have the energy to keep track of which foods can help you get the vitamins and minerals that strengthen your hair, it is of course important that you do so. It may also be that your girlfriend can help you with it.
Avoid stress
It may seem like a bit of a joke to tell a new mother to avoid stress. Because you have just brought a new little person into the world, and that can be incredibly stressful. First of all, you will most likely not get optimal sleep at night. In addition, the majority of new mothers experience many thoughts and worries about this new existence as parents of a small new child.
However, you should try to avoid getting stressed as much as possible. Stress can contribute to worsening your hair loss after pregnancy and seen through those lenses, it is of course important that you work to reduce it. In addition, it is also extremely important that you try not to be stressed, so that you can have a good maternity leave and enjoy this special time with your child.
First of all, it is important that you try to get some sleep. It may be that you need to catch up on some sleep during the day so that you get enough hours of sleep a day. Then cooking and cleaning must wait until your girlfriend comes home. It is often said that when the child is sleeping, the mother should also try to sleep or relax as much as possible.
Shampoo and hair treatment can prevent hair loss
Some special types of shampoos and hair treatments should also have a beneficial effect in terms of preventing hair loss. Therefore, it is a good idea that you try to keep an eye on them the next time you need a new shampoo. It is especially a very good idea to avoid shampoos, conditioners and possibly hair treatments that contain SLS/SLES sulphate. This helps to dry out your hair and make your strands even more fragile.
It will definitely have the best effect if you make sure that both the inner and outer hair care are right in the cupboard. This means that you have at least done everything and created the best conditions for getting healthy and strong hair again after your pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions about hair loss after pregnancy
When does hair loss stop after pregnancy?
As a rule, it usually takes between 2-6 months from birth for the hair loss to stop. However, it can vary greatly from person to person, especially in relation to how much stress and hormonal influence the body has experienced during and after pregnancy. Hair loss is often at its peak around 3 months after birth, as it coincides with the life cycle of hair strands.
Why do you shed when you breastfeed?
When breastfeeding, it is normal for a mother to experience some hair loss. This is due to a hormone called prolactin, which is released during breastfeeding and causes temporary thinning of the hair. The hair follicles may become dormant and the production of new hair may be stopped for a period of time. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, is only temporary and should disappear on its own when breastfeeding stops. Additional contributing factors may be vitamin deficiencies or stressors that come with the demands of caring for an infant.
How can I prevent hair loss after pregnancy?
While it's hard to avoid hair loss completely, there are several things you can do to minimise it:
- Eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially biotin, zinc and iron.
- Use mild, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners, like Yuaia Haircare's Grow and Glow Shampoo and Conditioner.
- Avoid tight hairstyles and harsh chemical treatments.
- Make sure to get enough sleep and reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
What products can help reduce hair loss after pregnancy?
Products containing natural ingredients like Capilia Longa can be very effective. Yuaia Haircare's Grow and Glow Serum is a good choice as it contains Capilia Longa and other nutrients that strengthen hair and promote growth. In addition, Yuaia Haircare's hair vitamins, which are rich in biotin and zinc, can help maintain hair health from within.
When will I start seeing results from hair loss treatments?
Results can vary depending on the individual and the treatment method. Generally, you can start seeing improvements within 3 to 6 months with regular use of hair care products and supplements. It's important to be consistent and patient as hair growth is a slow process.
Are there natural methods to promote hair growth after pregnancy?
Yes, there are several natural methods that can help promote hair growth:
- Scalp massage: Regular scalp massage can improve blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles.
- Essential oils: Oils like rosemary oil and lavender oil can help stimulate hair growth. Massage them into the scalp diluted in a carrier oil.
- Healthy diet: Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals that maintain normal hair, such as nuts, seeds, green vegetables and fish.
When should I see a doctor about my hair loss?
If you experience very severe hair loss or if hair loss continues beyond a year after giving birth, you should see a doctor. You may need to investigate whether there are other underlying causes, such as thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies that require treatment.
Hair Loss after Pregnancy: Myths and Truths
Hair loss after pregnancy is a common phenomenon that many women experience, but it is also surrounded by a number of myths and misconceptions. Understanding the truth behind these myths can help reduce unnecessary worry and provide more realistic expectations and solutions.
Myth 1: Hair loss after pregnancy is permanent
Truth: Hair loss after pregnancy, also known as postpartum hair loss, is typically temporary. It occurs as a result of hormonal changes after giving birth when estrogen levels drop back to their normal levels. This can lead to more hairs going into the resting phase and falling out. Hair growth usually returns to normal within 6 to 12 months after giving birth.
Myth 2: Breastfeeding causes hair loss
Truth: Breastfeeding in itself does not cause hair loss. Hair loss after pregnancy is primarily due to hormonal changes, whether a woman is breastfeeding or not. However, it is important to maintain a nutritious diet, especially while breastfeeding, to support overall health and hair growth.
Myth 3: Hair loss after pregnancy can be avoided with expensive products
Reality: There are no miracle products that can completely prevent hair loss after pregnancy. While some hair care products can help strengthen hair and promote healthy growth, the most important thing is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and give your body time to adjust after giving birth. However, products containing ingredients such as biotin, keratin and Capilia Longa can support hair growth and minimise damage.
Myth 4: Hair loss is caused by poor hair care during pregnancy
Reality: Hair loss after pregnancy is not caused by poor hair care. It's a natural reaction to hormonal changes. However, gentle hair care and avoiding tight hairstyles and hot styling tools can help minimise further damage to the hair.
Myth 5: Supplements can completely stop hair loss
Reality: While supplements containing vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and vitamin D can support normal hair growth, they cannot completely stop hormonal hair loss. However, a healthy diet and good hair care can help reduce the amount of hair lost and promote
