Pregnancy dry hair
How will my hair change in pregnancy?
Why does pregnancy hair change?
Despite your hair feeling thicker, fuller and maybe a different texture, you’re not actually growing more hair. What’s happening is that you’re just not losing as much hair as usual, due to the surge of in your oestrogen and progesterone levels affecting your hair-growth cycle.
Before you got pregnant, your hair was on a natural 3-month cycle of growing, resting and then gradually shedding. At any one time, around 85% to 95% of your hairs were growing, and 5% to 15% were in the ‘resting’ stage – which gradually leads to shedding, usually when you brush or wash your hair.
However, now that you're pregnant, your hormones are causing the resting phase of that hair-growth cycle to expand, meaning you're not shedding nearly as much hair as normal – and that makes it look like you’ve got a fuller head of hair.
More like this
When will I see these changes in my hair?
"In my experience, probably not till your 2nd trimester," says midwife Mary Steen. "In your 1st trimester, when you're generally not feeling too good, with morning sickness, for example, bad hair days are more common.
"But when you start to feeling better in your 2nd trimester – the 'blossoming' phase – your hair improves.
"Of course, the nature of all the changes are mostly dependent on your hormones, your hair type before pregnancy and how you treat it."
If your hair gets thicker...
Most of us dream about having fuller, thicker hair, and pregnancy sounds like a thick-hair fantasy come true. As MFMer SamSam says, "When my hair became thicker and more volumised, I loved it."
But, lovely as thick hair is, some folks do find it trickier to deal with that they thought. "Mine was lovely and thick and easy to style," says MFMer xLaurax. "but to required a lot of caring for– and I used a lot of shampoo!”
Clever ways to make the most of your thicker pregnancy hairIf your hair is long, unleash your inner style goddess and blow-dry with an eye to the ‘oomph’ factor. Apply some mousse for extra effect. And, now that your hair is fuller, you can start experimenting with with different styles that just wouldn't have worked with your pre-pregnancy hair.
If you find that your hair is too full, try tying it into a glam chignon or a swishy pony tail.
Another great way to decrease fullness is to ask your hairdresser to thin your hair with graduated layers. "This thins thicker hair throughout your whole head, balancing out the thickness and making it easier to style," says hairdresser Amanda Stone from The Outback Hair Salon.
If your hair gets greasier…
Some mums-to-be find the moisture levels in their hair change rapidly, leaving it oily, greasy and hard to manage.
Fluctuations in your levels of androgen (a sex hormone) can enlarge your skin’s sebaceous glands (tiny glands that sit under your skin), causing an increase of an oily substance known as sebum.
This can cause your hair, as well as your skin, to become greasier than usual, as MFM user OldWomanInAShoe knows only too well: "During my last pregnancy, my hair got really greasy right at the end. I tried so many shampoos, as none of my usual ones were any good."
Clever ways to deal with greasy pregnancy hairIt seems a bit illogical but greasy hair can become even greasier of you wash it too often – because washing increases the flow of sebum.
However, there are a few other things your can try. Look for a shampoo that says it 'emulsifies' the oils, and try 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners, rather than a separate conditioner. (A separate conditioner will generally give greasy hair more moisture than it needs.) And, once a month, use a clarifying shampoo that's specially designed to remove any build-up of grease and hair product.
You could also try rinsing your hair in vinegar (diluted to a mixture of 1 tbsp vinegar per 236ml water) or 'brushing' the roots of your hair with half of a freshly cut lemon and leaving it for 5 minutes before showering off.
Failing that, head to your hairdresser and have lots of layers cut into your usual style to give your flat, oily hair some much-needed bounce.
If your hair gets drier...
It's not uncommon to find your hair in pregnancy has become dry, coarse and straw-like. This could be down to the fact that your changing body just isn't stimulating your skin's sebaceous glands to produce as much of an oily substance called sebum as they used to. Or it could simply be down to the hair products you use no longer being quite right for your changing pregnancy hair.
Dry hair can be annoying prone to breakages and hard to moisturise effectively, as MFMer KB found: "My hair was the driest it had ever been. It felt brittle, limp and desperate for some moisture. But every time I tried another conditioner, it felt like it just stuck to my hair instead of absorbing it."
