Pregnant and hair falling out
Changes to hair during pregnancy
Changes to hair during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content3-minute read
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Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your hair, making it thicker or thinner. Find out more about these potential changes and whether you should be using hair treatments or colour (dye) while pregnant.
Hair can become thicker
Your hair has a natural life cycle. Each individual hair grows, then rests for 2 or 3 months before being pushed out by a new hair growing in that follicle (the tube-shaped sheath that surrounds the hair beneath the skin). In pregnancy, this cycle changes.
Many women experience their hair feeling thicker at around 15 weeks of pregnancy.
This is not because each hair strand itself becomes thicker, but because the hair stays longer in the growing phase of its cycle, which means that less hair falls out than usual. This is due to an increase in the hormone oestrogen.
Hair can become thinner
Some women experience more of their hair falling out during pregnancy. This is due to a decrease in oestrogen, which may happen as a result of the following:
- stopping the oral contraceptive pill
- experiencing an abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth
- a hormonal imbalance during pregnancy
It is also common for women to experience hair loss after pregnancy when their oestrogen returns to normal levels. This causes the additional hair from the growth phase to change to the resting phase, which then falls out more than usual, until around 3-4 months after your child is born.
This hair loss is usually nothing to worry about – your hair growth will return to normal by the time your baby is around 12 months old. If you feel your hair loss is excessive, or your hair growth has not returned to normal by 12 months, speak to your doctor.
Should I dye my hair during pregnancy?
Using hair colour, or ‘dye’, is not thought to cause harm to your developing baby because your hair doesn’t absorb enough harmful chemicals to affect you or your baby.
The amount of toxic chemicals in hair dye is not high.
However, as there is not a lot of research into the use of hair dye and pregnancy, you may prefer to delay colouring your hair until after the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy) is complete.
Other things you can do to minimise your exposure to hair-colour chemicals:
- wear gloves if you dye your hair yourself
- ensure you don’t leave the hair dye in for longer than necessary before rinsing
- colour your hair in a room that is well ventilated
- rinse your scalp well afterwards
- follow the directions on the packet of hair dye
- don’t mix different hair colour products
- do an allergy (patch) test before you dye your hair
Be cautious if using other chemical treatments on your hair. For example, some hair straightening treatments contain the chemical formaldehyde. While there’s no evidence that it can harm unborn babies, it is a known carcinogen and should probably be avoided.
If you’re unsure, speak to your doctor about whether your hair treatment is safe for use during pregnancy.
Where to seek more information
- Call Pregnancy Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak with a maternal child health nurse.
Sources:
Queensland Government Health (What to expect during pregnancy), Raising Children Network (15 weeks pregnant), SA Health (Formaldehyde), Australian Breastfeeding Association (Beauty treatments and breastfeeding), Raising Children Network (New mums: your body after birth), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Common questions in pregnancy)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2020
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Treatment, Causes, and What to Expect
Overview
You may have heard that hair becomes thick and lustrous during pregnancy. This may be true for some women, thanks to high levels of the hormone estrogen, which slows hair shedding.
Other moms-to-be, however, experience thinning hair or hair loss either during pregnancy or in the months immediately following birth.
While concerning, hair loss is normal and can be caused by things like hormones, stress on the body, or medical conditions that accompany pregnancy.
What causes hair loss during pregnancy?
Both men and women lose an average of around 50 to 100 hairs each day. During pregnancy, rising estrogen levels slow down the natural cycle of hair follicle shedding. As a result, some women may actually lose fewer hairs while pregnant. But that’s not always the case.
Hormonal shift
Some women may experience hair thinning and shedding due to stress or shock. This condition is called telogen effluvium, and it affects a small number of women during pregnancy.
The first trimester may stress the body as the balance of hormones shifts dramatically to support the growing baby. Stress may put more of the hairs on your head, 30 percent or more, into the telogen or “resting” phase of the hair life cycle. So, instead of losing the average 100 hairs a day, you may lose 300 hairs a day.
Hair loss due to hormonal shifts may not happen right away. Instead, it may take two to four months to notice thinning. This condition doesn’t generally last longer than six months and doesn’t result in permanent hair loss.
Health issues
Likewise, health issues may arise during pregnancy, leading to telogen effluvium. The shedding can be quite dramatic, especially if it’s related to an ongoing imbalance in hormones or essential vitamins.
Thyroid problems
Thyroid disorders, like hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone), may be difficult to spot during pregnancy.
Of the two conditions, hypothyroidism is more common, affecting some 2 or 3 out of 100 pregnant women. Hair loss is one symptom, along with muscle cramps, constipation, and exhaustion. Around 1 in 20 women may also experience thyroid issues (postpartum thyroiditis) after baby is born. In all cases, thyroid issues are typically diagnosed with a blood test.
