What would someone experiencing PP hair loss want to know.
Is hair loss after childbirth normal?
YES. It is called post-partum alopecia. It is a part of every pregnancy but there are a few variables of when and how severe it will be. Some women simply don’t notice it, for others it is dramatic and does not recover on its own.
How long will postpartum hair loss last?
3 months. Post-partum alopecia is a physical hair loss to do with the hair cycle. It should not last for more than 3 months. If shedding continues beyond 3 months there are other contributing factors that need to be investigated.
What causes postpartum hair loss?
Hormones and the hair cycle. Starting at the beginning of the last trimester of pregnancy, the hair cycle phases change. Growing (anagen phase) , resting (catagen phase), falling (telogen phase), are changed partly to do with pregnancy hormones. Telogen phase are our normal daily falling hairs, this ceases. The hairs remain in the anagen growing phase. The result is fuller, thicker hair in the last trimester. However, the hair cycle will return to normal with a double shed called telogen effluvium. This will happen 3 months after birth, 3 months after menstrual cycle returns or 3 months after ceasing breast feeding.
Are there ways to reduce or manage hair loss?
Prevention. If you want to prevent this from happening, you can start a hair cycle treatment at the beginning of the last trimester. I would also check general health levels such as iron, ferritin, B12, vitamin D, to make sure everything is sufficient for health and hair. Eating a well-balanced diet is helpful, but with pregnancy and hair loss it is the numbers game in the blood tests that really tell you what is going on.
When should I be concerned about postpartum hair loss?
Three months. If the hair loss does not stop after 3 months get some blood tests, something else is going on.
Will my hair grow back to its normal thickness?
YES. But only if health is in place. If the hair does not grow back to normal thickness, something is not right. Blood tests are always a good start but get them checked by a functional practitioner such as a Trichologist. Low iron is commonly misdiagnosed, we need iron study sufficiency for normal hair regrowth.
Are there specific shampoos or products that can help?
YES. A hair shampoo alone will not help here. It would need to be coupled with a hair cycle treatment of hair growth product. There are so many ‘products’ available these days, it is confusing. As a Trichologist, I suggest getting some individual advise on what is right for you, will save you loads of money and ongoing hair loss.
What can I do to protect my hair and prevent further damage? Should I avoid excessive heat or styling, using gentle hair accessories, or getting regular trims.
All of these are good advice. However, won’t make any difference to the post-partum hair loss. It will prevent any further damage to the hair, to give it the best chance or regrowing without more hair breakage, so that is a positive.
Is it safe to use hair dyes or other chemical treatments while experiencing postpartum hair loss?
Be careful. This is a tricky one. Unless you know how your hair cycle was before the post-partum, the hairdresser can’t tell is the remaining hair has normal structure. It is common for women to have some level of diffuse hair thinning before the postpartum, but no one ever checked. High lift tints, bleach/lighten agents, keratin coating and chemical hair straightening could be very damaging in this situation.
Are there dietary changes or supplements that can help with hair regrowth?
YES. You can take a general hair, skin, nails supplement to provide all the nutrients needed in excess, on top of a well-balanced diet. If the hair is not recovering you need to be more individual, blood test is always what I ask for first. The most common lows here are iron, ferritin, B12, vitamin D. But you can’t just take these things unless you know your levels. Too high can be just a damaging to hair regrowth, test, don’t guess.
Can stress affect postpartum hair loss?
Absolutely. Stress and lack of sleep just put more pressure on the body. The best thing to do is prepare in the last trimester, get the blood tests and have them reviewed by someone who understands hair. If you find yourself in the stress and postpartum, go and get the blood tests now. It is too common for new mums to be deficient and running on empty, this will contribute to the stress and hair loss. If we could make sure all new mums were nutritionally replete before birth or even after giving birth, we could prevent a lot of the stress and reduce the hair loss too.
How to get post-partum alopecia and post-partum hair loss help.
Contact Trichologist Brisbane at Absolique Hair Health Clinic. If you are interested in preventing post-partum hair loss or are experiencing post-partum hair loss or if your post-partum hair loss has not stopped or has not grown back to your usual hair.
We offer first 15 minutes free by phone in AU to discuss your concerns, book here. You can also email Trichologist Brisbane Carolyn at ua.mo1787326981c.euq1787326981ilosb1787326981a@ofn1787326981i1787326981