Clever ways to deal with dry pregnancy hairTreat yourself to some leave-in conditioning creams and lotions, which will allow your hair more time to properly absorb the moisture.
Ease off on the shampoo, as this removes natural oils from your hair. When you do shampoo, take your time to massage the shampoo into your scalp, as it’ll help stimulate your oil glands.
Steer clear of heating hair products, such as straightening irons or curlers, as these tend to break already brittle hair.
It's also worth treating your hair to a replenishing hot-oil treatment. Either in a hair salon or at home, these treatments can provide a quick fix to dehydrated hair. Choose hot-oil treatments with natural ingredients and, preferably, UV filters.
If you hair goes straight – or curly...
Yep, this is a weird pregnancy change alright. The increased levels of hormones in your pregnant body can cause your hair texture to completely change. If you have poker-straight hair, you might get slight kinks or even full-on curls. If you have curly hair, you might find it will straighten out.
"I have had corkscrew curls since I was a little girl," says MFMer SallyD, "but, as soon as I entered my 2nd trimester, my beloved curls became limp and people even asked me if I was using hair straighteners. Although my curls returned post-baby, they did lose their bounce a bit."
Clever ways to deal with curly hair gone straight or straight hair gone curlyThe only way to deal with this one is to embrace the change: after you've got over the surprise, you might even enjoy having naturally different hair, and it's only for 9 months after all!
If your normally straight hair becomes curly during pregnancy, dabble in different styles. Enhance your new bounce by putting in some (non-heated) hair rollers to really make the most of those curls.
If you’ve found your hair is a lot straighter than before, do a little dance to celebrate the fact that you no longer need all those products that maintain curly hair at its best. Use this opportunity to ditch the hair products and go au naturel!
If you want to add some volume to straight hair, you can have choppy layers cut into it, especially around your face area. "By adding a multitude of finely chopped layers around your face, and underneath the heavy layers of hair, you’ll instantly add volume and life into your hairstyle," says hairdresser Amanda Stone.
If your hair goes frizzy...
Due to the fact that your internal temperature cranks up a level during pregnancy, your hair follicles and cuticles can stay open, welcoming frizz and an imbalance of moisture.
Also, because of the extra volume of hair your head may be carrying, the mixture of old hair (that hasn’t fallen out as soon as it usually would) and new hair growth can cause the two different textures to collide, causing the frizz.
Clever ways to deal with frizzy pregnancy hairThere are lots of anti-frizz products on the market, so look around and try different ones until you find the best one for you.
Avoid cutting your hair shorter, as the frizz will go outwards without the weight of the extra length.
Try tying it back in a chic ponytail or fully embrace it by adding more curls, using anti-frizz styling products to keep the curls intact.
If your hair changes colour...
As well as the texture, volume and length, some pregnant women find that the colour of their hair changes. "One strange thing that happened to my during my pregnancy was that my hair's got a lot darker," says MFM user Daisynova. "My hair was a mousey-brown colour and now it’s dark brown,” .
Can you dye your hair in pregnancy?Most experts agree that it's safe to colour or bleach your hair in pregnancy - as long as you follow the instructions to the letter, and do a strand test before you start.
If you can afford it, it's worth getting your hair dyed professionally while you're pregnant, as your changing hair may take the dye differently to normal. Your hairdresser will probably recommend a vegetable dye and maybe lowlights rather than highlights.
Read more:
- Is it safe to dye my hair in pregnancy?
- Are hair removal creams safe when pregnant?
- 9 pregnancy skin changes
5 Changes You Can Expect
After learning we are pregnant, many of us feel excited about the changes in store. We can’t wait to grow a cute little baby bump. And we’ve all heard of the pregnancy glow.
It’s easy to develop an unrealistic image that being pregnant will make us look flawless. However, you’re more likely to deal with pregnancy acne, varicose veins, and swelling in every limb.
These pregnancy changes even extend to our hair. While some of these changes are positive, others are not so fun to deal with.
We’ve talked with the experts about hair changes during pregnancy to learn why this happens and what we can expect. We’ll share our findings here. We’ll also discuss whether it’s safe to use hair treatments during pregnancy.
Table of Contents
- Hair Changes During Pregnancy
- Hair Treatments During Pregnancy
- Let Your Hair Down
Hair Changes During Pregnancy
Many things happen to a woman’s hair during pregnancy. You may be excited about these changes, or you may find them frustrating.