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells to get oxygen to different tissues in the body. It can cause hair thinning along with other symptoms, like fatigue, irregular heartbeat, exertional shortness of breath, and headache.
Pregnant women are at a heightened risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, especially if their pregnancies are spaced close together, they’re pregnant with multiples, or they have severe morning sickness. This condition can also be diagnosed with a blood test.
While hair loss with these conditions isn’t permanent, your hair may not return to its normal thickness until hormone or vitamin levels have returned to normal ranges.
Postpartum hair loss
Many women see hair loss within a few months of delivery, generally peaking around four months postpartum. This is not true hair loss, but rather “excessive hair shedding” caused by a drop in the hormone estrogen.
Again, this type of hair loss is considered telogen effluvium. While it may be quite jarring to see 300 or more hairs shedding each day, it usually resolves on its own without treatment.
Other causes
It’s important to note that hair loss with telogen effluvium is typically uniform thinning. If you notice patches or more dramatic balding, there may be other issues at play. There are also genetic and autoimmune conditions that cause hair loss, whether you’re pregnant or not.
- Androgenic alopecia (female pattern baldness) is caused by a shortened growth phase of hair follicles and a lengthened time between shedding hair and new growth.
- Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. You may experience hair loss and regrowth that is unpredictable or cyclical. There is no cure for this type of hair loss, but certain treatments may help stop loss and regrow hair.
It’s possible to be pregnant and have one of these conditions at the same time.
Trauma
Your hair loss may have nothing to do with pregnancy or genetic conditions at all. If you’ve recently had your hair in tight hairstyles, had certain beauty treatments, or treated your hair roughly, you may have what’s called traction alopecia.
Inflammation of hair follicles can lead to hair shedding and loss. In some cases, your follicles may scar, leading to permanent hair loss.
Treatment for pregnancy-related hair loss
Hair loss during and after pregnancy may require no special treatment. It generally resolves on its own over time.
Doctors sometimes prescribe minoxidil (Rogaine) if hair growth doesn’t return to previous levels, but this drug is not considered safe for use during pregnancy.
In the case of conditions like hypothyroidism or iron deficiency anemia, working with your doctor to find medication or vitamin supplements that will return your levels to normal should help start the regrowth cycle with time.
The majority of treatments for other conditions, like androgenic alopecia, are also not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest to try low-level laser treatment (LLLT), which uses red light waves to stimulate hair growth, instead of medications.
What about after giving birth?
Some medications are safe while nursing and others are not. Rogaine, for example, is not considered safe if you’re breastfeeding. It’s something you might start once you’re done nursing.
Your best resource is your doctor to help you weigh the pros and cons of different treatment options.
Prevention of pregnancy-related hair loss
You may or may not be able to do anything to prevent hair loss or shedding during pregnancy. It all depends on the cause of your hair loss.
Try:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on getting enough protein, iron, and other important nutrients. You may also ask your doctor about the best prenatal vitamin for you, whether over-the-counter or by prescription.
- Asking your doctor if any medications or supplements you’re taking may contribute to hair loss.
- Skipping tight braids, buns, ponytails, and other hairstyles that may pull at your hair. While you’re at it, resist twisting, pulling, or rubbing your hair.
- Washing hair gently and use a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling hair too hard while detangling.
- Letting hair rest without harsh treatments like using hot rollers, curling irons, or hot oil and permanent treatments.
- Speaking with your doctor. Sometimes the root of your hair loss cannot be easily determined with a physical exam. While most cases of hair loss during pregnancy are temporary, there are other situations that may require treatment for either boosting vitamin levels or regulating hormone levels.
If you’ve already lost hair, consider trying volumizing shampoos and conditioners. Heavy formulas may weigh hair down. And when conditioning, focus on the ends of your hair instead of the scalp for more lift.
There are also certain haircut styles, like a short bob, that may help your hair look fuller while it grows back.
What to expect
Hair loss during pregnancy — while not especially common — is normal, especially when related to hormone changes or certain health conditions. Hair growth should resume with time or with treatment for the underlying cause.
Hair shedding after pregnancy peaks around four months postpartum. The good news is that you’re likely to regain your normal growth within six to nine months — by your little one’s first birthday.
If your hair loss continues or you notice other symptoms, consider contacting your doctor to see if there’s another possible cause for hair loss, like alopecia areata or androgenic alopecia.
Hair Loss During Pregnancy - Dr. Levent Acar
Hair loss during pregnancy. In most women during pregnancy, the 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 estrogen is that the hair grows fuller and looks more beautiful and healthy overall. 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 reverse 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 major cause for concern.
