If you are experiencing hair loss after a pregnancy, you don’t have to worry. This is but normal. Many post partum women experience hair loss more than the average of 100 hairs a day. However, the significant hair loss will not cause baldness; this is just a reaction of the body after hormone levels go down after giving birth.

Estrogen, a hormone found in a woman’s body, decides and regulates when hair grows or sheds off. The hair has two growth cycles which are the growing phase or the longest phase and the resting phase. The resting phase is the period when hair sheds and produces new hair growths as well. Researchers believe that eyebrows and eyelashes have a growing phase of 1 to 6 months while scalp hair has a growing phase of 2 to 6 years.

During pregnancy when estrogen level is at its peak, the growing phase is prolonged thus resulting to a lively, healthy and beautiful hair with little hair loss. Moreover, evidence of less hair loss is noted since only few hairs are in the resting phase.  Estrogen at this stage of pregnancy stimulates the follicles giving you the best hair of your life. After birth, estrogen level dramatically drops and resting phase follows. Mothers will notice massive hair shedding as a result of much hair enters resting phase this time. It is at this time when you will find hairs in your hairbrush, towel, floor or shirt.

However, when resting phase ends, hair growth will be back to normal in about 6 to 12 months. There’s absolutely no reason to panic or to worry when excessive hair loss is unavoidable. Though, not all women experience hair loss during pregnancy or even after birth. For those who are unfortunate, get a new hair cut and maintain a healthy diet. A study revealed that deficiencies in vitamin B complex, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Biotin, Inositol, and Zinc lead to hair loss. Pregnant moms can prevent these deficiencies by eating fruits and vegetables which contain antioxidants for new hair growth and by taking prenatal vitamins or supplements. Lastly, don’t be stressed over hair loss. Remind yourself these are just temporary changes.

 As a mom, keep in mind that a good hygiene is essential throughout the trimesters. With high demands of a new baby in your life, find ways to trim your hair and be clean and healthy for you and your baby. 

Use simple ways to maintain healthy hair by avoiding curlers, hair treatments, dyes and using shampoo with conditioners containing silica. It is necessary to avoid hair treatments which involve application of chemicals until hair growth is back to normal. Use combs with big teeth and avoid hairdos that can damage hair follicles. Dryers are believed to be irritating to hair follicles and it should be avoided as well. You can minimize hair loss after giving birth by protecting and nourishing your hair while pregnant.

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