1. Volume!
A few weeks into your pregnancy, you may notice fewer hair strands left in your brush. Fast forward a month or so, and you’re suddenly sporting longer, thicker hair.
Pregnancy doesn’t magically cause your hair strands to thicken, but it can prevent you from losing as much hair.
When we are not pregnant, about 85% to 95% of our hair is growing. The other 5% to 15% is in a resting phase, getting ready to shed.
As you brush or wash your hair, the strands finally loosen their grip and fall out. On average, women shed approximately 100 hairs every day. Then new strands begin to grow, replacing what is lost.
As we produce extra hormones during pregnancy, this shedding cycle is interrupted. Higher estrogen levels prolong the hair growth phase and delay the shedding, resulting in thicker hair (1).
It’s also not uncommon for these extra hormones to cause shinier, straighter, or curlier hair.
The Downside
Not all women will experience dramatic hair changes, and they tend to be more evident in women with longer hair than those with short styles.
2. Hair Loss
Hair loss is not a common side effect of pregnancy, as the overproduction of hormones tends to work in the opposite way, making hair more voluminous.
However, some women may experience hair loss during pregnancy. This is usually an indicator of vitamin or mineral deficiency rather than a pregnancy side effect. This generally reverses once you regain the appropriate level of nutrients.
When people talk about hair loss and pregnancy, they’re typically referring to the excessive shedding that occurs afterward. Once you’ve given birth, hormone levels return to normal. This triggers postpartum hair loss, which occurs as the follicles rejuvenate.
So make sure you enjoy your luscious locks while they last. The shedding phase typically occurs during the first months postpartum and peaks around the fourth month.
It can be overwhelming to notice increased hair loss, but it is totally normal. Your hair may become quite thin during this time, but don’t worry; it will grow back eventually.
3. Dry Scalp
A dry, itchy scalp is one of the annoying side effects of pregnancy. This symptom generally takes you by surprise during the third trimester. However, some women may suffer from this itching for the whole nine months.
These are some of the factors that can lead to a dry scalp during pregnancy:
Poor Diet
During pregnancy, some of us get all kinds of crazy cravings, while others might struggle to keep even toast down. This can all contribute to a poor diet, where you’re not receiving a sufficient amount of nutrients.
You can easily treat this by talking with your doctor or midwife. They may recommend a change of diet or prescribe some supplements.
Excessive Stress and Anxiety
Studies have revealed that our skin is vulnerable to stress. When we experience excessive pressure, it induces inflammation and immune responses in our skin — including the skin on our scalp (2).
While we’re pregnant, it’s common for us to experience increased stress. This could be worrying about labor, other symptoms, or maybe even personal matters.
Dehydration
Dehydration is common during pregnancy. Your body needs fluids now more than ever. As well as drinking more water, you should try to avoid caffeine (sob!).
Depriving your body of fluids will show in your skin — including your scalp. Dehydration can also lead to constipation, making a dry scalp worse.
If you’re constantly feeling like you are overheating, this could be an indicator of dehydration. Preventing dry skin is a lot easier than treating it.
How to Treat a Dry Scalp
You can use a prescription or over-the-counter shampoo to relieve dry scalp. Look for those containing selenium or zinc pyrithione. Apply like a regular shampoo, and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing it off.
If your dry scalp is due to dehydration, make sure you up your fluid intake. You should also apply mild, moisturizing products to the area.
However, if you feel excessive itchiness, consult your doctor. They may recommend a different topical cream or order some tests to eliminate other causes.
You can also prevent dry skin by improving your diet. Make sure you include foods containing the required nutrients. These are some good options:
- Fresh fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Fish.
- Nuts and seeds.
Avoid eating foods containing saturated fats and butter, and try to reduce your intake of fried food.
Dry scalp or not, you need to drink plenty of water. You should ideally drink about 10 cups of water a day during pregnancy. Staying hydrated will not only improve your skin but also help liver and bowel functions.
4. Dandruff
Dandruff is a skin condition affecting the scalp. It causes flaking and itchiness, usually due to a faster shedding process triggered by a specific event.