Hormones
The hormone progesterone produced by the 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 levels of estrogen . 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 pale skin, constant fatigue and, under certain circumstances, increased nervousness .
If iron deficiency is suspected, a physician should be consulted immediately. 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 remedies for hair loss during pregnancy, including vitamins for hair, are prescribed exclusively by your doctor , who accompanies your pregnancy. Taking any hair loss medication during pregnancy on your own can adversely affect your health and the health of your baby .
Never take drugs, pills, vitamins on the advice of the Internet or on the advice of your surroundings. 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 the 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 the clinic Cosmedica will be happy to answer any of your questions on this topic. Get a free, no-obligation consultation today.
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Pregnancy, postpartum hair loss and thinning problems.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period often becomes a test for the female body, with significant hormonal changes and increased levels of stress. First, the body prepares for childbirth, and then adapts to them. As a result, hair suffers - their growth, density and strength.
Hair follicles can respond to experienced stress by staying in the telogen phase - stage and hair follicle rest . If the hair stays in this phase for a longer period, the hair begins to fall out more abundantly, and therefore their thinning or loss is included in the list of pregnancy symptoms.
Fluctuations in hormone levels both during and after pregnancy can cause changes in the condition of the hair. The good news is that hair loss during and after pregnancy is usually temporary. Usually, after nine months of hormonal changes, the body returns to its previous state.
Watch our videos to learn more about pregnancy and hair loss and how to improve it.
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Hair loss during pregnancy
Although hair loss during pregnancy is less common than hair loss during the postpartum period, it is still considered a normal reaction of the body, and usually there should be no reason to sound the alarm. What happens is that the hormonal balance of the body is disturbed, and this, in turn, can awaken the hair follicles to a similar reaction.
Hair loss during early pregnancy or throughout the womb is caused by increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which in turn can cause hair to become brittle or hair loss et . Pregnancy can also cause other problems, such as iron deficiency, which also thins hair. It's important to make sure you're taking the right vitamins for healthy hair growth. Also, some women may experience additional hair loss problems a few months after giving birth due to an imbalance in thyroid hormones.
Hair loss after childbirth
The increase in hormone levels during pregnancy disrupts the hair growth cycle, so sometimes women's hair grows faster than usual. Hence the stereotype of the image of a pregnant woman, whose hair becomes thicker and shimmery.
However, the reduction in hair loss during pregnancy often results in “heavy rainfall” after the birth itself. Hair retained during pregnancy begins to fall out as their growth cycle begins to return to its normal pre-pregnancy pattern.
Hair loss after pregnancy may seem too profuse, but there is no reason to worry, because the process can stop as quickly as it began. For some women, hair may thin out over the course of several months until hair growth resumes. At this time, new hair growth begins - many new short hairs appear.
So p why same after childbirth start lunge hair?
Although the amount of hair loss can shake the emotional mood, it is a normal process of the body returning to its previous prenatal cycle.
- The peak of this process occurs 2-4 months after childbirth.
- It's important to stay positive and eat healthy to promote healthy hair growth.
- If you have any concerns about your hair, talk to your doctor.
Increased hair loss is known as "telogen effluvium" (excessive shedding), and this does not only apply to hair loss during pregnancy or after childbirth. Hair loss in women can be caused by a number of other reasons.
Hair protection during and after pregnancy
The scalp and hair may need extra care during and after pregnancy. Proper hair care in the postpartum period, especially in the case of postpartum hair loss, will help ensure the strength of the hair and its normal growth.
During pregnancy, hair can become oilier, it is worth devoting more time to cleansing the skin and washing your hair more often, so we advise you to switch to the use of more gentle care products. About Anti-Hair Loss Cleansing Shampoos by Nioxin is designed to do just that - to gently cleanse the scalp. Using Nioxin System Conditioner Kits with Leave-in Serum, hair will become more elastic, thicker and voluminous.
- Include mineral fortified foods high in iron and zinc in your diet - these nutrients are important for optimal hair growth and are essential for your baby's development.
Be sure to check with your midwife or family doctor about which foods and vitamin supplements you should take during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Protect hair and scalp from sunlight. During pregnancy, you can easily get burned, besides, your skin is more sensitive at this time.
- Choose a more gentle hair care routine: avoid heavy styling, remove extensions, limit coloring and chemical treatments (some products may not even be suitable for use during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy), and try blow-drying your hair on a lower setting. temperature.
- When washing your hair, gently detangle it from the ends to the roots to avoid breakage .
If your hair thinned during or after pregnancy, try styling it differently so it looks thicker and fuller. Learn more about using Nioxin products in our video:
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Trust the systems e to y hair care with NIOXIN , designed to strengthen hair and create maximum volume, as well as to support healthy hair growth.
