Why does hair fall out after pregnancy?
Beyond hormonal variations, other factors can aggravate hair loss after childbirth:
- The significant weight loss following childbirth can have an impact on hair quality. Some women also impose a strict dietary regime on themselves in order to lose pregnancy pounds quickly. If this diet is not well balanced, the follicles will no longer receive the nutrients required for healthy hair growth and the hair will become fragile.
- Deficiencies that can occur during pregnancy and continue after childbirth, particularly iron deficiency, have an undeniable influence on the beauty and strength of hair. It becomes more brittle, duller and tends to thin out.
- Stress related to the change in lifestyle and fatigue resulting from shorter nights are also factors that promote postpartum hair loss.
What are the solutions to limit post-pregnancy hair loss?
Efficient growth of healthy hair involves intense cell proliferation stages that require oxygen and numerous nutrients (vitamins and minerals) brought to the follicles by the small blood vessels of the scalp. This is even more important in the case of hair loss after childbirth and breastfeeding. Food supplements based on vitamins and minerals can therefore be a useful tool in treating postpartum hair loss.
Fortifying anti-hair loss shampoos and anti-hair loss lotions can also be a good solution to stimulate healthy hair growth. Combined with a scalp massage to stimulate blood circulation and oxygen supply, the results will be even better!
Don't hesitate to ask your dermatologist, gynecologist, general practitioner or pharmacist about the correct use of these products in case of hair loss during pregnancy, after childbirth and during breastfeeding.
How long does postpartum hair loss last?
It takes about 6 months to see the beginning of hair growth. The return to "normal" hair, as it was before pregnancy, can take up to 12 months, or even 18 months for some women. This depends on other factors that affect hair health such as stress, fatigue and dietary deficiencies, which can last for several months after giving birth.
Is hair loss inevitable after pregnancy?
Rest assured, although hair loss after childbirth and breastfeeding is often unavoidable, it is only temporary and will return to normal within 12 to 18 months.
* Source: Grover and Khurana, 2013