If you are experiencing dandruff during your pregnancy, you are not alone. This is yet another common pregnancy side effect. Let’s explore three common causes.
Increased Oil Production
Pregnancy will increase our body’s oil production. When this affects the scalp, it results in much more efficient production of newer cells.
As the newer cells develop, the old must discharge. This also occurs at a much higher speed than before, which is why you’ll notice more flakes on your scalp.
Product Sensitivity
Sometimes we can’t blame our hard-working bodies. It’s time to point the finger at those hair products.
Pregnancy can cause us to be ultra-sensitive to chemicals and additives. As we apply products such as shampoos or oils, our skin responds by producing more cells to protect the area.
Products you used without issues before pregnancy may now cause dandruff.
Overreactions
Pregnant bodies tend to get overprotective. During gestation, our body suddenly sees various microorganisms (even good bacteria) as dangerous bacteria or germs. This is an amazing feature that protects your baby against biological harm.
However, it can be inconvenient. To fight these bacteria, your scalp begins to shed the outer skin cells, resulting in dandruff. It might also itch or feel irritated.
Treating Dandruff During Pregnancy
Dandruff during pregnancy is treatable. However, you should choose a special pregnancy-safe shampoo, such as those containing the following ingredients:
- Ketoconazole: An antifungal agent.
- Pyrithione zinc: Has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Selenium sulfide: Slows the aging of cells that prolongs shedding.
- Tar-based: Also prolongs the process and may help treat other conditions.
You can also try any of the following natural remedies:
- Apple cider vinegar: Holds anti-inflammatory properties that clean the scalp of dandruff-causing fungus. Apply overnight and rinse in the morning.
- Aloe vera: Helps remove yeast and fungus with its natural antifungal traits. Apply pure aloe directly onto the scalp and massage it in.
- Garlic and argan oil: Helps improve blood flow while removing impurities. Finely chop the garlic, mix with argan oil, and rub it on the scalp.
- Coconut oil: Holds antifungal agents, among other nutrients known to fight dandruff. Warm the oil and apply it to the scalp. Remove it after an hour.
- Sea salt: Add a couple of tablespoons to an oil-infused shampoo to exfoliate your scalp. Apply a moisturizer after.
There are also a few ways you can prevent dandruff from occurring:
- Manage stress: Try different methods of managing your stress, such as yoga, warm baths, or — my favorite — binge-watching Netflix.
- Proper diet: Foods rich in vitamin B and zinc can help regenerate the skin, boost immunity, and optimize metabolism.
- Proper hair care: Keep your scalp clean using an anti-dandruff shampoo to help prevent it from becoming an issue.
5. Oily Hair
While some women may enjoy a thicker head of hair, others must endure nine months of greasy locks.
This common symptom is another result of the surging hormones. Hormone production goes into overdrive to compensate for the changes occurring.
For some women, this means increased sebum production in the hair follicles, leading to greasy hair.
The intensity all depends on your genetic makeup. For some women, it may also affect their facial area — causing greasy skin and acne breakouts.
However, these same oil glands can also slow down during pregnancy, causing frizzy hair or dandruff.
Fortunately, there are ways you can help reduce the amount of oil in your hair.
Skip the Conditioner
While experts usually recommend we condition our hair after shampooing, during an outbreak of pregnancy-induced oily hair, it’s better not to. I’ve had great results by avoiding conditioner while showering and using only a tiny amount of leave-in conditioner to help me brush through my hair afterward.
The grease build-up is a naturally-occurring moisturizer, so you’re overdosing on the stuff by using conditioner. This worsens your hair’s appearance by making it even more greasy.
Shampoo Less Frequently
This may sound ridiculous, but shampooing your hair excessively can backfire.
Your shampoo cleans your hair of dirt, residue, oil, and grease. The oil glands on your scalp will compensate to prevent dehydration. They begin to produce even more oil, further increasing the grease on your scalp.
The best thing to do is to use a mild shampoo and wash your hair no more than two or three times a week.
Improving your diet and reducing stress will also help regulate your oily hair.
Hair Treatments During Pregnancy
It’s only natural for us to want to look our best, and this is just as true during pregnancy. It gives us more confidence, makes us feel sexy, and brings out our best from within. But now that you’re pregnant, there are some precautions to consider.
