What Causes Hair Loss in Pregnant Women
Pregnancy changes a woman’s entire body from head to toe. One common side effect of the rise in hormones for pregnant women is dealing with hair loss. In fact, 40-50% of women lose their hair during and after pregnancy.
Why does this happen? And, more importantly, is there anything a pregnant woman can do to make her hair grow fast?
What Causes Hair Loss in Pregnant Women
Pregnancy changes a woman’s entire body from head to toe. One common side effect of the rise in hormones for pregnant women is dealing with hair loss. In fact, 40-50% of women lose their hair during and after pregnancy.
Why does this happen? And, more importantly, is there anything a pregnant woman can do to make her hair grow fast?
Normal Hair Growth Cycle
Some hair loss is actually a normal part of your hair’s growth cycle. Typically, about 90% of your hair is growing at any time. The remaining hair is resting. Every two to three months the resting hair falls out. Then new hair begins to grow in its place. And the cycle continues.
How Hormones Affect Hair During Pregnancy
However, like many aspects of a woman’s body during pregnancy, hormones adjust the normal cycle. During pregnancy, a greater amount of hair goes into the resting phase. The increased hormones keep hair in place, rather than allowing it to fall out. Additionally, higher levels of estrogen often lead to full and lustrous hair.
A pregnant woman does not usually experience an unusual amount of hair loss during the nine months of pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have substantial hair loss, it may be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, such as low iron or an overactive thyroid. Please speak to your doctor.
Hair Loss After Pregnancy
As your hormones adjust after delivering your sweet bundle of joy, your additional resting hair begins to fall out. This typically occurs one to five months after delivery, with a peak around three to four months post-partum.
For most women this hair loss is gradual. But, for others, the loss may be sudden. This is known as telogen effluvium. Losing such large amounts of hair post-partum is understandably alarming.
Keep in mind, this hair loss is temporary. Your body’s hair growth cycle is adjusting and should return to normal within six to twelve months.
Natural Ways to Strengthen Hair During Pregnancy
Even though pregnancy-related hair loss is temporary, you can make your hair grow fast with proven methods.
Nourish your body and stimulate stronger hair by doing the following:
- Eat a healthy nutrient-dense diet centered around a variety of fruits, vegetables, and protein
- Make sure you’re getting enough B12
- Stay hydrated with water
- Massage your scalp
- Increase blood circulation with exercise
- Brush gently with a wide-tooth comb (or try our Luxeglide detangling brush)
- Take a break from styling your hair with heat
Next Steps to Hair Growth During Pregnancy
If you’re already taking care of your body through nutrition, hydration, and exercise, now is the time to take a closer look at the products you use to care for your hair. Turn those bottles around. Are there parabens? Alcohols? Sulfates? Mineral oils? Consider something healthier.
With only wholesome natural ingredients that are paraben free, alcohol free, sulfate free, and free of mineral oils, use Pro Beauty Girl’s hair care system with confidence. You deserve gorgeous healthy hair before, during, and after pregnancy.