Below are a few hair treatments you should think twice about when you’re expecting.
1. Coloring Hair
I always thought this was a big no-no. Yet doctors say it’s safe to dye your hair while pregnant. Most research into the chemicals found in semi-permanent and permanent dyes reveals they are not highly toxic.
These chemicals are not injected into the bloodstream. They are only applied to the hair strands and scalp. Your skin may absorb some of the substances; however, it’s just a minimal amount, if any.
This tiny amount has little to no chance of reaching your unborn baby.
The most important consideration is to dye your hair in a well-ventilated area. You want to avoid breathing in fumes as much as possible.
Safety First
Some moms prefer to wait until the second trimester before applying any chemicals to their hair (3). However, this may be difficult if you’re used to dying it regularly. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
You could also use natural plant-based dyes, such as henna, as these do not contain chemicals. However, make sure you are not allergic first.
If you choose to try your hand at henna, ensure you get a pure product with no additives. These do limit your color choices to brown and red. But you can add natural colors such as indigo to darken it or give it a blue hue.
If you want to lighten your color, spray some fresh lemon juice on your hair and let it dry in the sun. Lemon juice works as a mild bleach that you then enhance with the sun. Just ensure you apply sunscreen to your skin and don’t stay out too long.
You could also opt for a little touch-up instead and go with a few highlights. This will decrease the amount of dye placed on your scalp, thus minimizing your exposure.
2.
PermsA perm, or permanent, is where you use chemicals or heat to create a curly look that lasts a month or more. This fun retro hairstyle is making a comeback.
Salons use quite a few chemicals to make straight hair curly. It’s a process that includes breaking and reforming the hair’s structure.
Fortunately, for all you regular perm mammas, getting a perm while pregnant is safe (4).
Like with hair dyes, there still needs to be more research on the subject, but the body absorbs little of the chemicals used.
However, you may be disappointed with the perm’s results. Your hair texture can change dramatically during pregnancy. This can interfere with the outcome of the treatment, and it may fall flat — as mine did.
For Cosmetologists
Although studies have been minimal, one revealed that female cosmetologists need to be careful during pregnancy. Those who work 40 hours a week and are often exposed to bleaches and hair dyes may have an increased risk of miscarriage (5).
However, you can prevent this miscarriage risk with proper working conditions and precautions. Wear gloves when dealing with hair treatments, and keep the room well ventilated to minimize fume exposure.
3. Straightening Treatments
Some women may wish to reduce frizzy hair during pregnancy. And others may simply prefer a straight look as opposed to curly.
We commonly resort to chemical treatments to straighten our hair, such as relaxers, keratin straightening, or Brazilian blowouts.
But are these treatments safe? Let’s look at them individually.
Relaxer
A relaxer is when you apply chemical creams or lotions to your hair. These will “relax” any curl or frizz, making it easier to manage.
Much like hair dye, the chemicals used in a relaxer aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream. Experts consider relaxers safe to use in moderation, but always err on the side of caution. There is still no evidence of side effects to the fetus.
Keratin Straightening Treatment and Brazilian Blowout
If you’re planning to get a Brazilian blowout or keratin straightening treatment done while pregnant, you should reschedule. Of all the treatments on our list, this is the one to avoid (6).
These treatments take a lot of time, meaning you’re exposed to the chemical fumes for longer. Besides that, our skin tends to absorb these readily. Some studies have even shown that long-term exposure to keratin treatments can cause cancer.
A 2013 study found a link between hair straightening cosmetics use during pregnancy and the development of childhood cancers like leukemia in children under 2 years old (7).
Editor's Note:
Caitlin Goodwin, MSN, RN, CNM
It’s best to avoid this treatment and keep your natural curls until after delivery.
Let Your Hair Down
Pregnancy alters a lot about a woman’s body — our belly grows, our ankles swell, and sometimes our hair takes on a new look.
Depending on your genetic makeup, pregnancy might make your locks appear voluminous, luscious, and healthy. For others, dry scalp, dandruff, frizz, or oily hair may be more realistic.
We love to switch up our look; luckily, most treatments are deemed safe to carry out while pregnant. However, it’s always best to do it in moderation, if at all.
Feedback: Was This Article Helpful?
Thank You For Your Feedback!
Thank You For Your Feedback!
What Did You Like?
What Went Wrong?
Hair during pregnancy | Kukuzya.ru
Hair growth during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the level of the female hormone estrogen increases, which lengthens the life cycle of the hair. A pregnant woman may notice that her hair has become shiny, strong, thicker. With the increase in the duration of pregnancy, you can notice that less and less hair remains on the comb, and more and more on the head. Most pregnant women like these changes.
But after childbirth, the density of hair decreases again. The most intense hair loss can be in the second or fourth month after childbirth, when the hormonal background begins to level off, and the hair returns to its original density. Therefore, many women associate the end of pregnancy with the onset of hair loss. Hair loss after childbirth is not a pathology, but a normal process. At this time, those hairs fall out that should have fallen out if there was no pregnancy.
Mothers who breastfeed for up to a year do not have as much hair loss as women who wean early.
Hair loss usually ends three to six months after childbirth. If the body lacks calcium, protein, vitamins, then hair loss can last. In any case, mothers should not forget about themselves: make strengthening hair masks with burdock oil, use a special nourishing shampoo, and monitor the condition of the scalp.
Is it possible to have a haircut while pregnant?
One of the most common misconceptions is that you shouldn't cut your hair during pregnancy. This allegedly shortens the life of the baby or slows down its growth and development. It can be said with all responsibility that this is nothing more than a myth and a common misconception: it is not only possible, but also necessary to get a haircut, firstly, in order to maintain the usual neat appearance, and secondly, in order to remove split ends and hair grew better. If the expectant mother cuts her hair during pregnancy, it will not cause any harm to the baby, and even more so, it will not take away his life or beauty.
Can I dye my hair during pregnancy?
Current research suggests that hair dyes appear to be safe for pregnant women. However, the unusual properties of pregnant women's hair can make the coloring process unpredictable, and the harsh chemicals used in perms damage pregnant women's hair more easily. This mainly applies to staining in dark colors. When bleaching during pregnancy, it is important not to overexpose the bleach on the head, as the heat reaction on the head can raise blood pressure.
Hair coloring may cause an allergic reaction.
Even if you have regularly dyed your hair, and at the same time you have not had an allergy, then during pregnancy such a nuisance is quite possible.
It is advisable to stop coloring hair in the first trimester of pregnancy, when all organs and tissues of the fetus are being formed and intensively developed.
If you want to change your hair color during pregnancy, then use less permanent dyes and apply them only to the hair shaft to prevent harmful substances from the dye from entering the bloodstream through the scalp.
In some cases, it may not be possible to color your hair during pregnancy. If a woman is experiencing active toxicosis and chemical odors become simply unbearable, then staining will have to be abandoned. If you don't have a strong reaction to the smell of the paint, it's still a good idea to paint in a well-ventilated area - go to the best, well-ventilated salon, as you'll be exposed to the paint for some time.
If you are afraid to dye your hair during pregnancy, you can use tinting products to easily change the color of your hair, as well as folk tinting products and natural dyes based on basma or henna. You can also use coffee or lemon juice to give your hair a bright and attractive color.
A pregnant woman can highlight or color with ammonia-free dye to avoid possible risks of allergic reactions and damage to the hair structure itself. With this hair coloring technique, only individual strands are dyed and do not affect the scalp.
The basics of hair care during pregnancy.
Choose a hairstyle that suits your hair and your face. For example, if your hair is thicker and your face is fuller, then you should go for a face-framing hairstyle. On the other hand, if your long hair has become dry and brittle, a shorter hairstyle may look better and is easier to maintain. A simple hairstyle can hide the shine of oily hair, and multi-layer - to hide the dryness of the hair.
Experiment with different shampoos. Dry hair should be washed less frequently, using a mild shampoo that does not remove natural oils from the scalp. Also, use a moisturizing conditioner. If your hair is too oily, wash it more often.
Dry your hair with a towel instead of blow-drying. And if you're using a hair dryer to style your hair instead of drying it, then you should use special styling mousses that protect your hair, reducing drying time by about 30%. While standing in the shower, gently massage the scalp with your fingertips - this stimulates blood circulation.
Do not forget that the condition of the hair depends on the general condition of the body - in particular, on the woman's nutrition and the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Those foods that contain B vitamins will also help improve the condition of the hair: these are cereals, fish, seafood.
Hair loss during pregnancy - Dr. Levent Acar
Hair loss during pregnancy. For most women during pregnancy, hair becomes more thick and shiny . However, the opposite may also be the case. Severe hair loss during pregnancy is also quite common and is usually nothing to worry about .
Pregnancy entails great changes in a woman's body. Highlighted more than hormones , especially estrogen, the "female hormone".
The usual result of increasing the amount of estrogen is that the hair grows fuller and looks more beautiful and healthy in general. This is because fewer hair follicles than usual enter the telogen phase, or resting phase.
Hair loss after pregnancy
After the birth of a child in a young mother the level of estrogen in the body returns to normal , and many extra hairs fall out at the same time. Many women experience hair loss after childbirth, known as postpartum hair loss.
However, the opposite can also happen to hair during pregnancy. Some women experience hair loss. Too many hair follicles go into the resting phase at the same time - this condition is known as telogen effluvium.
Hormones are not always to blame. There may be other factors that lead to hair loss.
Causes of hair loss during pregnancy
Severe hair loss during pregnancy is rare, but in itself is not a serious cause for concern.
Hormones
Hormone progesterone produced by luteal body is believed to be a factor in increased hair loss. This hormone works alongside estrogen to regulate pregnancy.
This interaction can affect hair growth and quality both positively and negatively. For example, dry hair can become even drier and break more easily .
In addition, under the influence of hormones, hair synchronizes the phases of its growth. Thus, too many hairs enter the resting phase together and therefore fall out at the same time.
Birth control pills
The second factor that can lead to hair loss during early pregnancy is stopping the birth control pill. Women who stop taking birth control pills and then get pregnant relatively quickly often experience hair loss.
One of the reasons for this is that tablets artificially maintain high estrogen levels . If pregnancy occurs, then the level of estrogen in the blood is usually not as high as it was when the pills were still taken.
Therefore, hair can fall out, because, as we have already said, this hormone has a positive effect on the growth cycle.
Iron deficiency
Another cause of hair loss during pregnancy can be iron deficiency . During pregnancy, the body needs 60 percent more iron than because the growing baby consumes so much of it. But if these vitamins and minerals are not enough, then the body stops all the functions that need iron, but are not necessary for survival.
This includes hair growth. Other symptoms that may indicate a deficiency of iron in the blood are pallor of the skin, constant fatigue and, under certain circumstances, increased nervousness .
If iron deficiency is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. Most often, women experience iron deficiency in the second trimester of pregnancy .
Stress
Another thing that can cause hair loss during pregnancy is stress . Many expectant mothers put themselves under stress during pregnancy, especially if this is their first child.
This may affect hair growth. Prolonged stress can cause diffuse hair loss even in the absence of pregnancy.
Hair care during pregnancy
Finally, daily hair care also affects hair growth. Usually, pregnant women don't need to change their daily hair care routine much, such as which shampoos and conditioners they use.
However, this does not apply to hair coloring. To this day, this topic is hotly debated. Even today, there is no scientific evidence that coloring hair during pregnancy has a harmful effect on the fetus. However, in general, doctors do not advise doing this.
However, if you do not want to give it up, then at least use natural hair dyes in early pregnancy.
Vitamins for hair loss during pregnancy.
Any remedy for hair loss during pregnancy, including vitamins for hair, is prescribed exclusively by your doctor , who accompanies your pregnancy. Taking any pregnancy hair loss medication on your own can adversely affect your health and that of your baby .
Never take drugs, pills, vitamins on the advice of the Internet or on the advice of your environment. It is always better to consult a doctor.
What to do if the hair that has fallen out does not grow back?
As a rule, after pregnancy, hair growth returns to normal, and hair that has fallen out grows back .
However, if this does not happen, it may be because increased hair loss has revealed an already existing type of hair loss, such as female pattern baldness or alopecia (alopecia areata) . It may also have made other underlying hair health issues more apparent. In this case, Hair Transplant in Turkey can be a solution to the problem and restore the former volume of hair. However, no reputable doctor will do a hair transplant without first studying the causes of hair loss.
Dr. Levent Acar and his team at clinic Cosmedica will be happy to answer any of your questions on this topic.